National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011 - 2016

11.6 While it is clear that there are many sectors providing housing advice andinformation to people with disabilities, it is not possible to measure the consistency andquality of advice given by the different bodies or whether the information meets the needsof the service users. Furthermore, the lack of integration within and between services, bothstatutory and independent, can be a source of confusion to people trying to access services.In this context, good communication between staff in relevant agencies is essential – thisrequires collaboration in order to highlight and address gaps and identify methods ofimproving coordination and referral systems.11.7 The housing information needs of people with disabilities should be addressed withinthe overall context of general principles of information provision 116 :• Information provision for people with disabilities should be based on principles ofquality service delivery 117 ;• The diversity of the population of people with disabilities needs to be fullyrecognised;• Information provision should reflect and promote a mainstreaming philosophy, avoidnegative assumptions and help to empower people who want to expand rather thanlimit their options;• Information providers should take note of Access to Information for All: Guidelineson Removing Barriers and Improving Access to Information for Everyone (Comhairle2005) 118 ;• Information on which services are actually available to individuals at local level wouldbe particularly useful; and• People with disabilities should be consulted on an ongoing basis.11.8 Effective information provision will have the following key components:• Awareness – making sure that those who may need services are aware of the rangeof services available;• Access – information needs to be user-friendly and person-centred; and116(Review of Good Practice Models in the Provision of Housing & Related Supports for People with a Disability(Housing & Sustainable Communities Agency, 2010).117See Principles of Quality Customer Service for Customers and Clients of the Public Service.118This provides a checklist on how to make information accessible.138