Currently, many Ontarians with disabilities live in poverty. This lack of resources limits the choices people can make about where to live. Alternatively, people may prioritize housing needs, but have limited access to other resources, such as food. As a result, AODA housing standards should require improvements to housing allowances and subsidies for Ontarians with disabilities.
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Best Practices for Supportive Housing
Our last article concluded that community-based supportive housing gives people with disabilities access to a high quality of life. When this housing is not available, people must often live in settings with unsuitable living conditions, such as nursing homes. In contrast, when people can freely choose the supports they need, they gain the freedom and independence to lead more productive lives and connect easily with others. As a result, AODA housing standards should require expansion of supportive housing in Ontario. In this article, we will explore best practices for supportive housing that AODA standards could one day develop into guidelines.
Accessible Community Housing
Currently, no AODA standards require houses and apartments to be accessible. However, the Third Review of the AODA recommends the creation of standards mandating accessibility in housing. These standards could start to reverse the current shortage of appropriate housing for people with disabilities within their communities. As a result of this shortage, many young people with disabilities now live in long-term care homes that captor to older adults. Requirements and guidelines in the AODA could mandate more accessible community housing, so that more people with disabilities could make positive housing choices.
Accessible Information in Housing
Currently, no AODA standards require houses and apartments to be accessible. However, the Third Review of the AODA recommends the creation of standards mandating accessibility in housing. In this article, we will outline the need for accessible information in housing.
Accessible Information in Housing
AODA housing standards should mandate that people with disabilities have access to the information they need to buy or rent housing. For instance, listings of houses to buy and apartments to rent should be available in accessible formats, such as:
Accessible Housing Maintenance
Currently, no AODA standards require houses and apartments to be accessible. However, the Third Review of the AODA recommends the creation of standards mandating accessibility in housing. In this article, we will outline the need for accessible housing maintenance. Once more homes include accessible features, those features should operate smoothly. Furthermore, tenants who rely on accessible items or spaces should know how to proceed if these features are not available.