Accessible housing a 'bugbear' for Queenslanders with disability

For Bernadette Scalora, finding a suitable rental home has been a persistent struggle over three decades, a challenge amplified by her disability. "Housing has always been one of my particular bugbears as a person with a disability," the 52-year-old said.

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Housing has always been one of my particular bugbears as a person with a disability.

Scalora, who has cerebral palsy affecting her mobility, requires a low-level entrance with a maximum of one step. "Anything outside of that immediately makes a home inaccessible for me," she explained. Her search is further complicated by location and affordability.

Her current rental, her favorite to date, features temporary ramps and grab rails in the bathroom, illustrating the "little things" that make a significant difference in accessibility. However, the latest Voices of Queenslanders with Disability report reveals this is far from the norm.

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Anything outside of that immediately makes a home inaccessible for me.

The report, surveying over 480 people with disabilities, found that approximately one in three respondents live in homes that do not meet their needs. The primary obstacles identified were the scarcity of accessible housing and the lack of available modifications.

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There's lots of little things that you can do … that will make a big difference and make it a lot more accessible.

Michelle Moss, CEO of Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN), noted that the housing crisis disproportionately affects people with disabilities. QDN has partnered with the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) on the 'Small Changes, Big Difference' campaign. This initiative uses posters and videos to debunk myths about renters with disabilities and to educate property managers on supporting tenants' needs for home modifications.

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The rental and the housing crisis [are] affecting everybody, but it doesn't affect everybody equally.