Bill Text: DE SCR203 | 2023-2024 | 152nd General Assembly | Draft

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Bill Title: Acknowledging The Accessible Housing Shortage For Persons With Disabilities In Delaware And Directing The Introduction Of Legislation Related To Universally Accessible Housing.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-2)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2024-06-27 - Passed in House by Voice Vote [SCR203 Detail]

Download: Delaware-2023-SCR203-Draft.html

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SPONSOR:	Sen. Poore & Rep. Griffith
Sens. Hansen, Hoffner, Mantzavinos, Pettyjohn, Sokola, Townsend, Wilson; Reps. Baumbach, Bush, Carson, Harris, Heffernan, K. Johnson, Phillips

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 203

ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACCESSIBLE HOUSING SHORTAGE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN DELAWARE AND DIRECTING THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION RELATED TO UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE HOUSING.

WHEREAS, Delaware’s accessible housing shortage presents challenges for both persons with physical and intellectual disabilities and for older adults; and

WHEREAS, an article in the Delaware Journal of Public Health, reports that between 1.6 percent and 5 percent of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Delaware are unhoused, and between 8 percent and 15 percent have unstable housing; and

WHEREAS, access to safe, affordable, and universally accessible housing is essential for individuals and families to thrive and participate fully in society and the current housing construction in Delaware does not adequately accommodate the current or future housing and accessibility needs of persons with a disability; and

WHEREAS, inaccessible housing presents significant barriers for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with mobility challenges, limiting their independence, safety, and ability to fully engage in their communities; and

WHEREAS, in recent years, Delaware, like other states, has seen a rapid shift away from institutionalized care settings, and towards a home and community-based supports model. As the population of those supported has grown, so has the need for accessible and affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, by investing in universally accessible housing infrastructure, this will not only meet the needs of individuals with disabilities but allows all people to live together comfortably and safely, helps people to be able to visit one another, and contributes to the overall well-being and sustainability of communities; and

WHEREAS, the Enhancing Lifelong Community Supports for the Aging, Individuals with Disabilities, and Their Family Caregivers Task Force was created by Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 78 of the 152 ^nd General Assembly to address, among other issues, the lack of universally accessible housing in Delaware; and

WHEREAS, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires a 5 percent minimum of units be made universally accessible, but applies only to federally funded housing projects; and

WHEREAS, the City of Philadelphia has successfully implemented an expanded requirement of 10% accessible units that applies to newly constructed multi-family residential dwellings; and

WHEREAS, the Enhancing Lifelong Community Supports for the Aging, Individuals with Disabilities, and Their Family Caregivers Task Force recommends Delaware adopt a similar expansion of federal housing accessibility requirements; and

WHEREAS, if an environment, building, product, or service, is accessible, usable, convenient, and a pleasure to use, everyone benefits. By considering the diverse needs and abilities of all throughout the design process, universally accessible housing promotes inclusivity, diversity, and social cohesion within neighborhoods and communities and meets peoples' needs, regardless of age, size, ability, or disability status.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152 ^nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the General Assembly affirms the importance of universally accessible housing and acknowledges the critical need to address this issue to ensure that all individuals, regardless of ability or age, have access to safe, affordable, and inclusive housing options.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly calls upon policymakers, housing developers, advocates, and stakeholders at all levels of government and society to prioritize the development and renovation of accessible housing units and to incorporate universal design principles into housing policies, building codes, and development projects.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly encourages collaboration among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, housing providers, and the private sector to promote the availability of accessible housing options, increase housing affordability, and expand housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other marginalized communities.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution recognizes and affirms the importance of awareness and action on the need for universally accessible housing in Delaware through pending legislation.

Author: Senator Poore