Homelessness and Disability at the Intersection: As Reflected in Narrative Life History Interviews with Homeless People with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

Abstract

Background and aims: The co-occurrence of homelessness and physical disability remains an underexplored area in both Hungarian and international research, particularly from the perspective of special education. This study aims to gain insight into the living conditions of homeless people with mobility impairment through their personal narratives, with the goal of exploring the interplay of these dual disadvantages.

Method: The research is based on eight narrative life history interviews conducted with mobility-impaired homeless men over the age of fifty in institutions in Budapest and Veszprém. The analysis was carried out along thematic groups that frequently appeared in the interviews.

Results: In half of the cases, mobility impairment preceded homelessness. In the interviewees’ narratives, the presence of disability plays a significant role in the experience of homelessness, particularly through the lack of access to adequate housing and disadvantages in the labour market. Experiences with the social care system were mixed: relationships with social workers were generally positive, while deficiencies were observed in healthcare and institutional structures. The presence or absence of social support and the self-perception of the interviewees proved decisive in the process of social isolation and future outlook.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that homelessness and physical disability are intersectionally linked: this is not merely a matter of cumulative disadvantages, but rather an interaction that results in different life trajectories and specific support needs. The study draws parallels between the approaches of life-history-centred social work and the perspectives of special education. The combinations of these two may offer an effective framework for the complex and individual support of homeless people with physical disabilities.

Keywords: homelessness, mobility impairment, person with a disability, narrative life history interview, social care system