I served over a decade as a combat drone sensor operator. I live with complex PTSD, moral injury, and the invisible effects of remote warfare. Despite severe daily challenges like panic attacks, dissociation, and sensory overwhelm, I do not qualify for any adaptive housing support because my injuries are not visible.

Through my work with over 200 veterans, I have seen how this gap affects not only service members but also law enforcement officers, children with trauma, and others who live with similar invisible challenges. These heroes and survivors battle daily with functional disabilities brought on by mental health conditions, such as complex PTSD, traumatic brain injury, moral injury, and severe sensory impairment. Yet, due to the current restrictive criteria for adaptive housing grants, their suffering is compounded by the lack of necessary modifications to their living environment.

This petition calls for the expansion of eligibility for adaptive housing grants to include these mental health-driven functional disabilities. We must broaden the criteria to reflect the reality that not all disabilities are visible. Those who have sacrificed so much, whether in the military, special operations forces, or law enforcement, deserve a safe and supportive home environment just as much as someone with a physical disability.

Some examples of these lifesaving modifications are:

Sensory Modulation
☐ Acoustic insulation in walls/ceilings

☐ White noise/sound masking system

☐ Dimmable and color-adjustable lighting

☐ Blackout window treatments

Environmental Control
☐ Smart thermostat with room zoning

☐ Automated blinds with timer/sensor

☐ Smart home system (lights, locks, audio)

Security & Safety
☐ Multiple egress points (exit routes)

☐ Safe/panic room with soundproofing

☐ Surveillance system with private access

Therapeutic Spaces
☐ On-site therapy/telehealth room

☐ Dedicated decompression room

☐ Art or sensory integration space

Comfort & Accessibility
☐ Heated bathroom floors

☐ Walk-in shower with calming lighting

☐ Soft-close doors & drawers

Outdoor Spaces
☐ Fenced yard with privacy landscaping

☐ Covered patio with sensory features

☐ Water feature for auditory calming

Invisible injuries impact one’s ability to function just as severely as visible ones. For individuals, families, and children dealing with trauma-related conditions, having an adaptive home can mean the difference between daily struggle and finding peace and stability.

By making these changes, we extend the reach of our support to truly include all those affected by functional disabilities. The inclusion of mental health-driven conditions in adaptive housing eligibility is not just an option, but a necessary evolution of our commitment to care for those who protect and serve, as well as their families.

Call on legislators and policymakers to reassess and redefine disability standards for adaptive housing assistance today. Sign this petition to ensure that no one is denied a safe and supportive home environment simply because their disability is invisible.