Many disabled people in need of housing do not show up on official housing waiting lists because they are living in unsuitable or inappropriate accommodation, according to a new study.
A joint study published today by the Citizens Information Board and the Disability Federation of Ireland says many people with disabilities are not in housing of their choosing.
These include adults in family homes when they do not wish to reside there; some people in long-stay residential settings; those awaiting discharge from hospital; people with MS or acquired brain injuries in settings such as older people's nursing homes.
It says the housing options for people with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities are limited because they often have specific design, location or support requirements.
This is compounded by inadequate housing needs assessments by local authorities, which fail to adequately identify the nature of a disabled person's needs.
The report, The Right Living Space, identifies a number of policy measures which should be taken to improve accommodation options for people with disabilities. They include:
Introducing procedures that reach out to those living with parents, or in residential settings whose housing needs have been neglected
Improving access to supports for independent living, such as home help or support
Increased investment in social housing which provides a range of accommodation types to address different needs.
In a joint statement, the Citizens Information Board and the Disability Federation of Ireland said that ensuring adequate and reasonably priced accommodation was within everyone's reach and was one of the most effective ways of combating social exclusion.
It said the development of a housing strategy for people with disabilities offered a significant opportunity to put the housing needs of disabled people centre stage.
The groups said that a shift in the State's social priorities was needed for authorities to change the way they provide and resource local authority housing.