The United States housing market has failed to create homes that every person, regardless of disability, can access and afford. Approximately 1 in 7 (37 million) US adults with mobility-related disabilities only have access to less than five percent of the nation’s housing stock. For wheelchair users, less than one percent of housing is accessible. For people with sensory and other disabilities, the shortage is equal or greater. By 2030, one in five Americans will be over 65, and currently, two in five adults over 65 have a disability. People with disabilities and older adults disproportionately need affordable housing.

The Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), the nation’s primary driver of affordable housing, does not have any in-unit requirements for mobility or sensory access, nor does it require the construction of adaptable units. This contributes to the severe shortage of accessible, affordable housing for people with disabilities. The House and Senate have the opportunity to reintroduce the Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act. This bill would increase affordable, accessible housing by adding requirements and incentives to the LIHTC program! In the 118th Congress, the VITAL Act was S.1377 / H.R. 3963.

We need to urge all members of Congress to sign on! Will you tell them to introduce this legislation and to hold the affordable housing industry accountable for building more accessible, affordable housing?