Stevens Introduces Bill to Make Home Accessible for Millions of Americans with Disabilities

This means tested legislation would allow older Americans and individuals with disabilities to receive a tax credit for up to 35% of the cost of modifications or $5,250 per project with a $15,000 lifetime cap.

“Every American, no matter their income or disability status should be able to safely live in their own home,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “The burden of paying to make needed modifications should not be borne by families alone. This legislation is a critical step to ensuring American can live safely and securely and that as our population ages our housing stock is more accessible for current and future homeowners.”

“Many people with disabilities of all ages and their families will need to adapt their homes to make them more accessible,” said Marcie Roth Executive Director and Chief Executive of the World Institute on Disability. “The Home Accessibility Tax Credit Act would provide an opportunity to optimize the health, safety, and independence of people with disabilities at home so they can work, learn, and contribute to their community. We appreciate Rep. Stevens’ leadership in efforts to make home modification support possible for all people with disabilities who may need them.”

“As a person with a significant disability, who have experienced the joy of using home modifications to be able to enter my own home independently, without help from anyone,” said Theo Braddy, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living. “It was such a feeling of empowerment. The Home Accessibility Tax Credit Act will bring that joy to the other Americans living with disabilities who could benefit from this life changing program.”

 “Touch screens, dynamic menus, and other features of modern appliances, supposedly meant to make them more efficient and easier to operate, instead threaten the ability of blind people to remain safe and independent in our own homes,” said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “This legislation will help us acquire or modify accessible appliances and make other home adaptations, thereby preserving our ability to live the lives we want. We commend Rep. Stevens for putting forward this bill and urge her colleagues in Congress to swiftly pass it.”

“Home ownership is one of the proven forms of wealth building and economic mobility,” said Thomas Foley, J.D., Executive Director of the National Disability Institute. “However, home modifications for those with disabilities can often be costly, making it unaffordable for low-income households, Veterans, and older adults. NDI supports the Home Accessibility Tax Credit Act so that people with disabilities can make their homes more accessible and safer and live more independently in their communities.”

“Disabled veterans with the greatest support needs often need adaptions to make their homes more accessible,” said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “The Home Accessibility Tax Credit Act would make it easier for them and other people with disabilities to make the changes needed to help them remain independent and in their communities. We appreciate Rep. Stevens’ efforts to provide critical housing modification support for people with disabilities.”

The legislation is endorsed by the National Council on Independent Living, the National Federation of the Blind, The National Disability Institute, The World Institute on Disability, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

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