Delaware Explores Accessible Housing Options

The Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council recently awarded a grant to the DATI for "Accessible Living for People with Disabilities: A Feasibility Study." The need for a study emerged after years of discussion about the benefits of having an accessible home available for tours and demonstrations in The First State. While there seems to be widespread agreement that having actual examples of accessible living spaces is useful for people interested in adapting their homes or building new ones, Delawareans have widely-ranging opinions about how best to accomplish this outcome. The nine-month study will examine the needs statewide, study the various examples of accessible housing throughout the country, and explore the potential for such a facility to be built and used in Delaware. Central to the activities of the project will be the Accessible Housing Coalition, comprised of individuals and agency representatives with an interest in these issues. This stakeholder group will meet monthly to determine the needs in Delaware, examine existing approaches to accessible housing, and determine which approaches are most likely to benefit Delawareans with disabilities. The project will culminate in the development of an action plan and the identification of key issues and supports. The project will also design and implement a campaign to increase awareness of accessible housing among the general public.

To get more information or to contribute your expertise to this project, please contact Beth Mineo at the DATI Central Site. Watch future issues of The AT Messenger for updates on this project's activities.