Experiences securing affordable housing in the Greater Toronto Area among families of children and youth with disabilities

Families with disabilities experience disproportionate impacts from the global housing affordability crisis and many families with children and youth with disabilities struggle to secure affordable homes. This study examined the experiences of families of children and youth with disabilities seeking affordable housing within the Greater Toronto Area. A qualitative design was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 25 participants (19 parents and 6 youth with disabilities). We analyzed data using an inductive thematic analysis. Our findings highlighted the following themes: (1) inaccessible and insufficient rental market involving insecurity, discrimination, long waitlists and complex subsidized housing processes; (2) unaffordable home ownership including costly home adaptations, and lending barriers; (3) disability-related expenses that heighten affordability pressures, (4) geographic constraints that limit access to affordable, well-located housing; (5) systemic and policy gaps and (6) facilitators of securing affordable housing. Family and financial support emerged as key facilitators. Findings highlight the urgent need to increase the supply of affordable, accessible housing for families of children and youth with disabilities.