Study slams 'chronic' lack of wheelchair-friendly housing

Published on Monday 28 April 2008 10:48

YOUNG disabled adults face a "chronic shortage" of suitable accommodation, according to a charity report.

The lack of wheelchair-friendly housing means many disabled people are faced with a choice between living in a care home with older people or staying with their parents, Livability says.

The charity is urging the Government to launch an inquiry into the numbers, locations and needs of disabled young people who are inappropriately housed.

The report, Freedom to Live, says disabled people should be able to chose where they live and who they live with, but found many are forced to stay with their parents when they reach adulthood.

Livability says more than 40 per cent of 16-24 year olds live in accommodation that does not meet their needs. It wants the Government to ensure a minimum of ten per cent of new social housing is built to wheelchair standards.

The report also looks at problems for young disabled people making the transition to the adult health service, which it says for many is "like falling off a cliff".

And it says training and jobs should be made more accessible.