(IN-) EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW – HOUSE ADAPTING POLICY IN SWEDEN

• In order for people with different disabilities to be able to live an independent life, it is required that the environment is adapted, accessible and able to support a vulnerable life situation. Worldwide, approximately 15 percent of the population is estimated to have different disabilities1. In Sweden, 16 percent of the population is estimated to have one or more disabilities between the ages of 16 and 64, which corresponds to more than 1 million people. This study will highlight the relationship and consequence between two areas: disability policy and the interpretations of the law in Sweden. An interest in housing adaptations has been emphasised in research from different perspectives, for example the differences in housing allowance costs in the municipalities in Sweden. Even if the support system and legalisation system in Sweden are well developed, there is not granted that the application for housing adaption will be approved, from various reasons. And as previous studies has showed, property owners usually get denied measures in bathrooms because there is an increased risk of consequential injuries, and that it is costly to restore the property if and when the person moves, and there also seems to be a gender difference not only related to the approved application, but also related to the cost of the measurements.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Sociologi -- Socialt arbete (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Sociology -- Social Work (hsv//eng)

Keyword

disabilities

housing

Sweden

housing adaptations

costs

municipalities

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

art (subject category)