Access to Independence:
Finding safe and affordable housing is hard enough, but finding accessible housing is even harder. The National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.) understands the growing need for accessible and affordable housing for people with disabilities. N.O.D. offers accessible housing information and news for people with disabilities, housing officials, builders, and designers. Learn how N.O.D. is working to help people with disabilities turn an apartment or house into a home.
Proclaim Fair Housing Month - Sample resolution to promote fair housing in your community
N.O.D. Supports Accessible Housing - N.O.D. works with the International Code Council and the National Association of Home Builders
The Fair Housing Act - Regulates accessibility in multi-family homes.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act - Prohibits discrimination by housing providers
Visitable Homes, Visitable Communities - Visitability guidelines and benefits
Pittsburgh Visitability Briefing - Explanation of recent visitability legislation, with Q & A
Strategies for Accessibility and Visitability - Inexpensive and unobtrusive accessible design strategies
Fair Housing Act Design Manual - Guidance on design and construction of accessible housing
Annual Fair Housing Report Indicates Rise in Discrimination Complaints from People with Disabilities
Date: April 3, 2006
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Fair Housing Assistance Program, there was an eight percent rise in the number of housing discrimination complaints filed by persons with disabilities. Disability discrimination complaints made up 40 percent of the cases filed with HUD and its state and local partners in fiscal year 2005. 22 percent of cases involved housing providers who allegedly failed to provide a reasonable accommodation to a person with a disability.
Adapting Your Home To Maximize Mobility
Date: February 18, 2006
With the aging of America's population, the demand for accessible housing has increased. According to James E. Williams Jr., President and CEO of Easter Seals, there are "more than 54 million Americans living with disabilities, an aging population expected to reach 70 million by 2030, and baby boomers concerned about finding homes they can grow old in as an alternative to nursing homes and retirement communities". More and more, these baby boomers are seeking the help of architects and accessibility experts to remodel their homes to make them wheelchair accessible.
The Ramp Rethought - and Refined (Registration required)
Date: August 4, 2005
For homeowners with disabilities, accessibility features are important, but often these features are incorporated without regard to the existing architecture or surrounding landscaping. In this article from the Washington Post, a local universal design firm discusses ways to make homes accessible and maintain their aesthetic value at the same time.
United Cerebral Palsy Launches HomeAbility
Date: July 18, 2005
On July 18, 2005, United Cerebral Palsy announced the launch of HomeAbility, a new national home ownership initiative supported by Fannie Mae. HomeAbility is the first home ownership initiative to specifically address the needs of people with disabilities, only 7 percent of whom have made the dream of owning a home a reality.
Inclusive Design Benefits Everybody
Date: May 9, 2004
In this article from the Arizona Republic, 2003 Accessible America Award winner Phoenix is recognized as a leader in the "visitability" movement, which aims to make homes more accessible to people with disabilities. Arizona and Florida stand to benefit the most from visitability and inclusive-design standards, due to the influx of aging baby boomers who are reaching retirement age.
Community Partnership Program Members Recognize Fair Housing Month
Date: April 11, 2004
April 11, 2004 marks the 36th anniversary of enactment of the Fair Housing Act, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development honors this occasion by declaring April "Fair Housing Month". Several members of N.O.D.'s Community Partnership Program are holding Fair Housing events in their towns and cities in celebration of this occasion.
U.S. Conference of Mayors Survey Cites Mental Illness Among Leading Causes of Homelessness
Date: December 19, 2003
On December 18, 2003, the U.S. Conference of Mayors released its 2003 Hunger and Homelessness Survey, detailing the extent and causes of hunger and homelessness in twenty-five American cities. Eighteen of the cities surveyed cited mental illness and a lack of mental health services as leading causes of homelessness.
DRACH Calls For Inclusive Design in Federally-Assisted Housing
Date: November 19, 2003
The Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing is calling on you to approach your U.S. representatives to secure their cosponsorship of the Inclusive Home Design Act (H.R. 2353). This Act would require a basic level of architectural access for the 95 percent of Federally-assisted housing that is not covered by existing accessibility requirements. For more information, visit the coalition's web site at www.drach.org.
Builders Increasingly Responding to 'Aging in Place' Housing Issues
Date: November 17, 2003
Due to the growing number of Americans who wish to remain in their homes as they age, homebuilders and remodelers are beginning to incorporate design features that increase visitability of the home, including no-step entrances and extra maneuvering space in the floor plan to accommodate ease of mobility. Read about these and other modifications that are allowing senior citizens to maintain their independence as vibrant, contributing members of their communities.
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