According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 61 million adults in the U.S. have a disability. Unfortunately, people with physical disabilities face numerous barriers to adequate housing. For this growing segment of the population, accessible homes are crucial for quality of life. Without a fully accessible home, a person with limited mobility may be unable to access essential rooms, such as the bathroom and kitchen, or leave the home without assistance from others. This lack of access prevents individuals from living independently.

A 2015 HUD report revealed that less than 1% of U.S. homes are wheelchair accessible, and even fewer are both affordable and accessible. In Maryland, almost 25% of individuals with mobility impairments (37,400 persons) live in poverty, severely limiting their housing options. Although they may qualify for affordable housing programs, the demand for accessible units far exceeds the supply. Furthermore, housing providers are legally required to provide “reasonable accommodations,” but these modifications are typically made at the resident’s expense, making them unaffordable for most.

The lack of affordable, accessible homes has serious consequences for people with physical disabilities, including homelessness, deterioration of physical and mental health, and isolation from their communities. The Affordable Accessible Housing Now! campaign aims to increase public awareness of the housing crisis facing individuals with physical disabilities and amplify the voices of those who need, but do not have access to, accessible homes.