Research Findings: Supporting People with Learning Disabilities in Housing
Access to good quality, affordable housing is essential for the wellbeing of people with learning disabilities. However, those with mild to moderate learning disabilities often face challenges in accessing the support they need to secure and maintain independent tenancies.
We’re excited to share the findings from Housing for People with Learning Disabilities: Renting Your Own Place—a groundbreaking research project that highlights how people with little or no statutory support can be better supported in social housing and the private rented sector.
Key Insights:
- Why this matters: Where we live has a profound impact on our quality of life. For those with learning disabilities, housing stability can mean the difference between thriving and struggling.
- The gap in support: Many individuals with mild to moderate learning disabilities fall outside the scope of the Care Act 2014, leaving them vulnerable in accessing housing and social care.
- A way forward: This research outlines practical solutions to improve access and support, empowering individuals to live independently in their communities.
About the project
Funded by the National Institute for Health Research, School of Social Care Research, this research was led by the University of York and the University of Bristol in collaboration with:
- National membership group Learning Disability England
- Community artist Stephen Lee Hodgkins
- Housing provider Riverside
- Housing experts at the Housing LIN
- Self-advocacy groups like York People First and My Life, My Choice
Explore the research
The findings include a range of resources—academic articles, blogs, webinars, and interviews—that share actionable insights for housing providers, policymakers and advocates.
For more information on improving housing choice and supply, visit our housing and learning disabilties webpage.