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Citing a significant shortage of suitable options, national officials and an advocacy group have called for a major expansion of housing designed for independent living for disabled people.
A new call for projects titled 'independent living for disabled people' was launched on Monday at a conference in Luxembourg City, aiming to increase the supply of dedicated housing. The initiative was presented by Minister for Family Affairs Max Hahn and Minister of Housing Claude Meisch.
The need for such measures was underscored by Christine Zimmer, director of Info-Handicap, who highlighted that nearly 15% of Luxembourg's population is disabled. She pointed to societal barriers – such as the prevalence of stairs over ramps, narrow doors, and prohibitively expensive housing – that complicate daily life for these individuals.
Zimmer stressed an urgent need for more versatile housing solutions. "Whether it's small inclusive flatshares, mixed housing models, or secure independent living, we truly need housing where disabled people can live autonomously and self-determinedly, while still being able to receive the necessary support", she stated. She emphasised that such arrangements offer greater privacy and personal choice, adding: "They can decide for themselves whether they need help or not. That is really the ultimate goal: for everyone to be able to live as they wish."
Minister Meisch affirmed the government's commitment, noting that budgetary means and subsidy options are available to support the initiative. The goal, he said, is to use these instruments "so that these individuals can live as independently as possible, participate in social life… and… achieve what is part of adult life for everyone: having one's own home, independence, and autonomy."
The call for projects is directed at social developers and landlords responsible for creating affordable housing and supporting residents. A workshop for interested parties will be held on 9 December to provide further details.
