Message for Developers…
Dear property developers. I am writing this post to give you a message on the need for more accessible housing. Having created this blog to discuss my needs and issues getting on the property market, I want to address those responsible for building properties more directly in hopes to push for action.
Unsuitable Features and Prices
Since I started property hunting I’ve been unable to find an accessible home that suited my needs. Every property I’ve viewed so far has come with tight hallways, steep driveways and features that were impossible to adapt.
These homes have also been accompanied by unattractive property prices that are often too expensive for first-time buyers and disabled people. Often we have to be well off or rich to even afford a home that can be adequately adapted to a disabled person’s needs.
If we’re going to help get more accessible housing for people to live in, we need to consider building more homes at more affordable price points. I know it is easier said than done, especially with the supply chain issues the UK has been having recently. As time goes by and resources become more abundant, I hope there will be more affordable and accessible housing appearing.
Simply Ignored…
In the past, when I’ve contacted local housing developments in my local area, they have often chosen to ignore me, probably because they aren’t interested or don’t understand that lack of accessible housing is a big issue for many disabled people. When will housing developers and those in charge of planning start listening and acting on the need for accessible homes?
Inaccessible Property Market
In a way, the housing market has let many disabled people down due to the lack of consideration for their needs of disabled people. We have seen some progress by the government but we must continue to put pressure on housing developers and planners to not leave disabled people out as an afterthought.
Let’s Get Talking!
By starting conversations with disabled people and developers alike, we can make it easier to have homes that meet the accessibility needs of many. My best advice is to start writing posts on social media, creating blogs and of course, contacting our local housing developers to query about accessible homes.
Stop Ignoring Us!
However, we would appreciate it if housing developers and planners would respond to us on when to expect accessible homes to be built. While a “no” wouldn’t be ideal, at least responding to disable people who query about accessible homes would be a step in the right direction. The simple message here is to stop ignoring us when we ask about accessible properties.
Message Sent
I really hope that developers and housing development planners can see this post and start pushing for action. It isn’t such a difficult thing to accomplish, especially since we have a continuously ageing population here in the UK. If you can build properties for them, why not build them for young disabled people too?
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