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Housing

UCP’s Housing Channel provides information on housing options, legal and policy issues, and resources on the civil rights of people with developmental, cognitive and physical disabilities regarding housing issues.

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Housing

General Information

Resource Available on the Fair Housing Act

The Board regularly receives inquiries on accessible housing and the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, while the ADA does address a wide range of facilities, it does not apply to all types of housing. Public housing and other types of housing constructed or altered by state or local governments are subject to the ADA. The ADA also applies to facilities used on a transient basis, such as dormitories and hotels. Private housing, including apartments and condominiums, are not generally covered by the ADA, except for those portions that serve as places of public accommodations, such as sales and rental offices.

The ADA's limited coverage of housing is due in part to an existing law, the Fair Housing Amendments Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of disability, as well as race, color, gender, and religion. It covers housing in the public and private sectors and bans discrimination in any aspect of selling or renting housing. Under the law, new multifamily housing must be able to be adapted for accessibility according to established guidelines known as the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces the act and maintains the guidelines.

HUD has launched an education and outreach program on the Fair Housing Act and accessible housing. Known as Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST, the program provides guidance and training on the act, including its design requirements. The Fair Housing First Web site provides information on education materials, training sessions, frequently asked questions, and links to other resources. A training curriculum developed by a team of architects and housing accessibility experts includes modules covering the requirements of the act and other disability rights laws, enforcement, common design violations and solutions, and access to kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces. Toll-free technical assistance is available by calling (888) 341-7781 (voice or TTY) on weekdays from 9 to 5 (ET) or by sending an e-mail. HUD developed the program through a contract with BearingPoint, Inc., a business consulting and systems integration firm. Technical assistance is provided by Adaptive Environments, a nonprofit organization in Boston that promotes accessibility and universal design.

For guidance on design requirements applicable to housing covered by the ADA, or to federally funded housing subject to the Architectural Barriers Act, contact the Board at (800) 872-2253 (voice), (800) 993-2822 (TTY), by e-mail (e-mail), or visit its Web site.