Habinteg changing the lives of disabled people in Hull with accessible homes
A keen gardener is able to use her green fingers for the first time in ten years thanks to her brand new wheelchair accessible home. Her home is one of three new properties developed by Habinteg, a leading provider of accessible homes, in partnership with Hull City Council that are suitable for the needs of disabled people.
Steps at her previous home meant Mrs Bone, a wheelchair user, could not get to her garden. Her new home, which she shares with her husband, is a wheelchair accessible bungalow fit for her mobility needs. As well as level access to the garden, the home features storage space for her wheelchair, wider doorways so she can move around with ease and bathroom and kitchen specifically designed with a wheelchair user’s needs in mind.
Habinteg’s latest homes have helped Hull City Council deliver on its commitment to provide housing for disabled people that are accessible and adapted to meet their specific needs. The scheme at Rawcliffe Grove addresses the need for well-designed homes with quality, inclusive features. The other two homes on the development, are built to the building regulations ‘accessible and adaptable‘ standard, which means they are designed to be adapted to the changing needs a family may have over a lifetime. They have features such as wider doorways, ground-floor toilets, easy to adapt bathrooms and stairs that will easily take a stair lift if needed.
Habinteg, in partnership with Hull City Council worked with Humber-based developers, TG Sowerby Ltd, as well as Architect firm Acanthus WSM to deliver homes that are designed with the tenants in mind and are sympathetic to the existing landscape.
Jameel Malik, Director of Operations, says: “We know how big a difference it can make to disabled people to have a home in an inclusive community that truly meets their access requirements, so we're committed to providing and promoting accessible homes across the country. We are proud to work with cities like Hull that are taking steps to improve the provision of accessible homes for disabled people. Our research has shown that there are hundreds of thousands of people around the country who do not have their accessible housing needs met so it is crucial that councils are planning and building accessible homes. Our homes are designed to be accessible, adaptable and enjoyable for disabled people and we hope our newest tenants can lead a more free and independent life.”
Newington and Gipsyville ward Cllr, Lynn Petrini said: “Offering extra support to people with special needs to help them live independently and lead happier and healthier lives is fundamental to the council’s ambitions for the city. Through innovative partnerships forged with developers and housing associations such as Habinteg, small sites like Rawcliffe Grove contribute to Hull’s ambitious, city-wide housing-led regeneration programme to meet the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.”
Mrs Bone says “My new property is more suitable for me as it’s one level and there are no stairs to go up. I can also access my garden easily as the doors are wide enough for my wheelchair to go through. In my previous house, as there was stairs leading into my garden, I hadn’t been able to access it for years. Now, not only will I have no anxiety travelling around my house, but I can undertake basic tasks like watering the plants in my garden and cooking a meal for my husband. I can finally feel normal again.”
