NI Health and Communities Ministers launch ‘Designing Homes for All’ guide
Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons have launched a new housing design guide to support people living with sensory and cognitive impairments.
The joint ‘Designing Homes for All’ guide aims to provide a reference for anyone involved in home design and construction to help improve accessibility and usability for people of all ages and abilities.
Speaking at the launch event, Minister Nesbitt says the guide promotes an inclusive approach to the building and adaptation of homes across Northern Ireland.
Minister Nesbitt said: “A well-designed living space can be transformative for individuals with cognitive impairments and for their families and carers. I am pleased that this guide builds on previous work which focused on accessibility for those with mobility issues and physical impairment, recognising the need to design safe and healthy homes for people with a range of cognitive impairments.
“Personalisation is central to the inclusive design process and involving people with disabilities and their families at an early stage can deliver significant benefits. I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact and improved quality of life home adaptations provide, supporting people to live comfortably with dignity and independence for longer.
“This guide shows how effective cross-departmental collaboration can help to achieve better outcomes for those who need our services.”
Also speaking at the launch, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “A well-designed home is more than bricks and mortar. It underpins independence, health and wellbeing and makes a vital contribution to quality of life. It is integral to supporting and empowering people with cognitive and sensory impairments, allowing them to live with dignity and autonomy for longer.
“As Minister with responsibility for housing, I am focused on ensuring that everyone in Northern Ireland has access to a good quality, affordable, secure and sustainable home that meets their needs within a thriving community.
“The launch of the ‘Designing Homes for All’ guide is another important step towards this goal. It also clearly shows what can be achieved when Departments work together with a shared focus on improving people’s lives.”
The guide is aimed at a wide range of stakeholders involved in the development, design and construction of homes, as well as medical professionals and people with disabilities and their families who are considering making changes to their home. The guide also applies to diverse dwelling types, old and new, offering practical design solutions for creating homes that are easily understood and navigated by people with a range of needs.
‘Designing Homes for All: An inclusive design guide to support people living with cognitive and sensory impairment’ can be accessed at www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/allied-health-professions.
This article first appeared on 9th June 2026 at https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/health-and-communities-ministers-launch-designing-homes-all-guide