December 3rd marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—a day dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all facets of society. As we observe this important day, it’s crucial to reflect on the strides we’ve made in ensuring equal opportunities and to recognize the work that still lies ahead.
A key component of any person’s rights is access to fair housing. Housing is more than a basic human right; it’s a cornerstone for personal empowerment, community inclusion, and a recognition of the inherent dignity of every individual. Since the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability, individuals with disabilities have the right to find housing free from discrimination and request reasonable accommodation and modifications.
Reasonable accommodations and modifications are essential tools that enable individuals with disabilities to live with dignity and autonomy. Accommodations might include adjustments to rules, policies, or services, such as allowing a service animal in a residence with a no-pets policy. Modifications involve physical changes to the living space, like installing ramps or widening doorways, to make a home accessible.
To shed light on this topic, the National Fair Housing Training Academy (NFHTA) hosted “Assistance Animals Are Not Pets: Reasonable Accommodations Related to Support Animals” in March 2022 and a follow-up forum in July 2024 entitled “Assistance Animals Are Not Pets: A Follow-Up Discussion.” These forums aimed to educate housing professionals, advocates, and community members about the rights and responsibilities surrounding assistance animals in housing contexts.
Participants in these forums learned about the Fair Housing Act provisions related to reasonable accommodations and assistance animals, gained insights into effectively handling accommodation requests while maintaining compliance, and discovered how individuals with disabilities can advocate for their rights in housing situations. For more information on these forums, you can visit the following links:
- March 2022 Forum: Assistance Animals Are Not Pets: Reasonable Accommodations Related to Support Animals
- July 2024 Forum: Assistance Animals Are Not Pets: A Follow-Up Discussion
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let’s commit to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and the recognition of the inherent dignity of all people. Explore the resources provided by NFHTA and be a part of the change that ensures fair housing for all.