A decent home for every disabled child Almost a third (30%) of families with a disabled child live in a home that does not meet the needs of their child. Of those, 48% say their home worsens their child’s condition or puts them at risk. 43% say it needs adaptations. We want to see reform to the Disabled Facilities Grant, a change to overcrowding rules and more accessible housing. In this article Why we’re campaigning Our Counting the Costs 2024 survey of 4,262 families with disabled children in the UK found that: Almost a third (30%) of families with a disabled child live in a home that does not meet the needs of their child. Of those, 48% say their home worsens their child’s condition or puts them at risk. 43% say their home needs adaptations. There are many reasons why families’ homes do not meet their disabled child’s needs: 32% damp, mould and poor ventilation. 31% overcrowded. 30% not enough bedrooms, so share rooms, sleep on sofa. 22% dangerous – balcony, stairs, open plan kitchen. 20% poor wheelchair access to get in or around property. We heard from families carrying older children and teenagers with physical disabilities up and down stairs; parents sharing beds with neurodiverse children who desperately need space to regulate; and children with neurodevelopmental conditions being bumped downstairs in buggies or wheelchairs due to a broken lifts or lack of ramps. Many families with disabled children need adaptations to their home. Despite this: More than a quarter (27%) of all families surveyed are not aware of the Disabled Facilities Grant, available from the council to help pay for building works, ramps, hoists. Only 12% have applied for a Disabled Facilities Grant. Of the families who did apply, 43% found the process poor or very poor. Over half (57%) said the grant did not cover the full cost of the adaptations needed. The average shortfall was £7,391. To find that money, a third (35%) had to borrow or take a loan. 30% used their savings, but more than a quarter (26%) had to do without or scale down the adaptations they really needed. What we’re campaigning for In response to the findings, we are calling for: An increase in the upper limit of the Disabled Facilities Grant by at least £8,000 to cover the average shortfall families are experiencing. Local authorities must promote the grant widely. The application process must be sped up by making local authorities accountable for delays. Council banding reviews to be inclusive of disabled children. They must include mental health needs, autism and learning disability as well as physical needs. Improved understanding of what accessibility looks like to different disabled children among housing officers. A one size all approach does not fit. A family with a child who has epilepsy may want open plan to keep a close eye at all times. But a family with a child with autism will not want open plan, due to dangers of easy access to the kitchen. Amendment of overcrowding rules when households include someone who is neurodiverse because research shows it worsens their condition. Council local plans to include more accessible housing in a broad sense. There is a rising special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) population. Housing for disabled children/adults is going to become more imperative. Join our campaign network Keep up-to-date by signing up to our campaign updates. For press enquires about the results please email [email protected] Need advice on housing? We have information on our website on: Financial help with home improvements Aids, equipment and housing adaptations Independent living and housing options for young disabled adults Social care services for families with disabled children You can also find advice from housing charity Shelter in: England Scotland Wales Or if you live in Northern Ireland, from Housing Advice for Northern Ireland.