Life starts at home: Exploring how housing impacts participation for people with disabilities

Authors

RTC: Rural
University of Montana Rural InstituteFollow

Document Type

Research Brief

Publisher

University of Montana Rural Institute

Publication Date

6-2018

Disciplines

Demography, Population, and Ecology | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Sociology

Abstract

Modern perspectives of disability focus on the impact of the environment on the participation and independence of people with disabilities. The interaction between a person and their surroundings can either support or inhibit their functional needs to live independently and participate in the community (World Health Organization). RTC:Rural research on housing and ecology indicates that increasing the availability of accessible and usable housing is a significant step toward building greater community participation and independent living for all. Accessibility and usability issues within the home can present barriers to daily living that negatively impact an individual’s ability to participate in their community. Increased energy spent on overcoming these barriers in the home may reduce available time and energy for activities outside the home, such as employment or social engagement, especially as a person might experience even further barriers in the community.

Keywords

housing, rural, disability

Rights

© 2018 RTC:Rural

Granting Agency

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), grant numbers 90RT5025 and 90IF0111-01-00, and grant number 90RT5043-01-00 in partnership with the University of Kansas. The opinions reflect those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the funding agency.

Project Number

90RT5025 and 90IF0111-01-00, and 90RT5043-01-00 (with the University of Kansas)

Recommended Citation

Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities. (June 2018). Life starts at home: Exploring how housing impacts participation for people with disabilities. Missoula, MT: The University of Montana, Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities.