Barriers to Home Ownership

People with disabilities face several barriers which prevent them from owning a home.

• Financing is difficult to obtain.
• Incomes are often low and from nontraditional sources.
• Credit histories are negative or not established.
• Prejudices of professionals and providers are present in their attitudes.
• Maintenance is difficult for some persons with disabilities.
• Personal services are scarce and eligibility is unclear.
• Attorneys are not proficient in disability issues.
• Liens are placed on homes upon death for services provided.
• Trustee services are expensive and scarce for small estates.
• Work income can reduce disability benefits.
• Health care is found within highly complex systems with many options.
• Transportation is often unavailable and inaccessible.

The following are steps that can be taken to help people with disabilities overcome barriers to home ownership:

• provide information and counseling on budgeting;
• provide information and counseling on understanding and carrying an affordable debt load;
• provide information and help choose a realtor and a lender;
• provide help with applications;
• provide down-payment (cash) assistance to families who have low incomes and who have family members with disabilities.

This assistance can be given before a person busy a home, as well as after.

These steps were identified by a Cincinnati organization which serves people with disabilities, Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled, Inc. (LADD). LADD currently seres six families with low income who have a family member with a cognitive or physical disability. LADD's program was funded in part by the Ohio Legal Rights Service.

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