Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
‘People are trapped in unsuitable homes’
Andrew Kirk, 43, who is partiallysighted, said it is “extremely disappointing” that disabled people are housed in properties which aren’t suitable for their needs.
The Maryfield resident decided to speak out after reading Lochee mum Meghan Mitchell’s story in the Tele.
Meghan has been waiting more than two years to find a more suitable home for her and two-year-old daughter Keyara.
The mum-of-one has to carry Keyara, who is disabled and uses a specially adapted wheelchair, up three flights of stairs.
This is despite Meghan suffering from epilepsy and fearing that she could suffer a fit while carrying Keyara.
Andrew revealed that he’d had his own five-year wait on a housing list to find more suitable accommodation for his needs.
The former Harris Academy pupil urged more people to speak out in an effort to make Dundee City Council take action to tackle the problem.
He said: “I’ve done a lot of disability rights work over the last 10 years.
“The current stories I am hearing are extremely disappointing.
“It is clearly apparent that the points-based system that is in place isn’t working in favour of getting more disabled people into suitable accommodation.
“A more common sense approach is really required.
“What we are essentially hearing is that people are trapped in houses that aren’t suitable.
“I would urge people in similar situations to Meghan to speak to out, whether it’s to their local MPs or care workers.
“Clearly something needs to be done to address this problem.
“If ground-floor flats become available, it shouldn’t just be based on the point system.
“They should be thinking who is the best person for that particular flat.
“I’m sure there are probably a lot more people who are stuck in multis who are essentially trapped in accommodation if things like lifts break down.
“What type of impact are these things having on people’s mental health if they don’t have their independence?
“I had my own five year wait on trying to find suitable accommodation and that ended with one property being offered which wasn’t suitable.”
Dundee City Council were asked for comment but hadn’t responded at the time of going to press.
A FORMER disability rights worker has called for a “common sense” approach to finding suitable accommodation for people with mobility issues.