By Andrew Lange
Disability-inclusive housing policy depends on reliable data to identify who needs support, what barriers they face, and whether affordable housing programs are reaching them. This Center for Inclusive Policy (CIP) forum examines the role of governments in providing accessible and affordable housing, as well as how eligibility criteria can include—or discriminate against—people with different types of disabilities.
How Is Disability Defined for Housing Eligibility?
The discussion began with clarifying how people are identified as having a disability and if they need to already be participating in social protection programs to be eligible. In the U.S., this is determined by a medical professional though anyone with a mobility, vision or hearing disability can qualify.
Why Do Housing Quotas Need to Be Fully Inclusive?
Two commenters, Daniel Mont and Esma Gumberidze, emphasized the issue of discrimination by excluding people with intellectual, psychosocial or other cognitive disabilities. Esma shared that everyone with a disability should be entitled to housing quotas, if such quotas exist in the country. Public housing programs should be in place and further, once excluding any group of persons with disabilities out of the quota system because of their type of disability is discrimination — a core principle for any disability-inclusive housing policy.
Similar to inclusion efforts in other sectors, discrimination of people with disabilities must be addressed in housing and special consideration should be given for intersectional discrimination, especially women and single mothers with disabilities, who are especially vulnerable.
What Role Should Data Play Going Forward?
Unfortunately, there was no discussion with regard to the role of data. Though this is certainly an area where high quality data can and should inform public policy, to ensure appropriate programs are in place and inclusive of all who need them, including those with cognitive disabilities.
