The need
1 in 4 people have a disability, yet for generations, disabled people have been explicitly left out or considered an afterthought in the US housing market. This has led to disabled people facing disproportionate barriers to accessing, affording, and securing housing. All of this is experienced most acutely by disabled people of color, people with extremely low and no income, and people who need supportive services in their homes. These barriers lead to people with disabilities experiencing the highest levels of housing discrimination, homelessness, housing instability, and rent burden. Despite this need, mainstream housing policy, development, and design often fail to include disabled people and the perspectives of people with disabilities on what an accessible and inclusive housing future looks like.
Why stories matter
The stories people hear about disability and housing shape what they believe—and what they think is possible. For a long time, the most common stories have been misleading or harmful. They often ignore disabled people’s real experiences, overlook discrimination, and treat accessible housing as extra instead of essential. These stories make it harder to create the policies, funding, and housing options people actually need.
At The Kelsey, we work to change these stories. We want people to understand that disabled people are leaders, decision-makers, and experts in their own lives. When the narrative changes, it becomes easier to create accessible, inclusive, and affordable homes for everyone.
Want to write and share your housing story? Read our Disability & Housing Storytelling Guide for tips.
How We Change the Narrative
We center disabled storytellers
Disabled people know best what makes housing work or not work. We support people in sharing their stories in ways that build understanding and drive change.
We challenge harmful assumptions
Old stories often blame individuals instead of naming real barriers—such as discrimination, high costs, or a lack of accessible housing. We share stories that show the truth and point to solutions.
We create clear messages people can use
We offer talking points, message guides, and storytelling tools to help advocates explain why disability-forward housing is needed and how to make it a reality.
We connect stories to action
Narrative change is not just about telling stories—it’s about helping people understand what needs to change and how they can help make it happen.
Our Narrative Change Efforts
One part of our work involves bringing together disabled leaders to learn and practice narrative strategies. Our Narrative Change Cohort is one example. But our broader narrative work also includes:
- Training and workshops for partners
- Community and resident storytelling projects
- Support for people sharing their stories in testimony, media interviews, and advocacy campaigns
- Tools to write, practice, and adapt stories for different audiences
Tools for Advocates
Our Disability & Housing Storytelling Guide is a core resource for anyone looking to share clear, compelling stories that advance disability-forward housing. The guide includes key messages and facts, examples of powerful housing stories, and practical tips for speaking with policymakers, media, and your community.
Want to share your housing story?
Your story on your housing needs, successes, challenges, and dreams makes an impact. It shapes future communities, informs how policies are made, and drives additional resources into housing creation. It helps people understand more about the disability-forward housing solutions. Share yours here.
Share Your Story