From Struggle to Support: Social Workers Can help
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Millions of disabled people in the UK and US live in homes that don’t meet their needs |
| Social workers provide essential support with housing applications, adaptations, and appeals |
| Training opportunities exist in both countries to specialise in housing support for disabled people |
| Training and options for becoming a social worker in the UK and USA |
The Housing Accessibility Crisis in the UK and US
Accessible housing remains scarce—especially for disabled people with lower incomes. The 2024 HUD report confirms that less than 5% of homes in the US meet even basic accessibility standards, while nearly 6 million renters with disabilities face severe housing challenges.
In the UK, the 2023 Disabled Facilities Grant Review revealed that over 400,000 disabled people live in homes unsuitable for their needs. Long delays for adaptations and a lack of step-free housing make daily life harder—and in some cases, unsafe.
The cost-of-living crisis has added pressure. Disabled people now face higher energy costs, rent increases, and more frequent eviction risks—while the stock of accessible properties remains limited.
What Makes a Home Accessible?
An accessible home may include:
- Level entryways or ramps
- Wide internal doorways
- Bathroom equipment such as roll-in showers or grab rails
- Adjustable-height kitchen units or adapted switches
- Room to manoeuvre mobility aids
But the physical space is only part of it. Finding a suitable home is often the real hurdle. Listings rarely describe access features in detail. Housing providers don’t always track which properties are suitable for wheelchair users. Some platforms now include better filters (like Homefinder UK), but the tech hasn’t caught up with demand.
How Social Workers Make a Difference: A Real-World Story
When George, a wheelchair user, found that his home no longer met his accessibility needs, his life and independence were severely limited. Despite previous adaptations by Social Services, he still struggled to access essential spaces like the kitchen and bathroom, and was unable to participate fully in family life. An independent occupational therapist assessed the situation and, working closely with George and his family, coordinated with equipment providers, architects, and builders to arrange further adaptations-including a through-floor lift, a wash-dry toilet, and a new wet room. These changes, alongside the provision of a powered wheelchair, dramatically improved George’s quality of life. He regained the ability to cook, care for himself, and play an active role as a husband and father. The ongoing involvement of the occupational therapist and support services meant that George and his family could plan even further improvements, giving them hope and control over their living situation once again.[Source]
Practical Help
Social workers do more than refer clients to housing lists. They help disabled people:
- Understand eligibility and complete housing applications
- Collect and submit medical evidence to strengthen bids
- Challenge delays or denials in adaptation services
- Work with occupational therapists to assess needs
- File complaints under the Equality Act or ADA when rights are overlooked
For many, the social worker is the only consistent point of contact across housing, health, and legal systems.
Social workers do more than refer clients to housing lists. They help disabled people:
“When I worked as a housing officer, I saw first-hand how often landlords hesitated to accept tenants who needed support. More than once, it was a social worker’s involvement—providing reassurance, care plans, or clear communication—that tipped the decision. Without that, many of those tenancies might never have started.”
— Duncan Edwards, former Housing and Homelessness Officer Gt. Yarmouth Borough Council
UK vs. USA: Support Systems Compared
| Feature | UK | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Main housing support | Disabled Facilities Grant, adult social care | Section 8, Section 811/202 |
| Assessment process | Local council OT assessment | PHA screening, medical documentation |
| Social worker role | Referrals, care planning, housing letters | Benefit support, housing advocacy |
| Legal protections | Equality Act 2010, Care Act 2014 | ADA, Fair Housing Act |
Training to Specialise in Accessible Housing Support
If you’re drawn to working alongside disabled people, particularly in housing and rights-based work, social work can be a solid career path.
Skills That Matter
- Listening without rushing
- Clear writing for reports and appeals
- Familiarity with housing systems and tenant rights
- Willingness to keep going even when the system stalls
What You’ll Study
Many MSW programs include coursework on:
- Disability rights and anti-discrimination law
- Housing systems and access schemes
- Navigating local government support
- Social justice and inclusive practice
The University of the Pacific’s online MSW is one example. Its curriculum includes clinical and community practice training, online MSW advanced standing programs with options to focus on housing and disability.
Other notable options include:
- University of Southern California (USC): MSW with a track on community and social change
- University of Birmingham (UK): CPD modules on disability social work
- King’s College London: Practice placements in housing support and adult social care
Global Glimpse: What Other Countries Are Doing
In Canada, the CMHC has piloted funding for co-designed accessible homes in rural areas. Australia’s NDIS allows participants to fund Specialist Disability Accommodation, giving more direct control over where and how people live.
These examples show that while systems vary, the core challenge remains: linking rights to real outcomes.
Barriers Still Facing Disabled Renters
- Listings often omit key accessibility details
- Delays for adaptations and repairs can stretch for years
- Private landlords may refuse reasonable changes, despite legal duties
- Too few trained professionals to help people through the system
But some tools are changing that. Accessible Space Inc. (US) and Habinteg Housing (UK) offer searchable listings with detailed access features. Apps and platforms are slowly adapting to real-world needs.
Looking for Help? Here’s Where to Start
- Disability Rights UK – www.disabilityrightsuk.org
- Center for Independent Living (US) – www.ilru.org
- National Council on Independent Living – www.ncil.org
- Homefinder UK – Search adapted social housing by region
- Shelter – Legal housing advice (UK)
Final Thoughts
Disabled people aren’t asking for special treatment—just homes they can live in safely. That should be standard. But right now, it’s far from guaranteed.
If you’re looking for support, a good social worker can be your ally through a complex system.
If you want to help create change, there’s training available—and people who need you.
