Keisha Greaves is the founder of Girls Chronically Rock, an adaptive fashion consultant, and a self-advocate. In a new blog series, Keisha will share her story, as well as her perspective on key issues for the disability community. In this entry, Keisha writes about the challenges people with disabilities face when looking for housing.
Finding housing is never easy, but when you have a disability, it can feel like an impossible task. It’s not just about affordability (which is already a challenge), it’s about whether the home is actually livable. Will the building have an elevator? Will the doorways be wide enough for a wheelchair? Will the bathroom be accessible? Will the landlord even be willing to rent to someone with a disability?
I know these struggles firsthand. I’ve been through them, and I’ve seen too many others go through them as well. The housing system in this country is not designed for people with disabilities, and the effects of that are devastating. Let’s talk about why disabled people face extra barriers when trying to access housing, and what happens when those barriers go unaddressed.
My Personal Struggle with Housing as a Disabled Person
I’ll never forget the stress of trying to find accessible housing. When you have a disability, looking for a place to live isn’t as simple as scrolling through listings and choosing what looks nice. Every potential home must be evaluated in a way that most people never think about.
I remember searching for an apartment in Cambridge. I knew that, first and foremost, I needed an elevator if the unit wasn’t on the first floor. But even buildings that had elevators weren’t always accessible, some had stairs leading to the entrance, or doors that were too heavy for me to open.Then there was the issue of space. Some apartments had doorways that were too narrow for my wheelchair, kitchens that I wouldn’t be able to navigate, or bathrooms that were completely inaccessible. It was exhausting to keep finding places that seemed great online, only to realize they wouldn’t work for me.
And let’s not forget landlords. Some were hesitant the moment they found out I had a disability. They wouldn’t outright say they didn’t want to rent to me, but they’d make excuses, stop responding, or suddenly say the unit was “no longer available.” It was frustrating and disheartening. At one point, I found an apartment that was almost perfect: good location, accessible entry, a decent layout. But then, when I asked about accommodations, the landlord refused to install grab bars in the bathroom, claiming it would “damage the walls.” I tried explaining that reasonable accommodations are a legal right under the Fair Housing Act, but he wasn’t willing to budge.
The whole process was draining. It felt like the world was telling me, over and over, that housing just wasn’t made for people like me.
Why Disabled People Face Extra Barriers in Housing
My experience isn’t unique. Millions of disabled people face these same struggles every day. But why is it so hard?
1. The Lack of Accessible Housing
One of the biggest problems is that there simply isn’t enough accessible housing available. Most housing, especially older buildings, was never designed with disabled people in mind.
- Many apartment buildings don’t have elevators.
- Most homes have narrow doorways, stairs, and inaccessible bathrooms.
- Even so-called “accessible” apartments often lack crucial features like roll-in showers, lowered countertops, or accessible kitchen layouts.
A report by the Urban Institute found that only 6% of housing units in the U.S. are wheelchair accessible. That’s shockingly low. When the supply is that limited, disabled people are left competing for a tiny fraction of the housing market.
2. Affordability Issues
Housing is expensive for everyone, but for disabled people, it’s even worse.
Many disabled people rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which barely covers basic living expenses, let alone rent. The average monthly SSI payment is around $943 in 2024, nowhere near enough to afford a market-rate apartment in most cities. And let’s talk about accessible housing costs. If a disabled person needs modifications, they often must pay out of pocket unless they qualify for specific grants or programs. Some landlords refuse to allow modifications altogether.
3. Discrimination from Landlords
Even though the Fair Housing Act legally protects disabled people from discrimination, it still happens all the time.
- Some landlords are unwilling to make reasonable accommodations, like allowing service animals or installing grab bars.
- Others assume disabled tenants will be “too much work” or “too expensive” to accommodate, so they avoid renting to them.
- Some properties have inaccessible application processes, requiring in-person visits or paperwork that isn’t available in accessible formats.
Discrimination can be subtle, but it’s very real, and it makes an already difficult housing search even harder.
4. Housing Assistance Programs are Hard to Access
There are programs to help disabled people find housing, but they’re often difficult to navigate.
- Section 8 Housing Vouchers can help cover rent, but waitlists are years long in many places.
- Public housing is often inaccessible or located in areas that lack accessible public transportation.
- State and local assistance programs vary widely, and many have strict eligibility requirements that leave people stuck in limbo.
Even when assistance is available, the process of applying, getting approved, and actually finding a place can take years.
The Effects of the Lack of Accessible Housing
When disabled people can’t access safe, affordable, and accessible housing, the consequences are severe.
1. Forced Institutionalization
Without accessible housing options, some disabled people end up in nursing homes or institutions, not because they need to be there, but because they have nowhere else to go. This is heartbreaking. Many disabled people are fully capable of living independently with the right supports, but the lack of housing forces them into settings that strip away their autonomy.
2. Homelessness
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, disabled people are significantly more likely to experience homelessness. Some end up in shelters that aren’t even accessible, forcing them onto the streets. A lack of stable housing can also lead to worse health outcomes. Without a safe place to live, disabled people may struggle to get the care they need, worsening their conditions over time.
3. Isolation and Limited Opportunities
When disabled people do find housing, it’s often in areas that aren’t well-connected to public transportation, jobs, or social opportunities. Being isolated can lead to depression, loneliness, and a lower quality of life. It also limits employment options, making financial independence even harder to achieve.
What Needs to Change?
Housing should be a human right, not a privilege. Here’s what we need to do to fix this crisis:
1. Increase the Supply of Accessible Housing
Developers need to build more truly accessible housing units, not just meet the bare minimum requirements. Incentives for accessible housing construction could help encourage this.
2. Strengthen and Enforce Housing Laws
The Fair Housing Act needs stronger enforcement. Landlords who discriminate should face real consequences. More oversight is needed to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
3. Expand Financial Assistance
SSI, SSDI, and housing assistance programs need to be updated to reflect modern rent costs. Rent subsidies and grants for accessibility modifications should be more widely available.
4. Make Housing Assistance Easier to Access
The application process for Section 8 and other programs should be streamlined. Bureaucratic red tape prevents many people from getting the help they need.
5. Increase Awareness and Advocacy
We need more public awareness about this issue. More disabled voices need to be included in housing policy discussions. Change won’t happen unless we demand it.
Final Thoughts: Housing Is About Dignity
Nobody should have to fight this hard just to find a place to live. Housing isn’t just about having a roof over your head, it’s about safety, independence, and dignity. I’ve been through the struggle, and I know I’m not alone. It’s time for a change. The more we talk about these issues, the more pressure we can put on policymakers, developers, and landlords to do better. If you’re in a position to help, whether that’s by advocating, donating to housing organizations, or simply raising awareness, please do. Because accessible, affordable housing isn’t just a dream. It’s a right.