LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A new report from a Louisville nonprofit said the city has far too few wheelchair-accessible apartments.
Gathering Strength released its report Wednesday — calling it the first study of its kind in Louisville — looking at multi-family housing and disability data across the city.
The report found that out of roughly 333,000 single- and multi-family units in Louisville, only about 3,000 are wheelchair accessible. But in the Louisville Metro area, more than 18,000 households include someone who uses a wheelchair, meaning the need far outpaces what's available.
"There's a hidden crisis within the affordable housing crisis we talk so much about," said Elizabeth Fust, founder of Gathering Strength. "We need more voices saying that any housing planned here needs to include more accessible housing."
The report warned the gap could grow, because disability is closely tied to aging. Right now, 57% of people over the age of 80 have a disability, Fust said. And she said that population is expected to grow by 19,000 over the next 20 years.
Gathering Strength said it's not only a housing issue but a public health issue as well. Unintentional falls are a major concern, with falls linked to more than $80 billion in healthcare costs in 2020.
Federal guidelines require 2% of multi-family units be wheelchair accessible, but the report notes there's no requirement those units go to the people who need them most. Additionally, there are no similar requirements for single-family homes.
Gathering Strength is urging more accessible options be built into future housing developments so people with disabilities can live safely and independently in the community.
The group said it will take cooperation from policymakers, developers, and the broader community, and they're asking residents to add their voices to the conversation.
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