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Affordable Housing for People with Disabilities: A National Priority on Housing Day in Canada

November 22nd is National Housing Day in Canada and a time to reflect on the importance of safe, affordable, and accessible housing for people with disabilities. For this part of society, it’s not just about affordability; it’s about accessibility, inclusivity, and the ability to live independently and with dignity.

According to Stats Can, people with disabilities make up approximately 22% of Canada’s population; that’s nearly 9 million people. They face unique and disproportionate barriers to finding housing that meets their needs. A significant issue is the limited availability of accessible housing, with much of the country’s housing stock failing to meet basic standards such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, and barrier-free designs. It bears repeating that universal design needs to be involved in everything we build.

Additionally, many individuals with disabilities rely on fixed incomes, such as disability benefits, which are often insufficient to cover the cost of living. The recent adoption of the new Canada Disability Benefit was a much-needed move by the federal government, however, most advocates feel that $200 a month does not do much to tackle the high rents that many Canadians face. To make matters worse, discrimination from landlords further restricts their options, as they are frequently perceived as a financial risk or as needing “too much” accommodation. It does not cost much to make things accessible.

Affordable, accessible housing promotes independence, fosters inclusion, and reduces long-term societal costs. When people with disabilities have access to housing that meets their needs, they can live independently and reduce reliance on other forms of support. This independence enhances their quality of life and enables them to fully participate in their communities, from seeking employment to engaging in social activities.

Moreover, providing accessible and affordable housing makes economic sense. More and more studies indicate that housing leads to lower healthcare costs, shorter hospitalizations, and lowered needs to access other health supports. Having a home has many benefits for overall mental health as well.

Addressing this issue requires commitment and action. Every level of government must increase funding for housing initiatives, prioritizing affordable and accessible options. Recently, the City of Richmond promoted a new affordable housing initiative with 80 units, 5% of which would be fully accessible. The sentiment is good, but the numbers related to accessibility are not. Why just 5% when at least 22% of Canadians identify with a disability? As a larger population lives longer, there will be even more need for accessible housing.

Programs like the National Housing Strategy are a step in the right direction, but more resources need to be allocated specifically for people with disabilities. Municipalities also play a critical role by enforcing stricter accessibility standards in building codes to ensure new developments are designed with inclusion in mind. Supportive housing models, which combine affordable living with access to healthcare and community services, are essential for individuals with complex needs.

This National Housing Day, it is crucial to recognize that affordable and accessible housing is not just a policy issue; it is a fundamental human right. Addressing the barriers faced by people with disabilities is a necessary step toward creating a more inclusive Canada—one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.