More accessible houses needed

PEOPLE with physical disabilities throughout North Galway are encouraged to register their housing needs with Galway Co Council.[private] The service co-ordinator at the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) centre in Tuam, Stephen Moynihan, says people can contact them about registering for social housing. The IWA recently launched a new housing initiative to promote the benefits and importance of registering for accessible, affordable, social housing. The campaign, known as Operation Sign Up, was initiated in light of the Triennial Housing Needs Assessment, which Galway city and county councils have been asked to carry out by the Department of Environment. Historically, the housing requirements of people with disabilities have been underrepresented, and the results of the assessment have not demonstrated the real demand for social housing among people with disabilities. Operation Sign Up aims to encourage as many individuals as possible to register their need for accessible, affordable and appropriate accommodation with their local council. The IWA initiative includes a new housing website, www.iwa.ie/house, which provides a step-by-step guide to applying for social housing. Kathleen Mc Loughlin, CEO of IWA says there is an increased demand for accessible homes.[/private]