Housing
Disability Action has been funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) for a three year research project running from 2008 to 2011. The project involves undertaking research in order to identify and prioritise the key issues for disabled people in relation to housing choices.
Please download the Housing Overview leaflet for some general information about the Housing project.
There are two parts to the Housing Project which Disability Action needs your help with:
1. Case Studies Research
The Case Studies research is looking for disabled people who live in different types of accommodation, to tell us your housing story, good or bad. Whether you or your family own your house, rent your home from a private landlord or you live in public housing, we would like to hear from you.
The aim of the research is to capture the genuine experiences of disabled people when trying to find or adapt a house to meet their needs. The findings will be presented to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to try to remove some of the barriers encountered by people with disabilities in accessing suitable housing.
How to take part in the Case Studies Research
The first phase of the project is focusing on wheelchair users throughout Northern Ireland. However, on completion of the first phase we will be looking at housing provision for people with other disabilities. If you would like to take part in our Case Studies research you can contact our administrator Laura Cleland or you can submit your story today via our online form.
2. Products Working Group
We are currently looking for disabled people and carers to take part in a pilot Products Working Group. The group will be made up of a range of people including: people with disabilities, manufacturers, representatives from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and other professionals.
This group will look at products/adaptations that disabled people have said they are having problems with. These products/adaptations were identified in research we carried out earlier in the year with disabled people. The Products may include the following:
1. Shower/s- Shower seat or aid
2. Baths - Bath aid or seat
3. Lifts
4. Ramps
The findings from this pilot Products Working Group will be used to produce a good practice report advising the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on the process for establishing a Products Working Group.
How to take part in the Products Working Group Pilot
The pilot Products Working Group will take place between September 2010 and December 2010.
If you have experienced problems or difficulties with any of these products and would like to further information on how to take part in our pilot Products Working Group research, then please contact our administrator Laura Cleland.
Housing Information and Advice
The Housing Project is a research based project. However, if you are having difficulty with a housing issue and need information and advice please contact our Information and Advice Team.
