Visitability in Social and Affordable Housing Developments in Kingston, Ontario - Practice, challenges, impacts, and policies

Abstract

This report discusses visitability, as a means to provide basic accessibility into new housing developments and to build more inclusive communities. The key features of visitable housing are defined as zero-step entrances, wider doors and hallways, and larger bathrooms (with a five-foot turning radius) on the same level as the zero-step entrance. The purpose of this report is to illustrate how visitability features have been applied in new rental housing developments, the impacts and challenges, and the need for broader policies on housing accessibility.