Housing Inequities and Health Among Children and Youth With Disabilities

Although safe, affordable and physically accessible housing plays a critical role in children's health and development, many children and youth with disabilities and their families face persistent barriers to securing suitable housing. Despite evidence linking housing conditions to physical, mental and developmental outcomes, little research has examined these dynamics among children and youth with disabilities, particularly in Canada. This study addresses these gaps by exploring how housing conditions and inequities, including physical accessibility and affordability, shape perceived health for this population.

This qualitative study involved 25 in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 18 parents of children with disabilities (0-18 years) and 7 young adults (19-29 years). We applied an inductive thematic analysis to the interview transcripts.

Participants described housing as a determinant of safety, functioning and wellbeing, highlighting four interconnected issues. First, families experienced unsafe and unhealthy conditions, including pests, poor maintenance and environmental hazards. Second, physically inaccessible home layouts and limited space created barriers to mobility and daily living. Third, overcrowding, safety concerns and environmental stress contributed to mental health strain. Finally, participants reported meaningful health and wellbeing benefits when living in physically accessible or stable housing, including safer routines, reduced stress and improved participation.

Physically inaccessible, unaffordable and unstable housing undermines child and youth health and daily functioning and can impact caregiver labour. These findings underscore the need for integrated, child- and family-focused housing and health policies that expand physically accessible, affordable and stable housing as essential supports for healthy development and inclusion.