New Study Reveals Gap in Accessible Housing Across Toledo

Daily Dose  |  04/28/2026 9:00 am

A new study conducted in partnership between The Ability Center, the City of Toledo, and Mathematica reveals a significant shortage of accessible housing across the city, impacting tens of thousands of residents.

The report, Accessible Housing in Toledo: Needs, Gaps, and Potential Solutions, finds that approximately 35,665 households, nearly one-third of all households in Toledo, include at least one person with a disability. Yet the availability of housing that meets their needs falls far short.

“Our research shows that accessible housing is a widespread need in Toledo, touching about one-third of households citywide,” said Mathematica senior researcher Sarah Croake. “We’re excited that the City of Toledo is already using these findings to inform program development, demonstrating how data and community input can translate into solutions that support independent living for residents with disabilities.”

“Accessible housing is essential to independence and dignity, and this data makes it clear that we must move from awareness to action to create real, lasting solutions”, said Ash Lemons, Executive Director of The Ability Center.

Rosalyn Clemens, Chief of Housing and Neighborhood Stability, added, “Through Toledo Together, our 10-Year Action Plan for Housing, the City committed to advancing policies and programs that expand accessibility for all residents. This study represents an important first step in that work, and we are already moving quickly to launch a pilot initiative aimed at addressing this unmet need.”

A Critical Shortage

The findings highlight a significant gap between need and availability:

  • Nearly 8,000 additional affordable, accessible homes are needed
  • More than 10,000 accessible market rate units are needed
  • Only about 5 percent of homes are fully accessible for people with physical disabilities

For many residents, especially those with low incomes, these challenges are compounded by affordability barriers. Nearly two thirds of renter households with a disability fall into very low-income categories, making it even harder to secure appropriate housing.

Barriers Beyond Supply

The study identifies several challenges that make accessing housing even more difficult:

  • Limited or inaccurate information about accessibility in housing listings
  • High costs associated with modifying existing homes
  • Complex permitting and zoning requirements
  • A shortage of contractors able to complete accessibility modifications

Community members described long and frustrating housing searches and, in some cases, being placed in units that did not meet their needs.

More Than Just Entry

The report emphasizes that accessible housing must support independent living throughout the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, layouts, and safety features tailored to different types of disabilities.

“It’s not just ramps, it’s bathrooms, kitchens, everything,” one community member shared.

A Path Forward

The study outlines strategies to help close the gap, including increasing the supply of accessible housing, expanding support for home modifications, improving coordination across systems, and making it easier for residents to find housing that truly meets their needs.

The findings are intended to guide continued collaboration between community organizations, policymakers, developers, and residents.

To view the report, visit abilitycenter.org/advocacy/#reports

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