Irish Wheelchair Association's Housing Support Services
Finding suitable housing can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve developed comprehensive support services tailored to assist people with disabilities in their search for an accessible home of their own in a community of their choice. Whether you’re looking for wheelchair liveable housing, need assistance with social housing applications, or require information on adapting your current home, our team is here to guide and support you through the process.
Explore how Irish Wheelchair Association supports members in navigating the complex world of accessible housing.
The social housing application form is available from your local county council or local authority. Staff at our community centres are available to assist members with the application process. Your local citizen’s information office also assists with the social housing application form.
If you are applying for social housing on disability and /or medical grounds you also need to complete HMD Form 1.
For specific housing queries, we offer information, advice, and support to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Additionally, we provide valuable referrals to other organisations specialising in assisting disabled individuals with housing issues. Our National Housing Programme Manager can be contacted on jean.coleman@iwa.ie at 085 875 1243
IWA works with both government and non-government agencies to highlight the significant shortfall in wheelchair liveable housing. We collaborate with approved housing bodies, developers, local authorities, and the Department to advocate for the increased provision of wheelchair liveable homes.
IWA is represented on 29 of the 30 local authority Housing and Disability Steering Groups, which oversee the local implementation of the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability.
Through pre-Budget submissions and ongoing engagement with Government Ministers and public representatives, IWA consistently emphasises the need for strategic planning to ensure an adequate supply of wheelchair liveable homes are included in new developments. In addition, we provide a strong and informed voice on a range of national housing committees. representing the lived experience of people with disabilities.
Across all of this work, IWA advocates for the inclusion of wheelchair-accessible accommodation in all housing developments, alongside appropriate assistive technology and personal assistant support services.
Since its foundation in 1960, IWA has influenced public housing policy and, as an approved housing body, has developed and managed high-quality housing in a person-centred way. We also support individuals with specific housing queries.
Housing is a Human Right
IWA promotes mainstream wheelchair accessible housing delivery and works against the inequities in the housing system, advocating on behalf of people with disabilities. IWA “recognises the equal rights of all persons with disabilities to live in the community with choices equal to others” (United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Article 19).
Irish Wheelchair Association continues to campaign for the full implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Ireland ratified the UNCRPD in 2018, recognising the equal rights of all citizens to live in the community. Article 19 of the UNCRPD emphasises the right to choose one’s place of residence and access to support services necessary for community living and inclusion:
“Persons with disabilities have the opportunity to choose their place of residence and where and with whom they live on an equal basis with others and are not obliged to live in a particular living arrangement”. Article 19 UNCRPD
“Persons with disabilities have access to a range of in-home, residential and other community support services, including personal assistance necessary to support living and inclusion in the community, and to prevent isolation or segregation from the community”.
Article 19 UNCRPD
As an Approved Housing Body (AHB), IWA manages over 52 wheelchair liveable homes and provides tenancy management services to our tenants and working in partnership with governmental and non-governmental bodies including Local Authorities
IWA Best Practice Guidelines
Explore our Best Practice Access Guidelines, Edition 4, specifically Section 10 on Housing Guidelines, available here. These guidelines offer valuable insights into wheelchair liveable housing design, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their living spaces.