• Thursday 29 January - 09:30 - 12:45
  • Events

IN-HABIT: From policy to practice in affordable and inclusive housing for people with disabilities

Join the inauguration of the IN-HABIT project on 29 January.

register to attend online

Access to safe and inclusive housing is a basic right and a key part of living with dignity. For people with disabilities, however, finding housing that meets their needs is still a major challenge. Too often, homes are too expensive, not accessible, or in places that are isolated from the rest of the community.

In December 2025, the European Commission presented its first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan. While this initiative signals a stronger political commitment to housing, it also risk overlooking the specific challenges faced by people with disabilities. Bridging the gap between policy ambitions and on-the-ground realities requires housing providers, social services and public authorities to be adequately equipped to respond to the specific needs of people with disabilities. Yet, in many cases, housing and social service professionals lack the training, tools, and coordination needed to effectively support independent living.

The IN-HABIT project aims to address these challenges by supporting the development of accessible and affordable housing models that prioritise non-segregation and community integration. The project will strengthen the capacity of housing providers, disability service providers, and families to support people with disabilities in their transition to inclusive housing options. 

EASPD is delighted to invite you to join the Stakeholder Roundtable and Inauguration of IN-HABIT project on 29 January 2026. The event will take place online from 9:30-12:45.

 

Agenda

9:30

Welcome remark by EASPD

9:45

The IN-HABIT project in the current policy landscape

Moderator: Marie Denninghaus, European Disability Forum

  • The Affordable Housing Plan in a nutshell and its disability dimension
    • Edit Lakatos, Policy Officer, Housing Task Force of the European Commission  
  • Response of the European parlement on The Affordable Housing Plan
    • Maria Ohisalo, Member of the European Parlement
  • Affordable housing for vulnerable communities
    • Alice Pittini, Research Director, Housing Europe
  • Housing and deinstitutionalisation, the role of services and current gaps
    • Estelle Houtart, Junior Policy Officer, EASPD 
  • IN-HABIT project as a strategic response
    • Omor Dhali, Project Officer, EASPD

Q&A

11:00

Coffee break

11:15

Current gaps and best practices from the ground, and how to make the best from partnership

Moderator: Hanga Hegedűs, Board Member of EASPD

  • The Irish National Housing Strategy for Disabled People
    • Lisa Fenwick, Community Development Officer, Disability Federation Ireland 
  • Social housing for people with disabilities - voluntary standards, challenges and way forward
    • Laure Bourgoin, Project Manager and Leader of Housing and Autonomy missions, Delphis 
  • Lessons from the Housing-First model in Finland
    • Juha Kaakinen, Professor at Tampere University and Board Member of Tukena 
  • Skills, Capacity, and Service Delivery in the Disability Sector: A Hungarian Provider’s Perspective
    • IRMÁK National Association, Hungary

Q&A

12:30

Closing remarks

  • Hanga Hegedűs, Board Member of EASPD
 

 

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