Consultants to drill down on rental unit accessibility for Detroiters with disabilities

May 18, 2026

Detroit is addressing the lack of accessible housing for residents with disabilities by hiring Massachusetts-based consulting firm KMA, LLC. for $208,000 to evaluate up to 20 multi-family rental buildings. The consultants will identify accessibility barriers and recommend modifications ranging from low-cost improvements like ramps and handrails to more expensive structural changes, with the goal of informing future city programs focused on housing accessibility.

Who is affected

Over 100,000 adult Detroiters with mobility disabilities
One in five Detroit residents living with disabilities (approximately 20% of the population)
60% of survey respondents who have multiple disabilities
50% of surveyed residents with disabilities whose homes don't meet accessibility needs
43% of residents with disabilities living below the poverty level
Building owners and property managers of multi-family rental housing complexes
Residents of up to 20 multi-family rental buildings that will be assessed
Dessa Cosma (founder of Detroit Disability Power) and Kaci Peller (policy manager, District 4 resident)
Detroit's Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD)
Detroit City Council

What action is being taken

KMA, LLC. is conducting a one-year contract to examine accessibility at up to 20 rental housing buildings
KMA is identifying accessibility barriers and developing reports with inclusive design improvements
Detroit Disability Power and The Kelsey are participating in resident and housing stakeholder outreach
HRD is working to include Detroit Disability Power and community members in the consultant process
The consultants are conducting walk-through visits on a rolling basis to assess barriers for wheelchair users and residents with auditory or visual disabilities
HRD is setting minimum accessibility requirements for projects using federal pass-through funds (double the federal requirements)
HRD is awarding additional points in competitive applications for developments offering at least 15% accessible units

Why it matters

This initiative matters because Detroit faces a critical gap between housing accessibility needs and available accessible units. With one in five residents living with disabilities and 93% of housing built before accessibility requirements were mandated in 1991, many Detroiters are forced to live in unsafe or uncomfortable conditions. The economic dimension is significant, as 43% of residents with disabilities live below the poverty level, making cost a major barrier to accessibility modifications. The assessments will provide concrete data on what improvements are needed and their costs, enabling the city to develop evidence-based policies and funding strategies. Additionally, increasing accessible housing opens up more rental opportunities for building owners while allowing residents with disabilities to age in place safely and live independently within their community.

What's next

The list of buildings to be evaluated will be finalized in a couple more weeks
Assessments will be completed on a rolling basis throughout the one-year contract
Detroit Disability Power representatives hope to participate in some site visits with KMA
The assessment reports will inform future city programming centered on improving accessibility of existing rental properties
Building owners in early stages of redevelopment planning can use assessments proactively for upcoming rehabilitation projects
Council Member Mary Sheffield's plan to build 1,000 new single-family homes in four years presents an opportunity to incorporate accessible design from the start

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com