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Unlocking Home Ensuring Accessible Housing for All

date November 5, 2024 | 17:00 - 18:30
place
Multipurpose room 17
organization
Ministry of social solidarity egypt
country
Egypt
language
Arabic
Reference: 
NE 17-03

Summary

It is unfair to exclude people with disabilities, especially when we can change the environment to promote a wide range of human capabilities and needs. It begins with recognizing the right of people with disabilities to be full partners in society, enabling them to move, communicate, work, learn, entertain, and exercise their inherent abilities easily and safely. Accessibility ensures that products, services, and facilities are designed or modified to be usable by all people with their different capabilities. The event stemmed from this idea, driven by the interest of the Egyptian government in providing accessibility.
People with special needs often face significant challenges when it comes to finding suitable housing. These challenges can range from physical barriers in the building environment to social and economic barriers that limit access to affordable and inclusive housing options. Some of the common issues they face include:
1. "Physical Accessibility": Many housing options lack features such as ramps, wide doorways, and accessible bathrooms, making it difficult or impossible for people with mobility impairments to live independently.
2. "Affordability": Accessible housing options are often more expensive, putting them out of reach for many handicapped individuals who may already be facing financial constraints due to limited employment opportunities or reliance on fixed incomes.

3. "Social Isolation": People with disabilities may face social isolation if they are unable to find housing in communities that are welcoming and inclusive, or if they are forced to live in segregated housing facilities.
4. "Discrimination": Despite legal protections, people with disabilities still face discrimination in the housing market, including landlords who refuse to rent to them or housing developments that have policies or practices that exclude disabled people.
Current housing strategies aiming at addressing these challenges vary widely in their inclusivity and effectiveness. Some cities and regions have implemented policies to incentivize the construction of accessible housing units or to require accessibility features in new construction projects. However, these efforts often fall short due to a lack of enforcement mechanisms or insufficient funding.
The event will shed light on the current impediments facing people with disabilities in finding suitable housing as well as innovative strategies and the best practices for creating more inclusive and accessible communities. Evidence to be presented at the event may include:
- Case studies of successful inclusive housing developments that have effectively addressed the needs of disabled people.
- Data on the prevalence of housing discrimination and its impact on handicapped individuals.
- Research findings on the economic and social benefits of inclusive housing for people with disabilities and society as a whole.
- Sharing experience of disabled people in the housing market and their appeal for chang

Objectives

The key objective of the event is to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility for people with disabilities to suitable housing in addition to promoting inclusive practices that ensure their full engagement in society.

Session panelists

Panelist
Role
Organization
Country
Ms. sarah Samir
economic research
Minstry of social solidarity Egypt
Ms. Asmaa Hossam
Public service employee
Minstry of social solidarity Egypt
Ms. Shaza Shinaishen
Public Health Advisor/Disability & Inclusion Consultant
Minstry of social solidarity Egypt
Ms. Laila Yehia
Head manager
Director of the Assistant Ministers Office
Mr. Bassem Elsaied
Member of the Office of the Assistant Minister
Ministry of social solidarity egypt