This paper seeks to address challenges that disabled people face in the housing environment. It will address the various individual encompassed in the disability criteria and what are some of their needs for housing. The paper will first reflect on laws enacted to facilitate a favorable environment for the flourishing of different individuals with a disability; this addresses concerns about discrimination and how they are addressed. The government has a vital role to play in the protection of individuals with disabilities this will be covered under laws enacted by the government and the equalities act 2010.
The paper will then review on different housing standards currently available for all individuals and a twist on what considerations have been made people with disabilities. A review of tenant agreements will then be done with a reflection of the current housing act put in play for all citizens in the UK. The benefits provided by housing will also be reviewed based on the type of disability for each.
The limitations of the current tenant agreements and housing standards to individuals with disabilities will build up the central section of this paper. Through reflection of this possible deduction will be made on the challenges faced by people with disabilities. This data will be collected from different reports from housing agencies within the UK in the particulars for the disabled. A conclusion will then be made on possible improvements by all parties involved with the housing standards and legislature currently in place about people disabled people in society.
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Aim
By Identifying the legislation made available to assist those who are categorized as protected characteristics under the Equalities act 2010. One will uncover specific barriers to appropriate social housing, support, and benefits for those who have a disability which warrants state influence. By Analysing how specific legislation has affected these communities of people since its inclusion, One will be able to Assess the process in which the disabled and chronically ill must undergo to get appropriate social housing, appropriate support, and sufficient benefit entitlement.
1.2 Objectives
Identify Key legislation made available to help the disabled and chronically ill access the services they require.
Describe the barriers that will keep the disabled and chronically ill communities from being able to live independently.
Analysis of particular legislation released for the benefit of the disabled and chronically ill communities.
Highlighting strong initiative changes by the governments, to help the less fortunate in society.
5. Assess the financial process from start to finish on what is required for the disabled to gain the support and services they require. (Housing & benefits)
Chapter 2
Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
People living with disabilities form a considerable part of society. Society has not adequately tackled matters of disability but keeps on advancing day to day; this is evident from the growth depicted by different societies in acknowledgment of people living with disabilities and embracing them. Previous forms of discrimination ranged from gender and race. This forms of discrimination posed a considerable threat to harmony within different societies. However, as the critical leadership and governance of societies evolved they saw the need to address this forms of discrimination and bring about equality upon all branches of society.
Reforms were advocated through the enactment of laws that were put in plays to ensure equal treatment for all individuals in all sectors of society. The laws defined what was entitled to all and how each was to be treated across all social sectors from the workplace to social amenities. Discrimination leads to the unfair treatment of workers leading to favoritism based on gender or race; this also led to the provision of specific benefits or responsibilities to specific members of society.
Nevertheless, this positive development brought about a significant impact on society changing the thinking of individuals from different backgrounds. The awareness created empowered those discriminated of their abilities and rights that encouraged them to strive for better opportunities in regards to their position. In the same way, this changed the reasoning and characters of the key members of society that were given more superior roles; they acknowledged the other members as part and parcel of their society.
However, several members of society continued in the olden ways, and several forms of punishment had to be put in place to construct a society in such a way as to advocate for the new kind of relationship. The vast impact was however brought about by different civil right groups that came forward to create awareness and fight for injustices brought about by discrimination based on different backgrounds. The civil rights groups have continued to emerge as the years progressed leading the fight against discrimination that despite the drowning forms of discrimination still exists in a low fundamental manner in different societies.
As the years advanced and the fights continued discrimination based on disabilities was not yet acknowledged or recognized, this is because the other forms of discrimination were superior at the point. Nevertheless, the injustices caused by discrimination based on disabilities were extreme in some instances as some thought individuals with disabilities were unworthy to live leading to nonelection that caused death in some instances. Awareness of the matter did not take long to be achieved, and society became educated on the importance of equal and just rights to all members of the society.
Individuals with disabilities, however, faced it rough as despite the discrimination they also had to struggle to achieve specific tasks that are part and parcel of their livelihood. Society had to acknowledge this and strive to make changes on common social amenities and facilities to accommodate the livelihood of people living with disabilities. However, there still exists a different nature of the configuration of different facilities to suit the needs of people with disabilities. Some individuals living with disabilities prefer living in the same conditions as those with ability to make them strive harder and increase their advantage in existing in environments without any care facilities for their benefit.
The UK government previously had different forms of legislature put in place to address the concerns and discriminations amongst all the above individuals in society. In 2010, these laws were combined under the equality act to provide a common point for addressing all concerns based on discrimination of all types of society (Government equalities offices, 2015). This was advantageous as focussing on different groups could exclude different groups of individuals facing discrimination in society. Collecting all laws on equality generates a central point on creating awareness on every individual. Since this paper focusses on individuals living with disability, we will reflect on the laws focussed upon individuals living with disability in the next section
2.2 Disability based on the Equality Act
The equality act protects all individuals from harassment or discrimination directly by perception or association and indirectly by harassment or victimization because of disability. The act categorizes an individual to fall under the disability criteria if they are physically or mentally impaired that has had a substantial long-term effect on their ability to achieve day to day routine activities.
Previously disability was only focussed on physical impairment based on conditions such as being deaf, dumb, blind, etc. However, now individuals with chronic illnesses now fall under this criteria particularly when the diagnosis presents the above-stated conditions such illnesses include Cancer, HIV, etc. (Government equalities offices, 2015). These diseases may progressively inhibit an individual to carry out typical day to day operations based on the level of treatment and the drastic effect it has on an individual’s health if not addressed appropriately with proper care or treatment, which leads to the deterioration of the patient's conditions
The act then goes about indicating a clause for reasonable adjustments based on the matter of disability. A reasonable adjustment of the first kind is when in the employment setting the employer adjusts the environment for adaptation of the individual with a disability through this they minimize the impact of the environment to their impairment enabling the disabled to carry out their duties more smoothly and efficiently.
The other criteria for reasonable adjustment dictate that the employer is accountable for making decisions on what reasonable adjustments are to be made; this could be achieved by seeking advice from other individuals. The most important individual to consult is the disabled person as this would help in dictating the most suitable environment.
2.3 Other benefits provided by the UK government
Despite facilitating the equality act, the government has also taken certain prerogatives to address challenges faced by disabled people. A key consideration is the challenge of disabled people to earn a living easily through productive environments. Many are faced with the challenge of earning adequate capital to support their needs. Analyzing this matter also reveals the extensive nature of the financial needs individuals with disabilities needs to meet. It is as a result of some of their medical needs such as drugs, equipment, and instruments used to enable them to achieve a precise integration with the environment to carry out their day to day activities this equipment includes wheelchairs, ear aids, walking sticks, etc. Some of this instruments need to be serviced or changed after different periods (Habinteg, 2018).
In addition, some of them also require physiotherapy sessions that are also costly and may fall under their insurance coverage over time. Based on these needs and their acquired returns challenges take place. Based on their ability to work they might be exposed to only a specific of specific working environments, and due to specific health constraints, they may not be as productive as they wish to be like take several shifts or work for more extended hours. This reduces the amount of capital they are capable of getting at the end of the month to face their needs. In addition, the wages earned are also not exempted to certain deductions by the government and other regulations.
Nevertheless, some disabled individuals require additional care that needs them to employ help. To caution individuals living with the disabilities, the UK government initiated an allowance plan called the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (Government of UK, 2017) for individuals living with disabilities to enable them to cope with the expenses they accrue periodically. For children, it applies to children under 16 that have difficulties in walking or have the need to be looked after more than a child of the same age who is not disabled, the DLA for this category is about £22 and £141.10 a week as per the needs of the child.
For individuals above the age of 16 to 64 with a long-term disability receive an allowance of £22 and £141.10 a week by claiming a personal independence payment (PIP). The value of this allowance is dependent on how the condition affects an individual. Nevertheless, if the disability is critical so as to present the need for additional help the individual then receives £55.65 or £83.10 (Government of UK, 2017)a week in addition to the previous allowance. The government then provides a health professional with the responsibility of conducting periodic assessments in ensuring the individual gets the adequate help they need. The individual providing additional care is also subjected to a care’s allowance if need be.
2.4 Housing
2.4.1 Housing requirements
Housing in the UK has simple regulations that involve a tenant agreement that acts as a contract between the tenant and the landlord. The contract governs how the tenant should act within the premises, the restrictions based on the provided facility, the rent to be paid and in accordance to what periods. It also stipulates what the client is entitled to based on the housing act that caters to the provisional rights of the tenant for his or her stay in the particular premises.
Landlords are faced with specific regulations based on the act and if they in one way or another act in a different way are eligible for a particular form of punishment. The tenant also may be evicted from the premises if they bridge they tenant agreement.
2.4.2 Landlords Conduct
Disabled tenants are entitled to equal treatment from the landlord just like any other tenant seeking a house on the premises. To aid the landlord in knowing when they have acted in a way opposed to this manner they have to follow specific conduct when dealing with an individual with a disability.
The first law of this conduct is that the landlord should not ask any questions that are discriminatory to the individual’s disability, this involves seeking medical records to categorize other individual’s disability in any way. This is justified as the landlord does not ask the other tenants for such information. The landlord is, however, valid to ask questions pertaining the tenancy agreement such as their ability to meet the rent requirements and other obligations that are related to modifications in the premises to accommodate individuals living with a disability.
The disabled also have a right to request for specific accommodation or modifications that are reasonable to ease their ability to live on the premises. This accommodation may include rules, policies, and services (Shelter, 2017). The accommodations, however, have to be related to their nature of the disability. An example is requesting an ample parking space to accommodate the pathway for a wheelchair. The landlord and the tenant should reach a collective agreement before proceeding this will help the landlord validate the financial predicament the purpose and achieve a reasonable compromise after the discussion.
The tenant also has a right to modify their current rental unit if it increases their safety and comfort in the premises. However, if the modification may be inappropriate to the next tenant, the landlord may reach an agreement with the tenant to modify it to its original conditions in the event the move out from the premises. Nevertheless, any modification to be made must go to the landlord.
To avoid dishonesty in requests or taking advantage of the landlord, the landlord may seek clarification for a disability that is not open or in the case of a modification that is not related to the openly observable characteristic; the landlord may request additional disability-related information to clarify the matter further. However, if the disability is open enough to relate the matter, then the landlord should not request any information (Dohler, et al., 2016).
An additional rule of conduct is that the landlord should show one all units available irrespective of their disability. The choice should be the tenant thus the landlord should not direct the client to a particular unit based on their intuition for it to be the best based on the tenant's condition; this falls under selective discrimination as the tenant should be treated equally just like any other client.
The other rule dictates that the tenant should be availed the requested modifications or accommodations provided they are reasonable and justifiable based on their disability and a collective agreement is achievable between the two parties. The landlord should also charge the same fees or rent regardless of the individual’s condition; this means they should be provided with the same rates just like anybody; this is typically noticed where the landlord provides additional accommodations for the tenant that they consider perusable for additional financial gain at the expense of the disabled person.
2.5 Housing options for the disabled
Despite the above-stated regulations to guarantee equality in the selection of rental houses. It may not be considered the best housing options for a disabled individual based on their needs and requirements. To match up with these needs there exist specific housing arrangements that are to the advantage of people with disabilities or those that need additional care. Being equipped with the same leaving standards yearns for equality among individuals across all boundaries without any form of discrimination.
Individuals with disabilities require comfortable and safe environments that minimize the risk of danger or additional harm; this is because in the occurrence of an accident their disability may make them more exposed to severe harm or illness that worsens their level of disability. As in the case of chronic illnesses living next to a factory that exhausts certain gasses may worsen their respiratory conditions (Agerholm, 2016).
The local authority has a crucial role to play to ensure individual living facilities are available in the area. However, they lag at their tasks, and it is up to the tenant to research on the best living facility that matches up to their needs or concerns. The first step any disabled person should take is by first assessing the kind of needs they have and what needs to be taken care of (Habinteg, 2018).
2.6 Supportive Housing
Supportive housing advocates for the construction of safe environments for people living with disabilities. These houses are equipped with facilities to facilitate a stable living environment for individuals with different disabilities. The environment may be in the midst of other housing plans. These houses facilitate the living conditions necessary for some people living with disabilities collectively. The houses also facilitate additional help through caregivers in the same premises to cater for all the needs of the tenants (Dohler, et al., 2016).
In any housing environment, disabled people not only pose a risk to themselves if the environment is not safe enough, but they also pose a risk of endangering other people. Like in the case of a mentally ill person any accident that may be caused by let’s say the fire could lead to the spread of the fire to other units in the premise. Another danger can be viewed from the harm they will be exposed to when living alone (Dohler, et al., 2016).
Despite these considerations when people living with disabilities live within a specific environment with the appropriate supportive infrastructure put in place they are likely to be more efficient in achieving their day to day functions at ease nevertheless they are also cautioned against possible risks that they may face in the process.
A key consideration is also the location. Supportive housing facilities are close to medical facilities and if not the proper equipment is available to facilitate them to reach medical facilities as quickly as possible as in the case of a chronically ill patient. It is a colossal hustle for a disabled person to find their way to medical facilities if the need is urgent and based on their abilities they are not able to achieve the process. If they live in ordinary environments, it is difficult as they will not get the help they need to get there. However, a supportive housing facility guarantees this for them.
Nevertheless, the supportive housing facility also provides them with the ability to go about their processes or tasks without feeling over cushioned which in some instances some individuals feel the nature to be adequately catered for as an act of discrimination to show them pity. What the facility provides is a supportive infrastructure for them to carry out their activities as they usually do. Cost is usually a considerable constraint when looking for housing this is what drives many people to seek for houses outside this nature of a community. Nevertheless, considering all additional costs that may be accrued beyond the housing obligations one may quickly conclude that by living under one supportive structure many expenses are eliminated. In the aspect of caregiving and different health considerations as the cost is now spread across the board to all individuals living with disabilities under the supportive housing (Dohler, et al., 2016).
This form of housing also helps the individuals to grow as they are exposed to similar challenges, and it is easier for the caregivers to attend to every one of them. Supportive housing is an essential consideration for any individual living with a disability as they progress to the future of untapped potential, modification or accommodations that they may strive to reason out with uncooperative landlords will be a thing of the past.
CHAPTER 3
Methodology
3.1 Introduction
This chapter consists of the research methodology put in place to carry out this research; it takes into account the research process, research methods implemented with a consideration of their effectiveness, data analysis, and collection methods. All these factors put into consideration address the methodology used in place to achieve conclusive results for this research validating the respective objectives put into place.
3.2 Research philosophy
Research philosophy is the basis of the first step in adapting to a specific research methodology based on the context of the research onion (Saunders, et al., 2012); the outermost layer that helps narrow down the research methodology to be implemented is the research philosophy. In association with this study, two philosophies are viable for the study that is positivism and interpretivism.
A positivist is guided by set objectives with the aim of observing and describing reality. This possibility is guided by the fact that they believe that observing the world neutrally and objectively may lead to the discovering of various relationships and laws associated with phenomena that can be tested.
An Interpretivist, on the other hand, bases their theory on observing differences in the roles of social actors such as human beings. Understanding roles from this perspective build on interpretations that end up being subjective. Due to this nature, this research philosophy utilizes a qualitative approach to acquire the necessary data.
Based on the set objectives of this study the positivist approach would guide the study to concentrate on specific objectives thereby, ensuring the study is to detail and focused on the critical matter at hand. The interpretivism approach is very open. Thus it would not lead to a definite conclusion of the matter at hand. Based on the preciseness of the set objectives that is built around issues and challenges of people with disabilities in housing
3.3 Research approach
Once the research philosophy is determined, the next step is to define the approach used for research. There exist two methods of approach that is Deductive approach and Inductive approach. The deductive approach utilizes a means of approaching the study from a general perspective while refining the ideas to a more specific directive. This approach begins by developing a theory, then later on associating a hypothesis with the theory and making the essential objectives to confirm or reject the hypothesis.
The Inductive approach, on the other hand, utilizes an opposite approach to the above method, that is, it begins with a specific perspective and moves on to a general perspective. This approach begins by making an observation, finding patterns in the observation based on similarities or differences, and then later on developing a hypothesis, which validates one's findings. Lastly, a theory is developed based on the formulated hypothesis (Saunders, et al., 2012).
This study is best suited to an inductive approach since this study is concerned with objectives such as factors affecting the disabled in housing, maintenance and access to housing facilities. As one can note these objectives are specific, yet we need to ascertain them using a broader approach that brings to light greater observations concerned with these objectives. Based on this account the inductive approach will enable us to make the necessary observations, create patterns associated with them and give a conclusive finding based on the hypothesis.
3.4 Research Strategy
The research strategy provides the framework for conducting the real part of the research. Strategy by definition is a plan put in place to carry out a particular procedure, in this case, the research process. A strategy is composed of three specific requisites, that is, a goal for the process, a procedure put in place to achieve the desired results and techniques that govern how the procedures are carried out.
From the research onion (Saunders, et al., 2012), several strategies are associated with research these are survey studies, case studies, experiments, action research and design research. Based on the nature of this study two methods out of the five may be conversant with this study that is, survey studies and case studies. By definition, survey studies deal with finding patterns in data, while case studies deal with studying characteristics associated with a real-life instance.
Case studies begin by selecting an instance of study then collecting data about it, and analyzing it systematically. Lastly, develop a conclusion through understanding the characteristics of the instance, Surveys, on the other hand, begins with the collection of data from a large group in an organized and systematic way, and then, later on, evaluate this data using statistical methods. After this, the results are analyzed and interpreted to identify patterns in the findings then lastly the patterns are interpreted to provide conclusive results of the study. Both studies utilize similar techniques such as questionnaires, interviews, and observations that fall under the inductive approach.
However, as one may note, the survey strategy is more detailed and creates room for carrying out a study from a broader perspective to achieve conclusive results from a large sample size. From this, this method is most viable for this study.
3.5 Research method – Qualitative versus Quantitative techniques
Based on the research method and approach a qualitative technique is more viable to pursue this study; this is because it retains the objectivity of the study by addressing specific laws of behavior. Quantitative research technique reaches out to more individuals providing efficient statistics for the rationale of the study (Kothari & R., 2004).
Since the method of data collection is through structured surveys this adapts to a quantitative approach with less room for unstructured interviews; a qualitative technique is inapplicable as it adapts to enhanced creativity and freedom of the interview process. The difference between the two methods is expressed in the table below:
Qualitative Techniques
Quantitative Techniques
Concerned with a dynamic reality of things
Concerned with a fixed and measurable reality of facts
Data is in the form pictures and objects
Data is in the form of numbers and statistics
Researcher does not precisely know what he/she is looking for
Researcher knows what he or she is looking for
Researcher is responsible for gathering the data
Researcher uses tools to collect data such as questionnaires
The design of the study emerges as the research process continues
The research process is already defined in all aspects even before data collection begins
Table 3 1 Comparison of qualitative and quantitative techniques
3.6 Data collection method and tools
Data collection is a crucial aspect of research as it is the hub of data within the methodology. Several methods are viable for collecting data based on the research approach and strategy stipulated in the previous sections. These methods range from questionnaires, observations, and interviews. Interviews are more detailed but require much time thus be limited to research that is required to collect any data however it is a very accurate procedure that falls under qualitative methods thus for this study it will develop specific complexities. Observations, on the other hand, are not associative to this kind of study as feedback is required from the participators and since interactions are extensive, variety complexity may arise.
Questionnaires utilize a set of questions divided into two sections one dealing with the demographics of the study, that is details on the nature of the respondent in line with age, family, gender, etc. the other section stipulates the specific questions concerned with the study. The questionnaires can be administered to different people at the same time, therefore, broadening the reach of respondents for the study. It also facilitates more accessible analysis of data collected and specifics that make it easier to establish patterns using statistical tools.
The use of questionnaire proves to be the best viable option for this study. The questions develop the objectives of the study and themes generated in the previous chapter. The central themes addresses were issues faced by the disabled in housing, benefits provided for the disabled in housing, accommodations provided for the disabled in housing and impact of the healthcare act on the disabled in matters of housing. The questionnaire also ends with open questions that incorporate views that fall out of the provided choices in the aspect of retaining employees in small businesses.
The first questions were in accordance with the themes addressed as challenges faced in current housing experience several options were provided based on the nature of treatment provided by the landlord and whether any discrimination was endowed. Other questions involved the acquisition of personal information from the participants such as whether they receive any benefits from the government regarding allowance. The other was in respect to what kind of accommodation they stayed in, and the remainder of the question analyzed their experience and what improvements they considered to be made to improve their current experience in housing in the area.
3.7 Sample selection
Purposive sampling was utilized to generate the sample size for this research. This method is in the family of non-probability sampling techniques that utilize the participant’s qualities and values about the objective of study at hand. In this case, any participator‘s in this research had to be living with disabilities and were tenants in specific housing arrangements (Ritchie, et al., 2013).
The sample size was of 30 individuals living with disability from various backgrounds. They all responded to the questions efficiently providing detailed answers to all questions. Theref
