ADA & Housing Accessibility: Building Homes That Work for Everyone

A safe and accessible home is more than a place to live: it is the foundation for independence, dignity, and opportunity. As we recognize the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is also important to understand that creating accessible housing often requires a combination of legal protections, thoughtful home modifications, and access to financial resources.

Accessibility improvements can make a tremendous difference for older adults, veterans, and people living with disabilities. Common modifications include wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, grab bars, roll-in showers, improved lighting, stair lifts, and kitchen adaptations that allow individuals to live safely and independently.

Fortunately, Pennsylvania offers several programs that can help make these improvements more affordable.

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)

One of the state's most valuable resources is the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). Through its ACCESS Home Modification Program, eligible homebuyers with disabilities, or families purchasing a home for someone with a disability, may receive an interest-free deferred loan to finance accessibility improvements such as ramps, bathroom modifications, widened doorways, and other essential adaptations. The program can often be paired with a PHFA mortgage, making homeownership more accessible from the very beginning.

State and community resources

Residents should also explore resources available through Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services, which connects individuals to housing assistance, accessible housing searches, and Home and Community-Based Services that may help fund home modifications. Additional support may be available through Centers for Independent Living, Area Agencies on Aging, and organizations that provide assistive technology financing.

Philadelphia resources

For Philadelphia residents, the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Housing Authority also provide accessibility resources, including reasonable accommodations, accessible housing options, and programs that assist eligible homeowners with accessibility modifications that support independent living.

Access begins at home

Creating accessible housing is about investing in communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Removing physical barriers will strengthen families, expand economic opportunity, and help our neighbors remain active members of their communities.

Access begins at home, and together we can help ensure every Pennsylvanian has the opportunity to live safely, independently, and with dignity.

Momentum Newsletter: July 2026 | Issue 7 | Civil Rights & Civic Inclusion

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