The Housing Enabler: An Objective Tool for Assessing Accessibility

This paper describes an instrument — the Housing Enabler — used in the assessment of housing accessibility. The tool was developed from the original Enabler idea by Steinfeld et al (1979), resulting in an instrument for reliable assessment of the accessibility of the housing environment and the immediate outdoor environment in terms of occupational therapy. Apart from a description of the instrument itself, this paper presents theoretical bases, studies completed, and current, and future considerations of importance for occupational therapy practice and research. The outcome of a Housing Enabler assessment makes the concept of accessibility concrete and allows for individual as well as group analyses. In conclusion, the Housing Enabler is a useful and reliable instrument for research, practice and education. It offers a wide range of applications and is well suited for the current development of community-based occupational therapy.