How to Find Housing for People with Disabilities

Hunting for your next home may come with challenges, but there are resources out there to help people with disabilities find housing. This guide will give you some initial considerations, along with resources that can empower you to find a place that suits your lifestyle.

What to consider when you’re looking for a place to live

Finding housing for people with disabilities comes with unique challenges. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Accessibility Features:

   • Physical Accessibility: Look for features such as ramps, wide doorways, elevators, and accessible bathrooms if you need them. Ensure that these elements are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

   • Adaptability: Consider whether the home can be easily modified if needed. Some properties may not be fully accessible but could be adapted with reasonable changes. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords may need to make reasonable modifications to a structure in order to accommodate a renter with a disability.

2. Location:

   • Proximity to Services: Being close to medical facilities, public transportation, grocery stores, and other essential services can greatly enhance convenience and quality of life.

   • Public Transport: Access to reliable public transportation can be crucial for independence, especially if driving is not an option.

3. Safety and Emergency Preparedness:

   • Emergency Exits: Ensure that there are accessible and safe emergency exits in case of a fire or other emergencies.

   • Safety Features: Consider whether the home has necessary safety features like grab bars, alert systems, or secure locks.

4. Quality of Life:

   • Noise Levels: Assess whether the property is in a noisy area or a quiet, peaceful location, depending on your preferences and needs.

   • Community and Support: A supportive community or social network can be beneficial. Consider areas with accessible community resources or networks for people with disabilities.

Finding the right housing involves balancing these factors based on individual needs and preferences. If it sounds like a lot, don’t worry: you don’t have to house hunt on your own.

Resources to help you find housing for people with disabilities

In Montana, several organizations and government agencies offer support finding housing for people with disabilities.

Montana Fair Housing

Montana Fair Housing provides information on fair housing laws and can help you understand your rights under the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on disability. It also provides resources and advocacy services to assist in locating housing for people with disabilities.

Ability Montana

Along with the other Centers for Independent Living in the state, Ability Montana offers a range of services including housing assistance and advocacy for people with disabilities. We can provide guidance on finding accessible rental units and help with navigating the housing application process. Reach out to Ability Montana staff to get support with your housing search in Southwest Montana.

Montana Department of Commerce

The Montana Department of Commerce’s Board of Housing provides a range of housing services including affordable housing development, rental assistance programs, and homeownership support.

Government Programs

Several government programs can also help Montanans with disabilities find and afford accessible housing.

• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: Administered by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Section 8 vouchers help low-income individuals, elderly people, and people with disabilities afford housing in the private market. These vouchers are especially beneficial for people with disabilities seeking accessible rental units.

• HUD’s Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST: This program provides training and technical assistance to support the design and construction of accessible housing. It offers resources that can help both renters and developers understand and implement accessibility standards.

• Section 811 Supportive Housing: The Section 811 program aims to help people with disabilities live independently in the community by providing affordable rental housing combined with supportive services. It’s geared toward low-income families with at least one family member who has a disability.

Local Listings

• Realtor.com, Apartment Search, and Zillow: These real estate platforms allow users to filter housing searches by accessibility features. Though not specific to Montana, they can be useful tools in finding local listings that meet your needs.

Navigating the housing search can be difficult, especially when you’re looking for specific accommodations. But you can find a home that’s right for you. If you need assistance, Ability Montana can help make the journey to finding the perfect home a bit easier. Reach out for more information on how Ability Montana can help.