DE SCR203

Acknowledges Delaware's critical shortage of accessible housing for persons with disabilities and older adults, with 1.6-5% of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities unhoused and 8-15% experiencing unstable housing.

Affirms the importance of universally accessible housing and calls on policymakers, housing developers, advocates, and stakeholders to prioritize accessible housing development and incorporate universal design principles into policies and building codes.

References the Enhancing Lifelong Community Supports for the Aging, Individuals with Disabilities, and Their Family Caregivers Task Force recommendation that Delaware expand federal accessibility requirements from 5% to 10% of units in newly constructed multi-family residential dwellings, similar to Philadelphia's model.

Encourages collaboration among government agencies, nonprofits, housing providers, and the private sector to increase accessible housing availability, improve affordability, and expand housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and marginalized communities.

Directs the introduction of legislation to implement policies addressing the accessible housing shortage in Delaware.