Goals

  1. Work towards a voluntary goal of "fully accessible" or "visitable" new home construction. Work with home builders and encourage them to build accessible homes and list their homes with the Accessible Homes Foundation (AHF).
  2. Be a referral source for builders and buyers needing accessible homes. Develop and maintain a pool of builders and buyers. Please use the appropriate form, on the "Forms" page, to provide the AHF with the needed information.
  3. Subsidize homes for those clients who cannot afford market rates on homes. To qualify for a subsidized home, at least one person living in the home must be on SSDI or SSI and need wheelchair accessibility (others requesting a subsidy may be considered on an individual basis). All persons living in the home will submit their income statements annually and pay approximately 30% of their income toward rent/mortgage based on a formula similar to that used by Housing Authorities. Total amount paid will not exceed full market rate. Live-in nurses or aides may receive free rent in exchange for helping the person with a disability. Up to three non-related persons with a disability may share a home, plus a live-in nurse or aide.
  4. Develop funding sources. Solicit donations of cash, land, materials, and labor. Arrange low interest and no interest loans. Pursue tax credits and other incentives for builders. Connect with other agencies with established programs helping low income and disabled persons.
  5. Quality of subsidized homes will be equal to other homes in the area.
  6. Long term operating, heating, cooling, and maintenance costs are as important as initial building costs. Use floor coverings that are compatible with wheelchair use. Install protective guards in home where appropriate. Encourage use of passive solar designs, and alternative building methods and materials to lower costs and increase comfort when feasible.

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Additional Resources

Visitability information:

Visitability videos:

Universal Design information:

Home Renovation information:

Other information: