Aarhus to invest EUR 3.1 million in housing for adults with disabilities

Adults with disabilities currently live in poor conditions that hinder their development

This autumn, the city council in Aarhus is expected to negotiate the budget for the upcoming 2022-2025 period. On Monday 5 July, the Danish municipality reported that when negotiations take place, money must be set aside and reserved to improve the quality of life for adults with disabilities. More specifically, housing conditions must be upgraded to ensure that all residents have access to the services and amenities they require.

Poor living conditions

Currently, adults with disabilities in Aarhus face numerous challenges as accommodations have poor ventilation, unsuitable lighting, and small common areas, among others. Social Affairs and Employment Councillor Kristian Würtz discussed the need for better housing:

“Today, several Aarhusians with disabilities live in outdated, dilapidated homes that do not have their own toilet, bathroom, or kitchen. That, of course, is not how it should be. That is why the city council needs to think of ways around the challenges in the area of disability when it comes to ensuring a quality boost in this area during the autumn budget negotiations.”

Over EUR 3 million for renovations

It is estimated that approximately DKK 23.1 million (over EUR 3.1 million) will be set aside to modernise accommodation in Hvilstedhus, Skovlund, Tranbjerg Bocenter and Snåstrup Vestergård. First, the Social Conditions and Employment administration seeks to employ more professionally trained staff in the aforementioned houses.

Taking this further, up-to-date facilities must be installed to improve the quality of life for residents. According to Würtz, upgrading the physical environment will benefit the inhabitants’ wellbeing, development, and health in numerous ways. For instance, better facilities will allow residents to undertake everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning. In turn, this will inevitably contribute to a heightened sense of independence.

Therefore, by modernising and renovating accommodation for adults with disabilities, the city improves their lives by not only upgrading their environment but also contributing to their overall development and wellbeing.