People with Disabilities Lack Affordable Housing: Report

Lack of affordable, accessible housing is a key issue people with disabilities face, according to a release from the ""California State Independent Living Council"":http://www.calsilc.org/.

[IMAGE]

The report stated that about 54 million Americans have at least one disability, making them the largest minority group in the U.S., and those with disabilities spend a disproportionately high share of their income on housing that is safe while meeting their needs.

In California, individuals eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) receive $854.40 per month, and couples receive $1,444.20 per month, according to the report.

If one were to base ""affordability"" on federal guidelines, this means a person with a disability shouldn't spend more than 30 percent of his or her household income on rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, and taxes. Based on an individual's SSI income, that would translate to $256.32 per month for an individual and no more than $433.26 for a couple.

""The reality is that most all of us will experience a disability within our lifetime, which may prompt the need for affordable, accessible housing,"" said Bob Hand, Executive Director of Resources for Independence in Central Valley. ""However, for people with permanent disabilities, the need is ""now"" and affordable housing resources simply aren't available.""

In addition to the issue with affordability, accessibility remains another issue. In an attempt to address the problem of accessibility, the report stated that some California communities are aiming to adopt the Universal Design Model Ordinance, which was created to increase opportunities for people with disabilities.

To further combat the issue, independent living centers are also available to assist the disabled population with housing challenges.

""Trying to decipher the maze of information and resources can be overwhelming, and that's where independent living centers (ILCs) come into play,"" said Hand. ""ILCs provide a number of services to people living with disabilities, including educating them about housing options as well as assisting them in negotiating rents and working with landlords. But more needs to be done.""