Home is where it's accessible
Image Description: Kae is on her balcony with her back facing the camera, she is looking over her shoulder and smiling. It is sunny outside and she is wearing sunglasses and a black bikini. The skyline of Toronto is visible in the background and the word “Home” is written in white, all in capitals with a serif font and it’s overlaid in the sky to mimic a real estate magazine cover design.
See full Instagram post here.
I remember when I was looking for an accessible rental home, it was nearly impossible. I was often met with potential landlords turning me down due to my disability; it didn’t matter if I had excellent references or a high credit score. The lack of accessible/affordable housing options was very discouraging and exhausting. Accessible homes were usually overpriced condos and almost all real estate listings didn’t provide any accessibility information—and if they did, they were wrong. I would show up to the viewing only to learn I couldn’t get in; people need to know that accessibility misinformation is life or death for some of us.
The need for accessible housing is a crisis. Despite 2.6 million Ontarians* being disabled, there is no policy requiring barrier-free housing and the accessible housing waitlist is very long or impossible to get onto because when people finally move into their accessible home, it’s for a lifetime.
It took many years until I found my current home and every day, I thank the universe for giving me a break; I never want to go through that painful experience again. I already know I plan on staying here for as long as I can afford to because it is the most accessible home I’ve ever lived in that has allowed me to live with independence and dignity. Also, accessibility isn’t just about what’s built into the home but its location too, and I’m lucky to be situated in the most ideal spot. I hope one day I get to build my fully accessible dream home but for now, I’m grateful for a place I can finally enjoy and call safe haven ♥️.
*source: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Annual Report 2019