Housing is the necessary trunk from which ramifications must sprout in all the vital spheres of the person with disabilities.
Every person with a disability has the right to live in a freely chosen addresswith the support you need,and belonging and participation in your community. For this right to be effective, we ask these three elements of the basic good of the home:
– Let it be accessible.
– Let it be convenient.
– Let it be included.
Accessible accommodation
Accessibility is an essential condition for the right to decent and adequate housing to be effective for people with disabilities. The Spanish Constitution (Article 47) establishes the right to housing which must be dignified and adequatewhich includes global accessibility. the new article 49 of the same text reinforces this obligation, declaring the right of people with disabilities to universally accessible environments.
Our country suffers from a marked deficit in the accessibility of real estate. Almost 70% of properties do not meet accessibility conditions for people with disabilities and the elderly.
For a house to be accessible, this must be taken into account. three aces:
• The measurements of universal accessibility themselves (architectural,auditory and visual,communicative and cognitive sensorial);
• Him design for all people,
• and the realization of reasonable adaptations and adjustments for pre-existing environments,making them accessible.
to advance the fundamental objective of accessibility to housing and housing, the CERMI Movement proposes the following action program:
- Immediate reform of the Horizontal Property Law, to impose accessibility works and actions as mandatory for owner communities, without limits or restrictions.
- Incorporation of accessibility as a condition of all public plans for the rehabilitation and adaptation of housing and urban environments.
- official insertion of information on the conditions of universal accessibility in the building file of the Real Estate Archive and in the building administrative channels and supports.
- Creation, by law, of a State fund for the promotion of universal accessibility, endowed with 1.5% of the budgets of the investing ministries,which allocates its resources to accessibility actions in the housing stock.
- Establishment, by public authorities and administrations, of a lively, updated, obvious and sufficient offer of accessible housing.
- Guarantee of effective compliance with state and regional legal provisions for the booking of protected accommodation for people with disabilities (article 32 of the General Law on the rights of people with disabilities and their social inclusion, 4% reservation).
- Amendment of the regulations of the “Reina Letizia” Fund, to expand it and allow part of its resources to be allocated to accessibility actions for the housing stock.
Affordable housing
The obstacles to the fundamental good of housing are not only material, but also economic People with disabilities and their families are generally poorer and endure greater social exclusion compared to those without disabilities. It is necessary Vigorously address housing poverty among people with disabilities, particularly womenwho suffer more from material deprivation and are more exposed to socioeconomic exclusion.
To advance the essential objective of affordable housing, the CERMI Movement proposes the following action program:
- Official declaration of absolute preference of people with disabilities and their families in public housing policies, strategies and programs, who will be treated as a priority group.
- Creation of new public benefits for people with disabilities in terms of housing as public assistance, to achieve inclusive housing transitions, which allow people with disabilities residing in centers to successfully complete individual deinstitutionalization programs.
- Proactive tax regulation for persons with disabilities and their family environments that minimizes the economic effort in acquiring, maintaining, rehabilitating or relocating housing.
- consider and promote the status of non-profit disability organizations as social housing owners,to meet the housing needs of people with disabilities.
inclusive housing
people with disabilities need new forms of habitability and coexistence, with an inclusive and innovative approach, which make autonomous living in the community to which one belongs and social participation a reality. Inclusive housing is the foundation for independent living in a community setting.
To advance the essential objective of inclusive construction, the CERMI Movement proposes the following action program:
- Regulatory discipline of innovative housing formulas (collaborative housing, etc.), which give rise to the initiative of people, groups and entities with disabilities.
- Implementation of deinstitutionalization strategies which, to be accomplished, must focus on the housing budget; for this purpose, social and housing policies must be hybridized, preventing institutionalization and encouraging the transition towards inclusive and independent lifestyles ( to this end, personal assistance must be generalized, etc.).
- Guarantee of strengthened protection for people with disabilities against housing hardship (evictions, non-payment of mortgages and rents, etc.).
- Design of public housing policies with a gender and women’s rights approach, which promotes access to and use of housing for women with disabilities; especially those in which different exclusion factors intersect, such as age or rurality.
- Promotion of public housing policies that take into account the needs of young people with disabilities, guaranteeing the right of young people to choose where, how and with whom to live, with all the support they need.
- Response to the housing needs of people with disabilities in disaster and emergency situations, which have a direct impact on this essential asset.
Housing, and its consequence, an inclusive habitat, is a topic of capital importance on the political agenda of the social movement of people with disabilities. Our place in the world, as people with disabilities, is debated in the possibility of having and governing our own space, which we can consider home, porous and interconnected, from which it is possible to open up to a satisfying community life. Our base camp to conquer the summit, inclusion.
What are the key features of accessible housing for individuals with disabilities?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Housing Accessibility Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our readers! Today, we’re discussing the critical issue of housing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. We’re joined by Dr. Maria Gonzalez, an expert in inclusive urban growth. Dr. Gonzalez, thank you for being here.
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Thank you for having me.It’s important to address thes issues, and I’m glad we have the opportunity to discuss them.
Editor: Let’s start with the basics. why is accessible housing considered a essential right for people with disabilities?
Gonzalez: Accessible housing is essential as it impacts every aspect of life for individuals with disabilities. The Spanish Constitution recognizes this right, emphasizing dignity and adequateness. It’s not just about having a roof over one’s head; it’s about creating a space where individuals can thrive and participate fully in their communities.
Editor: You mentioned three crucial elements for housing to be effective: accessibility, convenience, and inclusion. Can you elaborate on what that means in practical terms?
Gonzalez: Absolutely!
- Accessibility means the home must be physically accessible, with features that cater to various disabilities—such as wheelchair ramps and auditory signals for the hearing impaired.
- Convenience involves the location and services nearby. People should have easy access to public transportation, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
- Inclusion means that persons with disabilities should feel a sense of belonging in their communities, participating in social activities and community events just like anyone else.
Editor: That’s profound. However, the reality is stark. Currently, about 70% of properties in Spain do not meet accessibility standards. What are the implications of this?
Gonzalez: This deficit limits the independence and quality of life for manny individuals with disabilities. Without proper access to housing, people face barriers to employment, social interaction, and even healthcare. It perpetuates a cycle of poverty and exclusion.
Editor: You highlighted the need for reform in the Horizontal Property Law and other legislative measures. How do these reforms contribute to a solution?
Gonzalez: Reforming these laws is vital. By mandating that accessibility works are a requirement for all property communities,we can ensure there’s no compromise on accessibility. additionally, integrating accessibility standards into public housing plans and creating a state fund dedicated to this cause will drive systemic change and improvement in the housing stock.
Editor: The economic barriers you noted are equally concerning. Can you speak to the economic challenges faced by individuals with disabilities regarding housing?
Gonzalez: Certainly. Individuals with disabilities and their families often experience higher rates of poverty and social exclusion. Limited income can make it challenging to find affordable housing. It’s important to recognize that housing is not merely a matter of availability but also affordability. If housing options are out of financial reach, it significantly impacts their overall wellbeing and integration into society.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a clear interdependence between housing, community, and individual rights. What steps can communities take to promote more inclusive housing initiatives?
Gonzalez: Communities can start by advocating for local policies that favor inclusive housing development. This can include creating more accessible public spaces and actively involving individuals with disabilities in urban planning discussions. Moreover, raising awareness about the importance of accessibility can lead to more supportive attitudes and practices within the community.
Editor: As we wrap up, what message would you like to leave with our readers regarding the right to housing for people with disabilities?
Gonzalez: Everyone deserves to live in a space that is accessible, affordable, and inclusive. We all have a role to play in imagining and creating communities where everyone belongs. addressing these issues is not just a responsibility—it enhances the richness and diversity of our societies.Thank you for shining a light on this crucial topic!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez. Your insights are invaluable, and we look forward to further discussions on how we can all contribute to creating accessible housing solutions.
Gonzalez: Thank you for the opportunity!