Finding a home can be a hard task for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. From finding deaf-friendly housing with the right visual cues to locating a deaf-friendly neighborhood, there are a lot of factors to consider when searching for a place to call home. In this article, we will explore some of the things that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals should look for in a house or apartment, in a neighborhood, and what sorts of modifications can be made to improve accessibility. We will also discuss what to look for in a real estate agent and the government support available for accessibility modifications.

The Home

Many homes have built-in accessibility without even knowing it, such as open floor plans and hard flooring surfaces. Open floor plans allow for unobstructed sightlines, making it easier to communicate through sign language or other visual cues. Hard flooring surfaces, such as tile or hardwood, can help reduce noise levels and allow for better acoustics in the home. Visual alerts can be installed in nearly every home, but keep in mind that with an open floor plan, they are easier to install and easier to see. Remember, this will be your home, and you’ll want to feel comfortable and safe there, so make sure the layout and size of the rooms suits you—these will be the hardest things to change about the house.

 

The Neighborhood

What cannot be easily changed is the neighborhood a house is in, of course! Finding deaf-friendly housing is not just about the house, but also about what’s around it! Make sure to consider safety, walkability, and access to public transportation when you’re on your search. Safety is essential for everyone, but it can be especially important if you’re unable to hear approaching danger. Walkability and access to public transportation can also be important for those who do not have access to a car or who prefer to walk or use public transportation. And if you should need to move again, a great neighborhood helps support the home’s value.

Some neighborhoods may have a larger deaf community or may offer services and resources tailored to the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Vibrant social scenes and events can also be important for individuals who may have difficulty socializing in traditional settings, such as those with hearing impairments.

 

The Real Estate Agent

When looking for a real estate agent, it is important to find someone (like Isatou!) who is familiar with the needs and preferences of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Some questions to ask a potential agent include whether they are familiar with visual alerts and accessibility modifications, and whether they have worked with deaf or hard-of-hearing clients in the past.

 

Government Support

If the home you’ve found has not already been modified to suit your needs, many modifications easy and affordable. Some examples include adding visual alerts, installing a video intercom system, and using closed captioning. It is important to consult with a professional to ensure that modifications are appropriate and effective.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) both require accessibility and nondiscrimination in housing. There are also government programs that provide financial assistance for accessibility modifications, such as the Section 504 Home Repair Program and the USDA Rural Development Program. It is important to do research and consult with a professional to determine which programs may be available and applicable.

Finding the perfect deaf-friendly housing can be challenging, but with the right considerations and resources, it can be a successful and rewarding experience. When searching for your home, don’t forget about visual cues, accessibility, safety, walkability, community resources, and any local deaf-friendly services. Easy modifications can be made to improve accessibility in a home, but altering the floorplan or it’s spot in the neighborhood is far more difficult! It really helps to find a real estate agent who is familiar with your individual needs and the various communities and neighborhoods in the region. And don’t forget about the government programs that can provide financial assistance for accessibility modifications.