Accessible and sustainable housing for persons with disabilities: Finland
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Persons with disabilities have been largely deinstitutionalised in Finland following Government resolutions in the 2010s. Today, most persons with disabilities live similarly to others without disabilities, in their own homes or rented apartments. About 400 persons with intellectual disabilities remain in institutions. However, many more live in housing units that provide varying levels of services. This situation is partly explained by Finland’s historical reliance on institutional housing policies and practices, as well as the continued lack of accessible housing and adequate community-based support for independent living, despite the existence of disability services. While housing units are generally physically accessible, the availability of individualised services and accessible information often remains insufficient. Article 18 of the new Disability Services Act (675/2023), which entered into force on 1 January 2025, establishes housing support for persons with disabilities as a subjective right, based on individual needs.
Source: Työväentutkimus Vuosikirja
Authors: Katsui, Hisayo, Valkama, Katja
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204016690