Government proposes more accessible communal areas for deaf tenants

Disabled people could soon be able to ask landlords to make communal spaces outside their homes safer and more accessible to them, under UK Government plans announced today.

While the Equality Act already requires a householder to allow for reasonable adjustments inside the home, a proposed update to the 2010 legislation looks to make it easier for disabled people to work, shop and socialise.

Kemi Badenoch MP, equalities minister, said: “Being able to safely and easily leave one’s home – to go to work, grab milk from the shops, or to meet a friend for a coffee – is something many of us take for granted. But for disabled people this can be a difficult, demotivating, and sometimes impossible challenge.

“This policy would ensure every disabled tenant has the right to ask for changes to where they live, so they can access and leave their homes without fear or difficulty.

“We want to hear the views of everyone impacted by our plans, to make sure we can make lasting change to people’s lives.”

The proposal will now go out to consultation for ten weeks, with disabled people and landlords advised to share their thoughts.

A spokesperson for the government’s Equality Hub added: “Examples of where a deaf person could benefit would be things like a louder or better tailored front door bell, entrance intercom, or lift ping, or better lighting for higher visibility.”

In a statement to The Limping Chicken, deafblind and complex disabilities charity Sense said everyone should live in a home which is “accessible and safe”.

Chief Executive Richard Kramer said: “We hope that as a result of this consultation more disabled tenants will see changes to their accommodation which are tailored to their needs.

“Alongside this consultation we would urge government to implement the Grenfell Tower public inquiry recommendation which would ensure all disabled people have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP), so that they can feel safe in their homes.”

The consultation can be found on the GOV.UK website.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.