Missouri State University’s Public Affairs Mission theme for this year is Evolving Economic Realities. There are many economic realities to confront when one has a disability. The points listed below are just a few economic realities encountered by the disability community:
- Lack of affordable, accessible health care
- Barriers found in public policy and the service industry when attempting to obtain government assistance
- Barriers faced when a person with a disability does receive assistance and attempts to live on what SSI benefits one may receive
- The incredibly high unemployment rate for people with disabilities
All of these are tremendous economic realities which are also a matter of social justice. However, Disability Services decided to focus in on one specific economic reality regarding disability…accessible, affordable housing through the utilization of universal design in housing.
There is a tremendous lack of accessible, affordable housing not only locally but nationally. A home is a basic need for anyone and it is very difficult for people with disabilities to find a home that is accessible and affordable. There is some housing available that is mandated to be accessible under the Fair Housing Act. However, many times the minimum legal requirements leave the home legally accessible but not usable. It leaves the person with a disability wanting more.
The majority of people with disabilities live in poverty for many different reasons. Coming from a social model perspective, we believe these social justice issues are social constructed. Disability is the largest minority group that anyone can become a member of at any time. So why isn’t there more affordable, accessible housing? Why isn’t affordable housing universally designed to meet the needs of everyone?
To further examine this issue, Disability Services this year is partnering with MSU’s Habitat for Humanity student organization as well as the local Habitat for Humanity-Springfield affiliate. We will be involved in this year’s Bear Build. This home will be universally designed for a family who has a member with a disability. We will be providing information about universal design so that UD features can be incorporated into the build. Through this process we hope to make this family’s home usable for everyone with no adaptation or “specialized” design. In this process, we also hope to educate future designers (our students) about the economic realities for those with disabilities as well as the importance of universal design housing.
On Monday, September 14th, Disability Services participated in the Habitat for Humanity Kick Off events for Public Affairs Week. We hosted an informational table, educated students about the importance of the UD build, and participated in Habitat for Humanity’s events. Disability Services also shared information regarding disability culture, etiquette, and appropriate language.
Below are some great reasons for universally designing housing:
- Environments designed universally serve all individuals; the need for separate systems and accommodations is minimized. These environments are more welcoming and enjoyable for all.
- Accessibility standards are integrated during design rather than approached as an afterthought.
- Accessibility is built in and does not need to be re-addressed as each new individual encounters the environment.
- Reduces potential costs associated with retrofitting traditional designs.
- Universal Design in new housing construction increases the long-term value of those units by appealing to a larger number of people without adaptation or specialized design.
- Increases the amount of affordable, accessible, usable housing to support more people currently searching for affordable housing.
- Allows our aging population to age in place.
Submitted by Katheryne Staeger-Wilson, Director – Disability Services
