Housing

Housing needs of persons with disabilities have historically been overlooked and ignored. For instance, current Medicaid regulations guarantee a person with a disability the right to live in a nursing home, but do not guarantee the right to live in the community. The Community Choice Act would change these regulations to allow elderly persons and persons with disabilities a real choice to live either in the community and receive attendant care or in a nursing home. However, whether or not this bill passes, persons with disabilities need affordable and accessible housing in which to live.

Currently, the laws that exist to ensure accessible housing for persons with disabilities are being violated. Simply, there is not enough accessible housing. This means we must advocate for the housing rights of persons with disabilities and make sure that legislation like Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Fair Housing Act are enforced. We must also educate the public that real, accessible housing is in community settings and not in nursing homes. According to the policies of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), they view nursing homes as real housing. We need to help them think otherwise.

The bottom line of this issue is: persons with disabilities who have low income are legally entitled access to any public housing which is also accessible to non-disabled persons. The housing rights of persons with disabilities have been overlooked and ignored for too long. By learning more about Section 504 and the Fair Housing Act and supporting the Community Choice Act you can be part of the systematic change to accomplish the goal of accessible public housing.

If you need any further information call Liberty Resources at 215-634-2000 and ask to speak to a Housing Specialist.