Our technical assistance work supports the creation of more disability-forward homes nationwide. As part of our technical assistance work with the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA), we reviewed state housing funding and disability programs to identify opportunities and barriers to disability-forward housing, while also gathering insights from housing developers, service providers, people with disabilities and older adults. Additionally, the partnership advanced the development of state policies and program opportunities to increase the supply of affordable, accessible, and inclusive housing for Tennesseans with disabilities and older adults.
We were thrilled to engage with over 500 people with and without disabilities, across the state, culminating in an in-person convening in Nashville. Key findings included:
- A severe shortage of affordable and accessible housing
- Misunderstood and under-implemented accessibility
- A desire for independence, choice, and inclusion in the housing choices for people with disabilities
- System fragmentation, or challenges working across Tennessee’s programs and systems, and a lack of coordination between state programs and agencies
- A need to recognize repair and modification as critical infrastructure
We also found that accessible locations and reliable transportation are fundamental needs to Tennesseans, though rigid funding structures and inflexible regulations often stand in the way of innovation.
Through our engagement, numerous opportunities for advancing disability-forward housing were identified, including:
- State administrative action and cross-agency collaboration
- Piloting a new program that proves disability-forward housing is possible and benefits all
- State investment through legislative and gubernatorial action
- Cross-sector education and new partnerships between housing developers, service providers, funders, and people with lived experience
- Cultivating political champions for people with disabilities through unified messaging and storytelling.
As the project closed, we were excited to see the central role DDA will play in effectively advancing disability-forward housing through driving coordination, funding, and visibility efforts. We are excited to see how Tennessee continues to take action to increase housing options for people with disabilities.
Read our complete findings from our partnership with the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging here.