The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 aims to remove the obstacles which prevent disabled people from playing a full part in the community.
Probably the most fundamental problem which faces people with a physical or sensory impairment is the difficulty in finding housing which is accessible and suited to their needs. Whether they are seeking public or private sector housing, disabled people are at a disadvantage because their needs are only partially understood and are met in a way which is fragmented and uncoordinated. They are often faced with a bewildering variety of agencies, most of which are keen to help but have little specialised knowledge of the needs of disabled people.
How can the DPAA help?
The main aim of the DPAA is to increase the housing opportunities available to disabled people and their families by providing a focus for information about accessible housing. We provide information to disabled people and all of the agencies involved in housing them, whether they belong to the public or private sectors. Through our extensive knowledge and the use of our database systems, we can help public bodies to meet their obligations under the Housing Acts and disability legislation. To the private sector we can offer information about an important market segment. See our page on other services to professionals for more comprehensive information on services offered. Statistically, one person in ten is disabled to some extent and disabled people as a group are now beginning to look for better service.
We are in constant touch with disabled individuals within the community and are aware of their needs and aspirations for housing now and in the future.