1. “Improvement of Housing and Relevant Habitat Environment Accessibility for Disabled People” Project idea is presented by Latvian state agency “Housing agency” Deputy head of Housing Development Department Iveta Pukite

2. s/a “Housing agency” Agency is supervised by Latvian Ministry of Economics & is established with an aim to implement common national housing policy Mission of agency is: To improve quality & accessibility of housing for Latvian residents

3. Today’s situation in Latvia Both residential & public buildings are not available for disabled people –Narrow doors –High steps –Only stairs, no elevators –No ramps Only since 2001 Latvian regulations defined what is environment accessibility.

4. Main project activities 1.To develop a strategy on improvement of habitat environment accessibility and to develop PR concept 2.To develop 2 Work Groups. –a) to assess the needs of disabled people & necessary works that have to be done to improve the situation and to prepare technical specification on it; –b) together with state and municipal representatives to prepare law recommendations that wouldn’t allow to build new houses without relevant facilities. 3.3 pilot objects (accommodation for the needs of disabled persons): 1) if it is a residential building; 2) if it is a municipal building; 3) if it is a public space (health centre, cinema, recreation centre) 4.To make an internet webpage as a help tool for disabled people

5. Expected outputs 1.Report on existing situation in country in the field of needs of disabled persons 2.Strategy on improvement of habitat environment accessibility 3.Technical specification of equipment for disabled people 4.Recommendations to change the Law that wouldn’t allow to build new houses without relevant facilities 5.3 types of houses are accommodated for the needs of disabled people 6.Web page for disabled people

6. Involved partners: –London Metropolitan University Priority: –Sustainable settlement structures Support area: –improvement of social conditions

7. We will be glad to cooperate in this project with everyone who has an interest & experience in solving problems alike! Thank you! Please contact us: snezana.horosiha@ma.gov.lv or iveta.pukite@ma.gov.lv