Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons have jointly launched a new housing design guide specifically developed to support individuals living with cognitive and sensory impairments.

The publication, titled 'Designing Homes for All', serves as a comprehensive reference manual for architects, builders, developers, and healthcare professionals. It offers practical design solutions applicable to both new-build properties and the retrofitting of older homes, with the goal of creating living spaces that are easier to understand, navigate, and use.

Speaking at the launch event, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised how the guide expands on previous accessibility standards that focused primarily on physical mobility.

Minister Nesbitt said: "A well-designed living space can be transformative for individuals with cognitive impairments and for their families and carers. I am pleased that this guide builds on previous work which focused on accessibility for those with mobility issues and physical impairment, recognising the need to design safe and healthy homes for people with a range of cognitive impairments.

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"Personalisation is central to the inclusive design process and involving people with disabilities and their families at an early stage can deliver significant benefits. I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact and improved quality of life home adaptations provide, supporting people to live comfortably with dignity and independence for longer. This guide shows how effective cross-departmental collaboration can help to achieve better outcomes for those who need our services."

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons highlighted the fundamental link between high-quality housing and long-term health and wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Minister Lyons stated: "A well-designed home is more than bricks and mortar. It underpins independence, health and wellbeing and makes a vital contribution to quality of life. It is integral to supporting and empowering people with cognitive and sensory impairments, allowing them to live with dignity and autonomy for longer.

"As Minister with responsibility for housing, I am focused on ensuring that everyone in Northern Ireland has access to a good quality, affordable, secure and sustainable home that meets their needs within a thriving community. The launch of the 'Designing Homes for All' guide is another important step towards this goal. It also clearly shows what can be achieved when Departments work together with a shared focus on improving people's lives."

The guide is also intended as a resource for individuals with disabilities and their families who are planning home adaptations.

'Designing Homes for All: An inclusive design guide to support people living with cognitive and sensory impairment' is now publicly available and can be accessed online via the Department of Health website at www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/allied-health-professions.