Accessible Homes Survey

Oct 09, 2020

* This post is written by one of our volunteer content creators - it is not sponsored. *

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government contacted AYL to ask if we could share their Accessible Homes Questionnaire, which finishes on December 1^st 2020 at 11:45pm!

“This consultation considers how to raise accessibility standards, by recognising the importance of suitable homes for older and disabled people. In particular, it considers how the existing optional accessible and adaptable standard for homes and the wheelchair user standard are used and whether the government should mandate a higher standard or reconsider the way the existing optional standards are used.”

This topic is close to our hearts, as my family struggled for many years to find somewhere suitable for us to live. Yet nobody seemed to understand that unless my physical needs are met, my independence is comprised. For example, my heart condition makes it difficult for me to shower even with assistance, yet finding a bathtub that was easy for me to access was next to impossible. I also require a spare bedroom for my carer, garden space for my assistance dog, and extra storage space for my extensive medical supplies.

Worst of all, new housing estates are being built all over the UK, but there are next to no step-free homes/bungalows being included in the plans. The driveways are often too small to park a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, the doorways are usually too narrow for wheelchair users to safely navigate and there is limited turning space within the rooms. These are only a few examples of the struggles associated with sourcing accessible housing, yet how is it acceptable?

We can all hope for a more inclusive future, but realistically nothing will change unless we raise awareness and draw attention to such issues - something you can do by filling out the form linked below! Every single entry is analysed and considered, meaning there is no chance your voice won’t be heard!