The Impact of the Housing Environment upon the Ability of Disabled People to Live Independently

ABSTRACT The independent living (IL) paradigm proposes that the presence of environmental barriers affects critically the level of independence of people with disabilities. This study refines the IL paradigm and evaluates empirically the role that the environment plays in independent living, especially the influence of home adaptations and other housing variables on disabled people and their families. The results of this research indicate that housing adaptations have a variety of impacts upon the productivity of disabled people. Other housing issues are very important to individuals with disabilities, particularly tenants. This paper concludes by presenting implications for theoretical development and recommendations for housing policies which are responsive to the needs of disabled people.