Frustration, despair - these feelings, shared by many disabled individuals, are not born out of inevitable circumstances but from inadequate and inappropriate housing provisions. I am one person among vast numbers who are struggling. I use a wheelchair. Living in a flat above the ground floor, I often find myself trapped, unable to exit the building when the lift is not working. This is not only an inconvenience but also a hazard to my safety and infringes on my basic human rights.

It is of critical importance to underpin that many disabled-adapted flats are not accommodating the needs of disabled individuals who live above the ground floor. It's a silent crisis of accessibility. According to the Equality Act 2010, reasonable adjustments must be made to buildings to prevent disabled individuals from being at a disadvantage (source: UK Government). Yet, many building operators neglect this.

Therefore, it is urgent to demand the authorities to enhance inspection and enforcement of the existing laws which ensure dwellings for disabled people are above and beyond minimum standards. The goal is not only to comply with the law but indeed to promote a fulfilling life for every disabled person.

A place to live shouldn’t become a field for daily battle. With your endorsement, we can make our voices be heard, we can aid authorities to understand the urgency of our condition and improve the living circumstances of disabled individuals like me. Please, sign this petition, and champion the rights of disabled people to accessible housing.