Here is where a thoughtful strategy is a must for getting to the top of the waiting lists that these agencies almost always have. A housing agency may have one master housing waiting list or it may break it down into segmented smaller lists. There might be one for all agency-administered housing subsidies, for all applicants, whether or not aged or disabled. Now, however, local agencies can set their own priorities. You don't have to disclose your disability with the public housing agency.
Disclosure only invites discrimination.
Refusing to answer will, of course, mean no apartment, so standing dramatically on your rights here will be counterproductive. And these kind of landlords are usually clever enough to cover their tracks when it comes to avoiding discrimination charges. What this comes down to in practical terms is that if you mention AIDS, mental health, or substance abuse, you can often kiss your housing unit goodbye. Instead, mention other conditions you really have and tie them to your disability status. All housing programs' waiting lists can last years.