Category: Articles on Community Living

Housing Equity: Affordable Access for Adults with Disabilities

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Author: Lauren Silverstone
Director of Housing Support Services at Maryland Inclusive Housing

Housing for adults with disabilities: Image of a white woman with chin length brown hair, brown glasses and a grey suit jacket.

Housing in the United States remains largely out of reach for adults living on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). As of early 2026, approximately 7.4 to 7.5 million Americans rely on SSI, a federal benefit that supports individuals who are older, have a vision impairment, or have a qualifying disability and very limited income. In 2026, the maximum federal SSI payment is $994 per month for an individual and $1,491 per month for an eligible couple. About one-third of SSI recipients also receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (learn more about the difference between SSI and SSDI benefits); however, even when these benefits are combined, income levels remain far below what is needed to afford stable, market-rate housing in most communities. These financial limitations continue to make housing for adults with disabilities especially difficult to obtain and sustain in many communities. Additional income from work or nonwork income like alimony, veterans benefits, and pensions are also counted against monthly SSI payments. 

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Understanding Immigration Agencies in the U.S.

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By: Tracy Waller, MPH, Esq.

From 1933 to 2002, a federal agency called the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) oversaw the immigration process, enforcement, and border patrol activities. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government decided that too many different agencies were handling national security separately.

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From Exclusion to Inclusion:

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A Brief Legal History of Education for Students with Disabilities

When people hear the term “special education,” they often envision separate classrooms with specialized programs. However, at its core, education for students with disabilities is about ensuring that every student has access to the educational services and support they need to learn and thrive in the appropriate school setting.  

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