Housing for persons with disabilities in South Africa

Abstract

Though housing is a basic right that everyone is entitled to without discrimination, in practice, persons with disabilities face numerous barriers in the enjoyment of this right. South Africa is plagued with what is often referred to as a housing crisis. Though the government has taken steps towards provision of housing to qualifying beneficiaries, including efforts to accommodate disability in housing policies and provision, persons with disabilities continue to face challenges and barriers that limit their enjoyment of their right to adequate housing. This article considers how South African government has facilitated access to appropriate (adequate or reasonable) housing for persons with disabilities and facilitated independent living and inclusion in communities for these persons. It considers, inter alia, how disability is accommodated in South African housing laws and policies, and if, in practice, it has translated to realisation of housing rights for persons with disabilities.

Keywords:

• Disability
• housing
• independent living
• inclusion
• reasonable accommodation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).