What is Subsidized Housing?

People with disabilities, just like everybody else, have the right to decide where to live and with whom. This, of course, does not mean that the government would buy flats or houses for each people who are making the transition to Subsidized Housing. It means that while institutions are transformed the state administration also takes into consideration the needs and preferences of service users. The administration is aware of its responsibility that it must offer assistance to persons with disabilities to live on an equal basis and to ensure the required amount of support, not more, not less.

Subsidized Housing (SH) means a flat or a house where people with disabilities may live an ordinary life. These flats or houses cannot be segregated blocks and must be easily accessible by public transportation. These flats or houses will not be owned by people with disabilities; they will live at such facilities for a fee. Residents get to decide with whom they wish to share their room, and, depending on their level of independence, they can decide on everyday matters in other areas as well. Professionals provide the required support for them in all the above areas. It is important that these houses and flats fit into the local environment and that they are sustainable and economical to maintain.

The goal of deinstitutionalisation is to ensure the highest possible level of independent living for people with disabilities, so that they could lead a life like anybody else with the assistance required by them. We should not decide instead of them, we should support them in making their own decisions over their lives. Their inclusion in the local community and being accepted by its members are further desirable goals.