Identifying priorities and developing collaborative action plans to improve accessible housing practice, policy, and research in Canada

PLoS ONE, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318458 · Published: February 10, 2025

Simple Explanation

This study aimed to identify and prioritize actions to improve accessible housing in Canada for people with disabilities. A panel of experts from different sectors participated in surveys and meetings to reach a consensus on key priorities. The expert panel identified three main priorities: engaging with government, developing educational resources, and fostering collaboration among different interest groups. The findings offer a roadmap for future efforts to create more accessible housing standards, regulations, and practices in Canada, benefiting people with accessible housing needs.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

N = 49 (pre-meeting survey), N = 45 (in-person meeting) expert cross-sectoral panel

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The expert panel identified three clusters of priorities: engaging with all levels of government to support accessible housing efforts.
2
The panel prioritized developing educational resources to raise awareness about accessible housing and creating services to facilitate locating and acquiring accessible housing.
3
The panel emphasized fostering meaningful engagement across key interest groups and sectors to find solutions to enact positive change in accessible housing.

Research Summary

This article describes the development of priorities and actions to improve the state of research, policy, and practice related to accessible housing in Canada for persons with disability or with accessible housing needs. A modified Delphi approach with an expert cross-sectoral panel was used to gain convergence on a set of priorities for advancing the accessible housing field in Canada. The findings provide an initial roadmap for bringing greater cohesion to the accessible housing field, which will enable cross-sectoral partnerships and collective action towards informing the next generation of accessible housing standards, regulations and practices for people with accessible housing needs.

Practical Implications

Policy Development

Engage with government at all levels to advocate for improved accessibility standards and funding programs for accessible housing.

Educational Resources

Create and disseminate educational materials to raise awareness about accessible housing benefits and universal design principles.

Cross-Sector Collaboration

Foster meaningful engagement among diverse stakeholders to develop inclusive accessible housing solutions.

Study Limitations

1
The initiative was Ontario centric and further work is required to ensure the identified priorities align with other provinces and territories in the country.
2
The in-person discussions on priorities, combined with presentations by invited speakers, may have influenced the group’s decision-making.
3
Convergence, rather than consensus, on three broad priority areas with different sub-priorities requiring action.

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