DISABILITY BELONGS: New Federal Housing Law Could Expand Access for Disabled People
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (Public Law 119-101), enacted on July 11, updates federal housing policies to expand access to safe, affordable, and accessible housing for individuals with disabilities. A central feature of the law is the authorization of a Whole-Home Repairs pilot program, which offers grants and loans for physical and sensory modifications such as ramps, wider doorways, lifting devices, and accessible kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, the act introduces new planning and manufactured-housing grants, alters how Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits factor into HUD-VASH program eligibility, and mandates a Government Accountability Office study on removing housing barriers due by July 11, 2027. However, the legislation's actual effectiveness hinges on future congressional funding, agency guidance, and how effectively local communities incorporate accessibility into their implementations.
