The creation of emergency transportable, temporary housing that includes accessible features requires a specific set of tools that address unique design and construction challenges. These dwelling units are some of the smallest produced for housing, and they must accommodate a variety of functional criteria for mobility that often seems in conflict with the spatial requirements for accessibility. While the design and construction of accessible housing for disaster survivors requires attention to detail and some less common construction approaches, it can be relatively straightforward when integrated into the design and construction process. Many builders may find that the accessibility features of these homes are easily implemented and provide value for all residents.

This is not a regulatory document, but is intended to illustrate possible solutions, provide guidance to designers wishing to create accessible disaster relief housing, and aid the manufacturing industry. The focus of this publication is on the interior of these dwellings and is not site-specific, and so it does not include essential accessibility aspects of locating and installing the structures on site. Dwelling design is a creative process, and this document provides some approaches that can be used as a “point of departure” for designers to create safe, accessible housing units. Descriptions and graphic illustrations of accessible elements are provided in these pages, but it is not the intent of this guide to limit development of other accessible solutions, or to imply that this is a complete directory of all possible arrangements.