The need to design and build more homes for the disabled

The global construction industry and urban planners are increasingly recognising the necessity of designing and building homes that cater for individuals with disabilities. This move is driven by a growing awareness for better inclusivity, an aging population and the moral and legal imperatives to provide equitable living conditions for all. However, the extent to which people with disabilities are considered in housing developments varies significantly across different countries, writes John Ridgeway.

Accessible housing remains a critical issue globally. Despite advancements in technology and design, many individuals with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in finding suitable housing. These challenges are often exacerbated by systemic issues such as inadequate policies, lack of enforcement of existing regulations and societal attitudes towards disability.

A report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlights that people with disabilities often encounter higher housing costs, limited availability of accessible homes and discrimination in the housing market. These factors contribute to a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion among this population. The report also emphasises the need for comprehensive policy measures to address these disparities and promote inclusive housing solutions.

In London, a study by Inclusion London revealed that only 3% of new housing approved in the previous year was accessible for older or disabled individuals, with a mere 0.8% suitable for wheelchair users. This falls significantly short of the targets set by Mayor Sadiq Khan, underscoring issues such as poor monitoring, insufficient resources and developers cutting corners. Consequently, over 55,000 people in England are awaiting disabled-access to social housing.

Sweden, however, has been proactive in implementing barrier-free construction requirements since 1980. This mandate applies to all new residential buildings, resulting in over 15% of the country's housing stock being accessible today. This approach demonstrates the effectiveness of stringent regulations and their enforcement in promoting accessible housing.

Another good example of inclusive housing is in San Francisco, a city that has made great strides in this area with the development of the Kelsey Civic Center. This 112-unit building reserves 25% of its units for residents with disabilities requiring support services. Despite receiving over 7,000 applications for these units, including 1,000 from individuals seeking the 28 units designated for disabled residents, the demand far exceeds supply. This highlights the pressing need for more such developments across the country.

Canada faces challenges in providing accessible housing, with many individuals encountering difficulties in finding suitable accommodations. Efforts are underway to develop low-cost flood insurance initiatives tailored for high-risk areas, aiming to provide affordable coverage to residents in flood-prone regions, which indirectly benefits individuals with disabilities by ensuring safer living conditions.

In Queensland, Australia, nearly 100 Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes are under construction across six developments in areas like Kings Beach and Southport. These homes are designed to meet the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) requirements, offering high physical support assets in desirable locations. This initiative addresses the rising demand for SDA homes in growing areas, with completion expected by mid-2026.

Japan has implemented comprehensive policies to ensure accessibility in housing, particularly in urban areas. The country emphasises universal design principles, integrating accessibility features into public and private housing developments. This approach reflects a societal commitment to inclusivity, supported by stringent regulations and incentives for developers to incorporate accessible designs.

In India organisations like Bapu Trust in Pune and The Banyan in Chennai work towards providing accessible housing solutions for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. These initiatives focus on community-based support and inclusive housing models, aiming to integrate individuals with disabilities into mainstream society. However, challenges persist due to limited resources and societal stigma.

Challenges in accessible housing development

Despite these initiatives, several challenges hinder the widespread availability of accessible housing. While some countries have established building codes that mandate accessibility features, enforcement remains inconsistent. In many regions, accessibility standards are either absent or not rigorously applied, leading to a shortage of suitable housing for individuals with disabilities.

Developing accessible housing often requires additional investments, which can deter private developers. Without financial incentives or subsidies, there is little motivation to incorporate universal design principles into new constructions.

A lack of awareness among architects, planners, and developers about the importance of accessible design also contributes to the persistence of barriers in the built environment. Furthermore, stigma and misconceptions about disability can influence housing policies and practices. In some cultures, disabilities are not openly discussed, leading to a lack of advocacy and support for accessible housing initiatives.

In spite of this, international organisations have been instrumental in advocating the need for more for accessible housing. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) emphasises accessibility as a fundamental principle, mandating that signatory countries ensure equal access to the physical environment, transportation, information and communications for persons with disabilities.

UN-Habitat's "Accessibility of Housing: A Handbook of Inclusive Affordable Housing Solutions for Persons with Disabilities and Older Persons" offers practical guidance for overcoming accessibility barriers in various housing contexts, including slum upgrading and large-scale affordable housing programmes.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has also highlighted the need for affordable and accessible housing solutions, noting that people with disabilities often face higher housing costs and limited availability of suitable homes.

Strategies for improvement

However, if we are to advance accessible housing globally, several strategies need to be considered. Governments must establish and enforce robust accessibility standards in building codes, ensuring that new constructions and renovations comply with universal design principles.

Providing subsidies, tax incentives, or grants to developers can further encourage the inclusion of accessible features in housing projects, making them more financially viable. In addition, raising awareness about the importance of accessible housing among stakeholders, including policymakers, developers and the general public, can foster a culture of inclusivity.

Involving people with disabilities in the planning and design processes would also ensure that housing solutions effectively meet their needs and preferences and sharing best practices and resources among countries can accelerate the adoption of successful accessible housing models worldwide.

While progress has been made in some regions, the global challenge of providing accessible housing for individuals with disabilities persists. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, combining policy reform, financial investment, community involvement and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity. By learning from successful initiatives and fostering international cooperation, societies can move closer to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, have access to safe, affordable and accessible housing – but we still have a long way to go.