National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011 - 2016

and extent of the local housing needs of people with disabilities. This will improve thecapturing of data on overall need, improve liaison between relevant agencies and assist inlonger term planning to meet housing need.6.15 It is critical that voluntary organisations representing people with a disability,approved housing bodies and formal and informal advocates, including the families ofchildren with disabilities, actively participate in the local authority assessment of needprocess. These organisations and individuals can increase awareness and advocate onbehalf of people with a disability, and assist the housing authority in identifying needthrough the provision of local information. This type of local knowledge is particularlyimportant in accessing and activating people who may not participate in the assessmentprocess due to a lack of knowledge of the process, the nature of their disability or a lack ofbelief that their particular needs can be met or, indeed, be met within a reasonabletimeframe. It is essential that housing authorities have this information in order to informspecific policies and service provision.6.16 A good example of an initiative in this area is the recent launch of Operation Sign-Upby the Irish Wheelchair Association. This is an initiative which encourages and supportspeople with disabilities who wish to live in their own homes to apply for an assessment ofhousing need. The Irish Wheelchair Association’s new housing website 35 provides a step-bystepguide to applying for social housing and provides all relevant information and detailsrequired during the application process.Strategic Assessment of Housing Need6.17 Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities haveresponsibility to ensure that development plans include a housing strategy which providesfor the current and future housing needs of the local population, and has regard to thespecific requirements of older people and people with a disability. In the preparation offuture local authority housing services plans, particular regard must be given to the housingstrategies, to ensure that the extent and nature of the needs of people with disabilities areaccurately reflected in planning for, and delivering on local need.6.18 To assist housing authorities in determining the extent of housing need, a number ofexisting data sources may prove useful. The strategic assessment of housing need protocol,when implemented, will provide a formalised framework to utilise available data regardingpeople with disabilities. Census data available in respect of disability issues can provideuseful information to assist with longer term planning. The National Intellectual Disability35www.iwa.ie/house67