Abstract:

This paper presents the results from a study of the housing needs of disabled people in Shropshire. The study involved interviews with disabled people, representatives of a county-wide disabled people's organization, and staff from social services, housing and health agencies. A questionnaire was sent to a sample of disabled people in the county, and quantitative data were examined. The study highlighted: the high level of unmet housing need amongst disabled people, in relation to both adaptations and more appropriate housing; the need for more involvement by disabled people in the planning and provision of services; the need for greater flexibility within the housing regulations, so that services are more responsive to people's individual needs; and the inadequacy of the resources currently available to meet those needs.