Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, chair of the New York State Assembly Subcommittee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, introduced a bill that would offer more housing options for loved ones with disabilities and seniors to help them stay in their own communities and live near family, friends and caregivers.

The bill (A.1410 of 2020) establishes a funding source in the form of an interest-free loan program for up to $50,000 or 50% of construction costs for the construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). ADU’s are living spaces that share a single-family lot with a larger dwelling, mainly located within, attached to or detached from the main residence, generally containing a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

New York has one of the highest estimated adult populations with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the country at more than 340,000 individuals.[1] Currently, the primary housing option for these individuals is community-based housing in which they share a group home with other adults. 

In recent years the demand for ADU’s has increased across the country and can be part of the solution here in New York State. ADU’s could serve as independent housing for a family member with a developmental disability. This would allow disabled individuals to live on the same property as their family members or caregiver, providing them with an easy avenue for support and caregiving while still having their own independent living spaces.[2]

“Far too many people seeking supportive housing end up on a waiting list for months or even years due to limited availability. This issue was further highlighted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many individuals with disabilities were forced to self-isolate but still required support and assistance from their families. As the father of a son living with autism, this is deeply concerning, and I’m certain that this concern is shared by other parents thinking about their child’s future,” Santabarbara added.

The ADUs covered by the proposal could also be used as an alternative to assisted living or nursing home options. For elderly adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, the physical and cognitive changes associated with the disease require the eventual need for 24-hour supervision and an increasing need for assistance with daily living and activities.[3]

Many older New Yorkers also often live in homes without accessibility needs. ADU’s can be built with those needs in mind, allow people to age in place with a family member or caregiver to live nearby and opportunity to downsize to a separate, more accessible home on their own property.

According to a 2018 study conducted by AARP, 84% of families with a disabled relative would consider building an ADU to care for them (AARP.org).[4] Unfortunately, cost is often a prohibiting factor, with average costs ranging from $50,000 for an internal ADU to $150,000 for a detached ADU.[5] 

“It’s important to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community are not forgotten or left behind. People want to live in their own communities near family and friends. As we begin the COVID-19 recovery process, we need to rethink housing and find better options, like ADU’s,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara.

Other states including New Hampshire, Vermont, Oregon and Washington, have already passed laws requiring most or all cities and counties to allow ADUs. Others have applied already existing regulations for the construction of ADUs. 

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[1] cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/features/adults-living-with-autism-spectrum-disorder.html

[2] Ibid

[3] aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/livable-documents/documents-2019/ADU-guide-web-singles-071619.pdf

[4] Ibid.

[5] health.ny.gov/statistics/brfss/reports/docs/2021-02_brfss_cognitive_decline.pdf