On 16 December, Inclusion Europe launched its report “Housing for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: Issues, Ideas, Practices”. As highlighted in the report, at least 852,000 people with intellectual disabilities live in segregated care institutions across Europe, and an additional 32,000 are in psychiatric hospitals. In addition, many people with intellectual disabilities are staying with family members, as other options are lacking. The report also points out how a deprivation of legal capacity in many countries imposes barriers, as persons with intellectual disabilities are not allowed to sign contracts to own property, rent a home or set up energy or phone services. Moreover, there are often financial constraints.  

However, the report also highlights promising practices, including: 

• Peer housing or supported housing 

• Support to pay deposits or rents when persons with disabilities are late 

• Partnerships with social housing and private landlords 

• Inclusive social housing 

Some of these examples may inspire service providers to set up new housing support services, or can be used to advocate at local level for the replication of certain support structures which exist in other places.  

The report comes at the right moment, as there is currently a spotlight on the topic of housing at EU level. For the first time ever, there is a Commissioner on Energy and Housing (Dan Jørgensen), and the new Commission announced that it will come up with a European Affordable Housing Plan. In addition, the European Parliament is exploring the option of setting up a dedicated Housing Committee.  

EASPD also plans to work more on this topic in the upcoming years. The policy team will work on a position paper on housing in early 2025, and will aim to meet with the Commissioner’s cabinet to bring to their attention the difficulties that persons with disabilities face to access housing, as well as the barriers this imposes on their right to independent living. In addition, the project team is working on a project proposal to train professionals in the housing sector, service providers and local authorities to support persons with disabilities to find adequate and accessible housing opportunities. We will also explore opportunities to work on this topic together with other European networks such as Inclusion Europe.