Housing FAQs

Irish Wheelchair Association is renowned for its expertise in providing wheelchair accessible homes and designing inclusive environments. Their developments have garnered awards for innovative design, and they provide valuable guidance on developing public amenities that cater to the needs of all individuals.

With a focus on assistive technologies and universal design principles, IWA ensures that their homes can be easily adapted to accommodate future needs, enhancing the quality of life for their tenants.

As an Approved Housing Body (AHB), the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) plays a crucial role in providing social housing solutions tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities. Serving as an AHB, the IWA collaborates with local authorities and government agencies to offer accessible housing options for people with physical disabilities who may require specialized accommodations.

These housing developments are designed to promote independence, inclusion, and dignity for residents with disabilities, offering features such as wheelchair accessibility, adapted living spaces, and access to support services as needed. Through its status as an Approved Housing Body, the IWA contributes to addressing the housing needs of individuals with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive society.

To apply for an Irish Wheelchair Association house, you must first be on a Local Authority Housing waiting list. For IWA Private Rental Accommodation, you can request an Expression of Interest Form by emailing Julian.Mahady@iwa.ie.

Yes, there are grants available, including the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, Mobility Aids Grant, and Housing Aid for Older People Grant. These grants are means-tested and aim to assist individuals in making necessary adaptations to their homes.

Housing Adaption Grant for People with Disabilities

While you don’t need to have your Personal Assistance (PA) service set up to apply for social housing, it’s advisable to inform your local HSE Disability Manager of your requirements during the application process.

Contact your local IWA Assisted Living Service for assistance in connecting with the HSE Disability Manager.

Comprehensive information on applying for social housing can be found on Citizens Information local and social housing section.

IWA Community Centres assist their members with the application process.

Waiting times for social housing vary by area, so it’s best to inquire with your registered local authority.

Priority may be given to individuals with urgent accommodation needs, and medical/disability grounds can influence your position on the waiting list.

Yes, in Part 8 of the social housing application form, Housing Requirements, you can apply for wheelchair liveable accommodation.

Yes, you can receive assistance in completing the application form from various sources, including IWA Community Centres, Citizen’s Information Centres, and local authorities. Additionally, an easy-to-read guide is available to help with the process.

Guide to filling in social housing application form

To be placed on the approved social housing list, you must complete an application form with the local authority in the area where you wish to reside.

Your eligibility will be assessed through a means testing process, and if deemed eligible, you’ll be added to the waiting list with a record of your housing needs.

For more information, see the Citizens Information website on eligibility and income criteria for applying for social housing

The local housing list, maintained by each local authority, is a record of individuals eligible for housing support and their specific needs.

If you require accommodation and cannot afford it on your own, it’s crucial to apply to your local authority for housing. Social housing is provided based on eligibility and need, and rents are determined by the household’s ability to pay.

Accessible housing for individuals with disabilities should include features such as:

• Entrance ramps or level entrances without steps.
• Wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices.
• Lever-style door handles for ease of use.
• Open floor plans with ample space for manoeuvrability.
• Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers and grab bars.
• Lowered countertops and sinks in kitchens.
• Safety features like well-lit pathways and accessible emergency communication systems.
• Accessible parking spaces and outdoor pathways.
• Flexibility for modifications to accommodate changing needs.
• Consultation with accessibility experts during planning and design stages.
• These considerations ensure that individuals with disabilities can live comfortably, safely, and independently in their homes.

More information can be found in IWA’s Best Practice Access Guidelines, Edition 4 ( Chapter 10 housing)

Accessible housing refers to properties designed or modified to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.

This may include features such as ramps, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, and grab bars, ensuring that individuals with physical disabilities can navigate all of their living environment safely and independently.

Irish Wheelchair Association is a leading expert on providing wheelchair liveable homes and designing accessible environments. Our homes have won many awards for their clever use of accessible design to the highest standards and we are an expert in advising in developing public amenities that can be enjoyed by all. Read more about our homes.

More information about housing adaptions can be found on the government website page: Housing Adaptation Grants for older people and people with a disability (Private Houses)

If you are applying for social housing, you should tick the box in Part 8 (Housing Requirements) of the social housing application form for wheelchair liveable accommodation. If you are applying for social housing on disability / medical grounds you must also complete HMD Form 1, which will require the signatures of two health care professionals.

If you wish to buy / rent wheelchair liveable accommodation you need to look on the usual property websites. While some websites have an accessible filter please note that this does not mean that the property is wheelchair accessible. Many properties advertised as accessible have steps/ stairs! Viewing is essential to ensure the property meets your accessibility requirements.