Abstract
As there is no case study with current status, measurements or description on the state of actual site of rural area only, the delivery of actual conditions about such an area is significantly limited. The purpose of this study is to pinpoint issues with housing conditions of low-income family with disabled members in the rural area. For such a purpose, 25 households of disabled people have been visited for interview, on-site research and survey, of which results are summed up in this paper as following: First, average monthly income of such family turned out to be KRW 480,000, most of which is from the government subsidy. High ratio of such families has resided in a house with average size of approximately 56m2 for about 24 years. Secondly the most needed maintenance work with top priority was for the toilet, and many of the interviewees expressed their discomfort about small size of their bathrooms and inconvenient facilities therein. Thirdly, most of such houses had too high thresholds that posed danger and inconvenience. Such thresholds had average height of 13cm, which can be considered as completely inconsiderate of disabled users. Fourth issue was that these people needed safety handle that will enable them to stand up or to be in the standing posture in the living room and bedroom where they spend most of their time. Fifthly, they wanted finishing materials with waterproof functionality as well as replacement of finishing materials and wallpaper which were too old and caused hygiene issues. As these issues represent, current housing for disabled people in the rural area turned out to be poor and risky space rather than the place where difficulty of individual situation can be resolved or their disability can be complemented. Thus it can be determined that now is the time to arrange the solutions for such housing difficulties and to establish customized housing plan to ensure safety and convenience.
