Ron.Rothenberg@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org (Ron Rothenberg) (04/24/91)
Index Number: 15120
[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]
W H E E L C H A I R A C C E S S I B L E H O U S I N G T I P S
by Ron Rothenberg
When looking for an
accessible apartment:
* State your needs clearly - use specific terms. Say: "I need 18 inches on
either side of the toilet," not "I need a big bathroom." Don't be shy
when describing why you need a certain feature. Knowing why helps the
other person know if the apartment fits. Try to divide your requests into
"musts" and "would-be-nice" features.
* Be realistic in your requirements - Few homes are perfect immediately.
Make sure the expensive modifications are there - ramping, hallway size,
bathroom size - but recognize that doors can be widened and light switches
adapted cheaply. Under the new Fair Housing Law the landlord must allow
you to make your own reasonable adaptations.
* Opportunity knocks - Check with your local housing agencies, rehab
commission or independent living center. Landlords often call in search
of tenants. Check display ads in the newspaper for the universal
wheelchair symbol. This means that there are some accessible apartments
in that building. Look for ads in disability-related publications.
* Enlist professional help - Call the office managers of several real estate
agencies and ask for an agent who may have experience with wheelchair
accessible housing. Speak to several and then choose only one to work
with, so there is an incentive for that agent to find you a home.
* Know your rights - If you encounter discrimination, inform the landlord of
your rights in a helpful way - don't be adversarial unless necessary. The
rights and needs of disabled people are new to some. Many landlords don't
know a companion or guide dog isn't considered a pet, or that you're
entitled to make reasonable changes to make your apartment more livable.
If you don't tell them, they may never know.
* New Construction = More accessibility (usually) - Most rental housing that
recently went into service must have some units built to accessible or
adaptable standards.
* Need a lift? - If you live in a high-rise building, it's good to have more
than one elevator so that you don't get stranded if one breaks.
* In case of emergency - Is there an alternate accessible exit?
* Change of season - When looking at a home in summer, consider the
accessibility when there is ice and snow on the ground.
* How's the neighborhood? - Check out curb-cuts and access to stores and
transit in the area.
* Be kind to your landlord - Though it's the law, it's nice to receive a few
strokes for being a good, accessible landlord. If there are other vacant
accessible units, let people know. If accessible homes were always
rented, more would be built.
* Choose carefully! - Unless you're in a bind, take your time and find a
home that's right for you. Don't let initial discouragement trap you in a
home that will send you looking again soon. If you're happy with the
home, consider a long-term lease.
(feel free to republish, Joe.)
... The nail that sticks out is hammered down - Japanese Proverb
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Internet: Ron.Rothenberg@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.orgJohn.Lynch@f1000.n261.z1.fidonet.org (John Lynch) (04/24/91)
Index Number: 15121
[This is from the Spinal Injury Conference]
RR> * State your needs clearly - use specific terms. Say: "I need 18
RR> inches on
RR> either side of the toilet," not "I need a big bathroom." Don't
Let them know what side you want to transfer to the toilet from, so you
CAN place you chair for the optimal transfer.
Good list!
Regards, John
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