Social and attitudinal barriers to the provision of accessible housing in Canada: A qualitative study

Housing is a critical social determinant of health and for individuals with accessibility needs, having a roof over one's head is not enough. For people requiring accessibility features to enter and exit their home, use the bathroom, or prepare meals, the absence of these features can limit social participation, increase reliance on caregivers, and negatively impact health, dignity, and safety.

This article presents a qualitative study with members from diverse key interest groups across the housing, disability, healthcare, and policy sectors to identify social and attitudinal barriers limiting accessible housing and home modifications options in Canada.

Semi-structured interviews and a demographic survey were conducted with 59 people. Participants included people with lived experience of disabilities and other end-users of accssible housing (i.e., family caregivers and people from the Deaf community), as well as cross-sectoral professionals with expertise in accessible housing. Inductive codebook thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Four prevailing themes were identified from the data, including a lack of prioritization by policy makers and housing developers, cost-benefit appraisals of including accessibility features, discriminatory attitudes towards the aesthetics of accessibility and towards end-users, and underestimating of the need for preventative accessibility.

Attitudinal barriers are contributing to a lack of prioritization of accessibility in housing in Canada. To create a more inclusive housing landscape and improve public health, investments in accessible housing, policy advancement, and new regulatory measures are recommended.