As the baby boomers age, they’ll bring with them a variety of mobility challenges that will affect their housing choices.
EDITORIAL STAFF, The Guardian
A guest speaker who addressed a meeting of the P.E.I. Council of the Disabled recently had a valuable message for our politicians and the business community: we need to be more attentive to the housing needs of those with disabilities. It’s not only the mark of a caring society, it makes good sense.
David Daughton of Charlottetown, regional co-ordinator with the Canadian Community Economic Development Network, told the meeting that affordable housing is “one of the foundations of prosperity and success for a family” and that government, in particular, should be aware of the social and economic benefits of investing in accessible affordable housing.
According to Mr. Daughton, finding affordable housing is a challenge in general, but it’s particularly tough for people with disabilities who may need special features in housing. Ramps, elevators and roll-in showers, for example, are costly, he said, and because Islanders with disabilities, on average, have lower incomes, the suitable accommodations that do exist are often not affordable.
He makes an important point. Government and the business community need to respond to the demand for more affordable housing for people with disabilities. As Mr. Daughton points out, this market is about to expand as the baby boomers head into their senior years, bringing with them a whole variety of mobility challenges that will affect housing choices.
The business community should take the lead in responding to what these housing needs might be, but government has a role in providing incentives to encourage interest in this market.
The goal here is not only to build more houses, condos or apartment buildings that are accessible; it’s to find a way to make them affordable. Accessibility to housing isn’t just about ramps and wider doorways. It’s about having the means to be able to take advantage of the options.
Leave a Reply