York report shows why Every Disabled Child Matters
Posted on 6 June 2008
More than half of disabled children live in unsuitable housing, according to the report. They are also more likely to live in homes which are unsuitable to their needs than any other group of disabled people.
I am thrilled that Every Disabled Child Matters has chosen to campaign on this issue
Dr Bryony Beresford
Lack of space is the biggest single concern for these families, who are 50% more likely to be overcrowded than other families. But the research also reveals that families with disabled children fare worse than others on nearly every measure of housing quality.
The report’s author is Dr Bryony Beresford of the University of York’s Social Policy Research Unit, who argues that "this issue has been neglected by policymakers, even though it is fundamental to children’s quality of life and their future outcomes".
Dr Beresford’s report is published today by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. It has already been adopted by a coalition of disabled children’s organisations (Every Disabled Child Matters) to campaign for government action to address this issue.
Dr Beresford said "This report pulls together the evidence from our own research, other studies and government statistics. It shows that disabled children are amongst the worst housed of all children. It also demonstrates that difficulties with housing are not just about ramps and wheelchair access.
"Poor housing conditions, overcrowding and lack of space are common in families with a disabled child. I am thrilled that Every Disabled Child Matters has chosen to campaign on this issue which has been neglected by disabled children’s policymakers until now."
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The Social Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of York has an international reputation for excellence in research in social policy, especially health and social care, poverty, social security and social work. SPRU is part of the Department of Social Policy and Social Work, and was awarded a '5' rating in the latest 2001 Research Assessment Exercise by the government's Higher Education Funding Council in 2001.
- The Joseph Rowntree Foundation focuses on poverty, disadvantage and social evil. Its three aims are to examine the root causes of poverty and disadvantage and identify solutions; to find ways in which people and communities can have control of their own lives; and to contribute to the building and development of strong, cohesive and sustainable communities.
- The Joseph Rowntree Foundation report reveals that disabled children are less likely than other groups of disabled people to be living in suitable housing; disabled children are less well housed than other families with children, even those who are living on similar incomes; suitable housing is hugely important to disabled children and their families; and few agencies recognise, let alone address, its significance.
- Every Disabled Child Matters is a campaign by four organisations working with disabled children and their families: Contact a Family, Council for Disabled Children, Mencap and the Special Educational Consortium. It is a three-year campaign funded by a grant from the True Colours Trust, a Sainsbury’s family trust.