This piece comes from a series of articles from the Raise the Roof training program for leaders with disabilities who want to learn how housing gets built. This article covers some of the basics of housing policy, including defining housing production, preservation and protection. It also discusses zoning and fair housing. This is a great primer for any advocate who is new to housing policy.

A home's level of accessibility affects each person’s ability to live healthy, meaningful lives. As disability-forward housing advocates, it is important to understand how housing is designed and how it is made accessible. Key topics include: how housing is designed, Building Codes, building codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Universal Design, and Human-centered design.

Where someone lives impacts their ability to stay healthy and receive supports. As housing advocates, developers, and policymakers it’s important to understand the basics of housing-related services and how housing impacts health, especially when advocating for and developing housing for people with disabilities.