The lack of access to housing for people with disabilities continues to be a reality throughout Catalonia. In municipalities like Girona, local associations denounce that the right to a dignified home, legally recognized, is not guaranteed in practice. The situation is aggravated in the case of those who depend on non-contributory pensions or need legal support to access a rental.
Multiple discrimination and barriers in access to rental
People with disabilities face added obstacles in finding housing. Not only do they face a shortage of adapted apartments and long waiting lists throughout the community, but they also suffer discrimination for economic and social reasons. The stigma towards psychosocial disability remains a determining factor. Even with financial resources, the existence of legal support measures can lead to landlords directly refusing to formalize a rental contract.
Multiple discrimination in housing access especially affects those who need specific support. The lack of territorial equity is evident, with notable differences between regions and cities.
Insufficient resources and lack of community alternatives
The inclusion housing, as it is currently planned, does not cover the real demand. These are temporary resources, with limited places and subject to administrative criteria that leave many people out. Associations warn that dependence is not generated by disability, but by the absence of adequate support in normalized environments.
In Catalonia, the offer of community resources is practically nonexistent. While progress is being made in deinstitutionalization, not enough alternatives are being created that allow people with disabilities to decide where and with whom to live, as recognized by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Positive results in Girona and associative commitment
In Girona, some supported housing initiatives, rooted in the territory and focused on the person, have managed to reduce hospital admissions by up to 88% and improve the quality of life, autonomy, and stability of users. This data demonstrates the positive impact of projects that prioritize independent living and personalized support.
"We defend independent living and from the Hotel d'Entitats – CCC Rutlla we will continue working in favor of people with disabilities, especially people with psychosocial disabilities" - Spokesperson for the association
The principle of equal rights continues to be violated in Catalonia. Social entities insist that talking about independent living does not mean living alone or without support, but being able to decide how and with whom to live, with the necessary resources.