In the midst of a housing crisis that has Canadian policymakers and developers racing to increase supply, individuals with disabilities are urging leaders to prioritize accessibility in new home constructions, addressing a historically overlooked need. Rachel O’Hagan, a Beamsville, Ontario resident, highlights the daily challenges faced by her five-year-old son Beau, who has spinal muscular atrophy and needs to be carried to navigate areas of their home inaccessible by wheelchair. Similar obstacles were faced by Tracy Odell, a Toronto resident with the same condition, who describes the lack of progress in accessible housing options as “deplorable.”
The call for change is echoed by Jutta Treviranus, director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University, who emphasizes the urgent need for accessible housing amid an existing shortage. Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s chief accessibility officer, urges policy changes to foster adaptable home designs that accommodate various needs over time. The Daniels Corp. in the Greater Toronto Area is already pioneering such efforts, incorporating accessible designs into their homes.
Federal housing advocate Marie-JosĂ©e Houle has emphasized the importance of integrating accessibility into the National Housing Strategy, recommending criteria like level entrances and wider doorways. Despite the potential six to 12 percent cost increase for building accessible homes, studies show it’s cheaper than retrofitting existing ones. As Canada aims to build 3.87 million homes by 2031, there is a significant opportunity to enhance accessibility from the outset, potentially transforming the housing landscape for individuals with disabilities.
