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Caring for a person with a disability requires commitment, focus, and compassion. If you have a family member with a disability, moving to a new location with a refreshing ambiance is an excellent option. To find a safe environment suitable for persons with disabilities (PWD), start by considering the type of house that will provide the most comfort for them. PWDs need specific home features to help them live comfortably and do their daily routines easily, and it would be easier to incorporate such features into the house.
If you plan on investing in a new home, it is better to choose spacious houses such as bungalows, single-detached houses, semi-detached houses, and mansions. It is also important to consider having an outdoor space where the PWD can safely do outdoor activities. If Metro Manila is among your top options for residential locations due to its specialized healthcare institutions, here is a listing of spacious houses and lots for sale in Metro Manila.
Disabled-Friendly Home Features
Choosing a spacious home is important for you to design it according to the needs of your PWD family member. Spacious homes allow property seekers to include various features tailored to the needs of the residents. If you have already set your eye on a residential property and are planning the interior for your home that suits PWDs, here are some home features you should include to create a more comfortable environment for PWDs:
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Lever Handle Door Locks
When installing door locks, it is better to choose lever handles instead of doorknobs as lever handles are easier to grab, especially for the PWD. Lever handles are easier to operate, especially for people with dexterity or sight problems.
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Wide Doorways
When deciding on doors, it is important to consider the size of the crane, wheelchair, or any mobility aid equipment. Allotting extra space for the equipment will allow the PWD to easily maneuver, preventing accidents from occurring.
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Wide Pathways with Gentle Slope
Wide pathways are important for PWDs who need mobility and equipment as it will be easier for them to go to the outdoor area without needing assistance. Like other people, PWDs need to have their personal space, making it imperative to design a home that will allow them to move freely with little to no assistance.
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Expansive Windows
Expansive windows are suitable for the deaf and mute as they mostly rely on visuals. Having expansive windows will allow them to easily view the outdoor area, helping them notice any visitors and see emergency situations.
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Custom Security Features
Besides the standard security features, there are visual-reliant security features for the deaf and mute and audio-reliant for the blind. Investing in a custom security feature will allow the PWD to act quickly in case of an emergency.
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Bar Handles
Bar handles are essential for PWDs with mobility problems. These can act as support, especially on slippery areas in the house, such as the bathroom.
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Open Spaces
When deciding on the placement of furniture sets, it is imperative to prioritize open spaces. Having various open spaces and paths with less obstruction will encourage PWDs to do their routines independently. Having more open spaces will prevent accidents from occurring, allowing PWDs to move around the house confidently and do their daily routine.
When creating a disabled-friendly home, focus on comfort and functionality to make it easier to assess what disabled-friendly home features you still need to add to create the optimal environment for your PWD loved one.
Can PWDs Own a Home in the Philippines?
PWDs with regular income from regular employment or self-employment have access to banking loans and Pag-IBIG housing loans. PWDs only need to submit the requirements, such as proof of income, to qualify for a housing loan.
People with a mental disability such as mental retardation are also qualified to avail of housing loans and acquire properties. In the case of People vs. Espinosa G.R. No. 212201 dated June 28, 2017, the court explained that people suffering from mental retardation must be differentiated from mentally incapacitated people. Most mentally-retared people are not deprived of reasoning and are only suffering from having a younger mental age, thus making them capable of giving consent based on their mental age. In such cases, mentally-retarded people can be represented by their legal guardians, similar to minors.
To promote PWD inclusion, PWDs enjoy privileges such as tax exemptions and discounts on goods and services. In the real estate sector, PWDs benefit from a 5% discount on property taxes, making it easier for them to pay property taxes and encouraging them to acquire more properties based on their financial capabilities. PWDs may avail of the said privileges by acquiring a PWD card.
Why PWD Inclusion is Important in the Real Estate Sector
According to Philippine Statistics Authority’s latest census, among the 92.1 million households, 1.57% are PWDs, making them a significant contributor to the real estate market. Along with technological advancement is the call of PWD rights groups for more disabled-friendly houses and buildings. In data by United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), 15 out of 50 people encountered a day are PWDs or senior citizens, making it important to install disabled-friendly features to improve PWD’s mobility. UAP also revealed that various buildings only have 20% to 60% compliance with the Magna Carta for Disabled.
As the country progresses, many institutions and developers have taken the initiative to promote PWD inclusion, especially in the real estate sector, which is why it is important that property seekers are also aware of the measures they can take to create a comfortable environment for PWDs. Various PWD-friendly hotels and leisure facilities that have emerged also received positive reviews, attracting more customers and investors. With all the PWD programs created by government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment, more and more PWDs are becoming encouraged to participate in various sectors such as the real estate industry, making it important to promote their inclusion, especially in property acquisition.
2023 PWD Programs
For 2023, the Quezon City local government seeks to include 8,000 PWD residents in its subsidy program. Under the Disability Social Welfare Assistance Program, PWD QC residents will get quarterly financial assistance of PhP 1,500. To be eligible for this, the PWD resident must not be receiving any financial assistance from other government programs like the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), and Pantawid Pamilya Program. If you want to live in a city that advocates inclusivity, you can check out the houses and lots for sale in Quezon City.
