Housing help for people with disabilities who need accessibility features

Content

• Why accessibility features matter for safety and independence
• Start with a clear accessibility plan
• Know the difference between reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications
• If you rent: how to request accessibility changes
• If you own: planning accessibility upgrades that last
• Programs that may help pay for accessible housing or home modifications
• How to look for accessible housing (without getting overwhelmed)
• Safety flags and when to act quickly
• FAQ
• References

Why accessibility features matter for safety and independence

If you are managing a disability, chronic condition, or age-related mobility changes, your home is not just where you live. It is part of your daily health and safety plan.

Small barriers can become big risks. A single step at the entrance, a narrow bathroom doorway, poor lighting, or a slippery tub can make everyday tasks harder and can increase the chance of falls or injuries.

Accessibility features are not “extras.” They are often the difference between:

• Getting in and out of your home safely
• Bathing and using the toilet with privacy and stability
• Moving through hallways with a cane, walker, or wheelchair
• Staying independent longer, with less strain on caregivers

Examples of common accessibility features

Every person’s needs are different. These are some of the most common features people ask about when seeking accessible housing or home modifications:

• Step-free entrance or ramp
• Handrails on both sides of stairs
• Improved lighting, especially between bedroom and bathroom
• Grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub area
• Non-slip flooring or shower surfaces
• A shower chair, handheld shower head, or curbless shower entry
• Lever-style door handles and faucet handles
• Wider doorways or offset hinges (to make openings wider)
• Lower thresholds at doorways
• Accessible parking or a closer parking space
• A first-floor bedroom and bathroom, or a unit with elevator access

Start with a clear accessibility plan

When you are looking for housing help, it is easy to feel like you need to solve everything at once. A practical way to start is to focus on what you need to be safe today, and what you may need in the next 6 to 24 months.

A simple way to define your needs

Think in three levels:

• Must-haves: What you need to safely enter, exit, bathe, toilet, sleep, and cook.
• Strong preferences: What reduces risk and fatigue (for example, fewer stairs, better lighting, or a walk-in shower).
• Nice-to-haves: What improves comfort or convenience but is not required for safety.

Consider a home safety review

If falls, dizziness, weakness, or balance issues are part of your health picture, ask your clinician whether a home safety check makes sense for you. In some situations, a clinician may recommend a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or other professional who can help identify practical changes that reduce risk and improve function at home.

A room-by-room checklist can also help you notice hazards you might otherwise miss (for example, loose rugs, cords across pathways, dim lighting, or missing handrails).

Know the difference between reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications

If you rent, or if you live in housing with building rules, two terms matter a lot:

Reasonable accommodations

A reasonable accommodation is usually a change to a rule, policy, practice, or service so a person with a disability can use and enjoy a home.

Examples can include:

• A reserved parking space closer to your entrance
• Permission to have an assistance animal when a building has a “no pets” policy
• A different way to communicate (large print, email instead of phone calls, extra time to complete forms)
• A transfer to a more accessible unit when one is available
• Adjusted maintenance scheduling if you need a caregiver present

Reasonable modifications

A reasonable modification is usually a physical change to the living space or common areas.

Examples can include:

• Installing grab bars
• Adding a ramp
• Lowering a peephole
• Widening a doorway
• Adjusting cabinets or countertops for wheelchair access

Why this difference matters

When you know which type of request you are making, it becomes easier to:

• Explain what you need
• Provide the right supporting information
• Clarify who is responsible for what
• Keep the conversation focused on access and safety

If you rent: how to request accessibility changes

If you are requesting accessibility features in a rental, the goal is to be clear, specific, and organized.

Step 1: Write down what you are asking for

Put your request in writing whenever possible. Include:

• What you are requesting (accommodation or modification)
• Why it is related to your disability or medical needs
• When you need it (especially if safety is a concern)
• How you can be contacted

You usually do not need to share your full medical history. A landlord may ask for reliable information showing the request is disability-related if the need is not obvious, but you can often provide a simple clinician note or documentation that supports the need without disclosing sensitive details.

Step 2: Be specific about the outcome you need

Try to describe the safety or access goal, not only the product.

For example:

• “I need a stable way to transfer in and out of the shower”
• “I need step-free entry to use my walker safely”
• “I need a door opening wide enough for my mobility device”

This helps if there is more than one way to solve the problem.

Step 3: Plan for installation and safety

For physical changes, it helps to think ahead:

• Who will do the work (maintenance staff, licensed contractor, etc.)
• Whether permits are required
• Whether the change affects common areas
• How quickly the change is needed

Step 4: Keep a paper trail

Save:

• Your written request
• Emails, letters, and notes from phone calls
• Photos of the barrier (if helpful)
• Estimates, receipts, and work plans (for modifications)

If a dispute happens later, good documentation protects you.

If you own: planning accessibility upgrades that last

If you own your home, you often have more flexibility with renovations, but funding and planning can be complex.

Start with the highest-impact safety areas

For many people, these areas tend to offer the biggest safety return:

• Entry and exit (steps, railings, ramps, thresholds)
• Bathroom safety (grab bars, shower access, flooring)
• Lighting and pathways (especially at night)
• Bedroom-to-bathroom route
• Kitchen reach and storage

Aim for changes that support future needs

Even if you do not use a wheelchair now, changes like better lighting, sturdy railings, non-slip surfaces, and step-free routes often support independence as needs change.

Programs that may help pay for accessible housing or home modifications

Funding sources vary widely based on where you live, income, age, disability type, veteran status, and whether you rent or own. These options are commonly used pathways to accessible housing help.

HUD housing assistance and disability-related support

Housing programs supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may help you afford rental housing and may also include disability-related rights and requirements.

Depending on your situation, programs may include:

• Housing Choice Vouchers (often called “Section 8”) through local public housing agencies
• Multifamily programs that include supportive housing pathways for people with disabilities, including Section 811-related programs

If you are applying to housing programs, you can also ask for accommodations in the application process itself (for example, help with forms, accessible communication, or additional time).

Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

Medicaid HCBS programs are designed to help eligible people receive services in their homes and communities, rather than in institutions.

Coverage differs by state and by waiver or program. Some HCBS programs include services described as environmental accessibility adaptations or environmental modifications, which may include home modifications. Because this varies, it helps to ask your state Medicaid office or a local benefits navigator:

• Whether home modifications are covered under your specific program
• What documentation is required
• Whether there are cost caps or approved contractor rules
• Whether there is a waiting list

VA adapted housing grants for eligible veterans

If you are a veteran with certain service-connected disabilities, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers housing grants that may help you modify a home for accessibility or help you purchase or build a more accessible home.

The VA process includes eligibility rules and specific application steps. If you think you may qualify, it is worth exploring early because documentation and processing can take time.

USDA repair loans and grants for rural homeowners

If you live in an eligible rural area and meet program requirements, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers repair loans and grants that can be used to improve, repair, or modernize a home. In some cases, this can include accessibility-related repairs or updates that address health and safety needs.

Tax considerations for accessibility improvements

In some situations, home improvements made for medical reasons may be treated as medical expenses for tax purposes. The rules can be detailed, and not every modification qualifies.

If you are considering a major accessibility project, it may help to:

• Keep itemized receipts and contractor documentation
• Keep a clinician note explaining the medical necessity
• Ask a qualified tax professional how the rules apply to your situation

How to look for accessible housing without getting overwhelmed

If you are searching for wheelchair accessible housing or safer housing as your needs change, the volume of listings can feel unmanageable. A structured approach helps.

Use a “top 5” accessibility checklist for every option

For each home or unit you consider, check these basics first:

• Can you enter and exit safely (step-free route or manageable steps with railings)?
• Can you reach the bathroom safely, including at night?
• Can you bathe with stability (shower access, space, and support)?
• Are the main pathways clear and wide enough for your device?
• Are there major trip hazards (loose rugs, cluttered walkways, poor lighting)?

If a place fails on a must-have, you can often move on quickly and save your energy for better options.

Ask targeted questions early

If you are touring or calling ahead, simple questions can prevent wasted trips:

• Is there step-free entry from the street or parking area?
• Is there an elevator if the unit is not on the ground floor?
• Can grab bars be installed if needed?
• What is the width of the narrowest doorway on the main living level?
• Is there an accessible parking option or closer space available?

Safety flags and when to act quickly

Housing barriers become urgent when they create immediate risk.

Consider getting help promptly if:

• You have fallen recently or nearly fallen because of stairs, bathroom setup, clutter, or poor lighting
• You cannot safely bathe, toilet, or transfer without risking injury
• You are unable to exit the home quickly in an emergency because of steps or narrow passages
• You are being threatened with eviction or retaliation after requesting an accommodation or modification
• You are skipping meals, hygiene, or essential medical care because home access is too difficult

If you are having falls, dizziness, or sudden weakness, contact a clinician. Housing safety and health safety often overlap, and you deserve support on both sides.

Talk with your care team and get organized support

If you are managing a disability, accessible housing is often connected to medical care, mobility equipment, home care, and benefits paperwork.

If you want help staying organized, these Understood Care resources may be useful:

• Disability support: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/disability
• Application help (paperwork and forms): https://understoodcare.com/care-types/application-help
• Care coordination support: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/care-coordination
• Home care support: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/home-care
• Mobility equipment support: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/mobility-equipment‍

FAQ

• How do I find accessible housing for people with disabilities near me?
  Start by listing your must-have accessibility features (for example, step-free entry and a safe bathroom). Then contact local aging and disability resource networks that can point you to accessible housing options, waitlists, and funding supports. If you are using a housing voucher or applying for subsidized housing, ask the local housing agency about accessibility and disability-related preferences.
• What is the difference between a reasonable accommodation and a reasonable modification?
  A reasonable accommodation is usually a change to rules or procedures so you can use and enjoy your home (for example, a reserved accessible parking space or an exception to a policy). A reasonable modification is usually a physical change to the unit or building (for example, grab bars, a ramp, or a widened doorway).
• Can my landlord deny a request for wheelchair accessibility features?
  A landlord may ask questions needed to understand the request, but disability-related accommodation and modification requests are protected under fair housing rules. If a request is denied, ask for the denial in writing and consider getting help through a fair housing complaint process or local assistance.
• Who pays for accessibility modifications in a rental apartment?
  Payment responsibilities can depend on the type of housing and the program involved. In many situations, the tenant may pay for physical modifications, but the housing provider must consider and respond to the request under fair housing rules. In some federally assisted housing contexts, different rules may apply. If cost is a barrier, ask about funding options before you give up on the request.
• Does Medicaid pay for home modifications for people with disabilities?
  Medicaid programs vary by state. Some Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers include benefits described as environmental modifications or environmental accessibility adaptations, which may include home modifications. You typically need approval, documentation, and sometimes an approved provider or contractor.
• What disability housing grants are available for veterans?
  The VA offers adapted housing grants for eligible veterans with certain service-connected disabilities. These grants can support accessibility changes and may help you purchase, build, or modify a home.
• Are there grants for accessibility home repairs if I live in a rural area?
  USDA rural repair loans and grants may be available for eligible homeowners in rural areas, depending on income, age, and other requirements. These programs may help with repairs and improvements tied to health and safety needs.
• Can I deduct accessibility home improvements on my taxes?
  In some cases, home improvements made for medical reasons may qualify as medical expenses under IRS rules. The details matter, so keep documentation and consider professional tax guidance.

References

• Joint Statement of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Justice: Reasonable Accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (PDF)
  https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/huddojstatement.pdf
• Joint Statement on Reasonable Modifications under the Fair Housing Act (PDF)
  https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/reasonable_modifications_mar08.pdf
• U.S. Department of Justice: Joint Statement on Reasonable Accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (PDF)
  https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2010/12/14/joint_statement_ra.pdf
• HUD: Information for Persons with Disabilities
  https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/disabilities
• HUD: Housing Choice Vouchers (Tenants)
  https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/housing-choice-vouchers-tenants
• HUD: Report Housing Discrimination
  https://www.hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination
• HUD: File a Fair Housing Complaint Online
  https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint
• HUD: Multifamily Grants, Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA)
  https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/multifamily-grants-section811ptl
• Medicaid: Home & Community Based Services (HCBS)
  https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/home-community-based-services
• Medicaid: Minnesota Waiver Factsheet (includes environmental modifications and environmental accessibility adaptations)
  https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/MN
• Medicaid: Connecticut Waiver Factsheet (includes environmental accessibility adaptations and environmental modifications)
  https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/Waiver-Descript-Factsheet/CT
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Instructions, Technical Guide and Review Criteria for a 1915(c) HCBS Waiver Application (PDF)
  https://wms-mmdl.cms.gov/WMS/help/35/Instructions_TechnicalGuide_V3.6.pdf
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): State Medicaid Plans and Waivers (Guidance Portal)
  https://www.hhs.gov/guidance/document/state-medicaid-plans-and-waivers
• Veterans Affairs (VA): How to apply for an adapted housing grant
  https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/how-to-apply/
• USDA Rural Development: Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
  https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses
  https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502
• Mayo Clinic: Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358
• MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Preventing falls
  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000052.htm
• CDC: Check for Safety, A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults (PDF)
  https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Brochure-CheckForSafety-508.pdf
• The influence of assistive technology and home modifications on falls in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review protocol (PDF)
  https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13643-023-02354-7.pdf
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): Falls Prevention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Interventions
  https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/draft-recommendation/falls-prevention-community-dwelling-older-adults-interventions
• JAMA: USPSTF Recommendation Statement on Interventions to Prevent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
  https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2819573