Cathy Birch, who uses an electric wheelchair due to her multiple amputations, is lucky she landed an accessible unit through Toronto Community Housing two decades ago.

Birch is just one of the many individuals who live with a disability. Many aren’t as lucky as Birch and are having a difficult time finding a place to live that suits their needs.

Navigating the housing market can be extremely difficult due to the shortage of affordable homes, and is made even more difficult for someone looking for an accessible home.

Everybody has a right to a home that functions for them

Cathy Birch

Advocates are calling for change in building codes to mandate accessible features. They also want developers to be more incentivized to build accessible units as well as an increase in public education and awareness about accessibility and why accessible homes are needed.

What Does An Accessible Home Look Like?

Accessible housing looks different depending on the disability. Wide doorways could benefit people with physical disabilities, whereas soundproof walls could help those with sensory disabilities.

While existing housing can be made to accommodate disabilities, it can be more pricey compared to building an accessible home from the start.

Shelley Petit, chair of the New Brunswick Coalition of Persons with Disabilities, says it’s important to keep in mind people with disabilities at the start of the building process. This ensures that homes are easy to live in as people age.

Building codes often fall short and people are not being incentivized to create units that people with disabilities require.

Many advocates are calling for a change since one in five Canadians have a disability and that number will grow as the population ages. Only around 10 to 20 percent of housing are made accessible, which advocates are saying is not enough.

It would be nice if it were that straightforward, but …unfortunately it is more expensive

Kevin Lee, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association

While the need for accessible homes is growing, there is no easy solution. Cost is the main barrier to accessible housing due to the space the unit needs.

Another complication is modifying building codes. What works for people with disabilities might not work for others. Advocates are looking for a way to balance policies so that everyone is happy in their homes.

How Do We Encourage The Construction Of Accessible Homes?

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is looking to change building codes and will be a priority as it develops 2025 editions of the codes.

The Accelerating Accessibility Coalition has also developed a tool kit for developers in expectation of increased demand for accessible homes.

Advocates are also calling for governments to incentivize developers through funding, grants, and tax breaks when building accessible homes.