People with disabilities are amongst those facing the highest levels of Discrimination and Inequality in Housing in Ireland
A recent report, published by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), has identified that people with disabilities are amongst those facing the highest discrimination and inequality in Ireland.
The research is based on a range of data sources including the CSO’s Quarterly National Household Survey(QNHS) 2004, 2010, 2014,the 2016 Census module on homelessness and the Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC), and has measured people’s experiences across three key criteria.
- Experience of discrimination while searching for housing;
- Whether certain groups experience poorer housing conditions;
- The prevalence of homelessness across different groups.
Amongst its findings the report identifies that people with a disability experience higher housing and environmental deprivation and are more likely to live in over-crowded conditions. People with disabilities are more than twice as likely to report discrimination in relation to access to housing, are more likely to live in an area with environmental problems and are more likely to suffer from housing deprivation. People with disabilities were also found to be over represented in relation to Local Authority housing. The prevalence of disability, including a disproportionate number of people with a physical disability, was found to be twice as high among the homeless as that among the general population.
The report acknowledges that housing for people with disabilities has been included in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan where accessibility requirements are to be considered as part of new housing stock.
Alternatively, if you need further information or advice in relation to designing accessible accommodation please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on (01) 415 12 85 or e-mail [email protected].
