Finding accessible housing or making your home more accessible can be challenging for people with disabilities and their families. This fact sheet provides resources to help you find housing or make your home more accessible.
Accessibility Standards
By law, housing units must meet minimum accessibility standards. One way to approach these standards is through Universal Design (PDF). Designers and architects can use the principles of Universal Design to create spaces that work well for all people, regardless of their age or abilities.
Refer to the State Building Code Accessibility Provisions for Dwelling Units (PDF) for a more technical overview of Minnesota’s housing accessibility standards.
Finding Accessible Housing
Navigating accessible housing options can often feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The following resources offer a range of supports and services that enable you to find a living space that works for you.
Housing Work Group
The Regional Quality Council’s Housing Work Group provides information about housing laws, lists various housing options for people with disabilities, and showcases people using housing and support services.
Moving Home Minnesota
Moving Home Minnesota helps people with disabilities move from institutions to community living.
Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL)
Centers for Independent Living (CIL) provide several types of housing assistance, including transition services, access assessments, home modifications, housing resources, and independent living skills training. Visit MACIL to find the Center for Independent Living serving your area.
The Arc Minnesota
The Arc Minnesota provides information about housing options and housing access services.
Into Adulthood – Minnesota Disability Law Center
The Minnesota Disability Law Center helps youth with disabilities transitioning into adulthood understand their rights and find the resources they need to thrive, including housing resources.
Housing Stabilization Services
Housing Stabilization Services is a Medical Assistance (MA) benefit that helps people with disabilities and seniors find and keep housing.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Waiver programs provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities and older adults. Some programs can cover the cost of home modifications. Other home-based programs include life sharing, individualized home supports, night supervision, caregiver living expenses, and homemaker.
Making Your Home Accessible
Whether you’re building a new home or modifying an existing one, creating an accessible living space is crucial for independence and quality of life. The following resources offer guidelines, checklists, and practical advice to help you design or adapt a home that meets your specific accessibility needs.
Guide to ADA Accessibility Standards
The U.S. Access Board’s ADA Guides provide detailed explanations of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, essential for creating accessible environments. These guides cover various aspects of accessibility, including building elements, rooms and spaces, and plumbing facilities, which are crucial for accessible homebuilding and modifications.
Adapting a Home for Wheelchair Accessibility
This resource from the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab provides comprehensive guidelines for adapting homes for wheelchairs. It covers a wide range of modifications, including entrance and exit adaptations, interior living spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. The guide offers measurements and recommendations for each area.
Home Accessibility Checklist
This resource from the United Disabilities Services Foundation provides a comprehensive home accessibility checklist for people with disabilities. It covers modifications for various areas of the home, including outdoor spaces, entrances, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and general accessibility features. The checklist offers detailed specifications and measurements for elements like doorways, ramps, appliances, and fixtures, making it a valuable tool for those planning to build or modify homes for improved accessibility.
Building an Accessible Home to Fit Your Life
This article offers guidance on building or modifying homes for wheelchair accessibility. It covers key aspects like financing, working with architects, essential design features, and planning for future needs. It emphasizes the life-changing impact of living in a fully accessible space and offers practical advice on layout, flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas to maximize independence and quality of life.