Finding a Home for a Person with Disabilities

Marylanders with disabilities often have a difficult time finding a suitable place to live. There are a variety of reasons for this, ranging from discrimination to a lack of accessible housing designs. If you or someone you love is disabled, the resources below will help you find the right apartment, independent living center, or single family home. If you need more help, contact the Maryland Department of Disabilities 217 E Redwood St., Suite 1300 Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: 410-767-3660, TTY: 1-800-637-4113 Fax: 410-333-6674 Website: www.mdtap.org

Maryland Resources - National Resources

---

Maryland Resources

Centers for Independent Living in Maryland  - The state maintains a list of these Centers as part of its Affordable/Accessible Housing Registry.

Looking for a subsidized apartment that is accessible? - Maryland operates an Affordable/Accessible Housing Registry that helps the public to locate apartments with a government subsidy. Approximately 5% of these are required to be accessible to persons with disabilities. These apartments are not necessarily vacant.

Making Choices for Independent Living - This Maryland non-profit organization works to provide services to people with disabilities so they can live independent lives. Among other things, they offer independent living skills training, as well as referrals to housing for the disabled.

Maryland Homeownership for Individuals with Disabilities Program - This state program provides low interest mortgage loans to disabled homebuyers.

Housing Discrimination Law in Maryland - MDLC offers legal help on a variety of issues (including housing discrimination) to people with disabilities throughout Maryland.

National Resources

Information for People with Disabilities - This HUD site contains many excellent resources, including lists of independent living centers, how to contact a housing counselor, and the text of federal fair housing laws.

National Accessible Apartment Clearinghouse - NAAC is a public service program of the National Apartment Association. They maintain a national database of accessible apartment units.

Information Sheet on Disability Discrimination in the Housing Application Process - The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is the leading national legal advocate for people with mental disabilities. This Information sheet addresses issues surrounding discrimination in the application and screening process.

Requirements for access under the Fair Housing Act  - The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on a number of factors including disability. This list summarizes 7 Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements for access in all multifamily houses. The list is maintained by an initiative of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).