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![]() Under the FHAA, it is illegal to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of a dwelling, to refuse to process an offer, or to refuse a legitimate offer based on an applicant's disability. The Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), which became effective on March 12, 1989, extended the protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to cover housing for people with disabilities. Reinforced walls in bathrooms for later installation of grab bars.Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls in accessible locations.Accessible route into and through the dwelling unit.Doors usable by a person in a wheelchair. ![]() Accessible common and public use areas.An accessible building entrance on an accessible route.Among the protection for people with disabilities in the 1988 Amendments are seven construction requirements for all multifamily buildings of more than four units first occupied after March 13, 1991. ![]() In the United States, the 1988 Amendments to the Fair Housing Act added people with disabilities, as well as familial status, to the classes already protected by law from discrimination (race, color, sex, religion, and country of origin). This movement, a network of interested people working in their locales, works on educating, passing laws, and spurring voluntary home access initiatives with the intention that basic access become a routine part of new home construction. Furthermore, a Visit-ability movement begun by grassroots disability advocates in the 1980s focuses specifically on changing construction practices in new housing. The broad concept of Universal design is relevant to housing, as it is to all aspects of the built environment. Although Independent Living Centers have long been involved with providing housing services, there has been little or no systematic and sustained tracking of accessible rental units or documentation of accessible housing statistics. Housing is one of the most fundamental components of the independent living movement, and accessible housing has been a cornerstone issue for Independent Living Centers across the country since their inception. Housing may even be designed to incorporate accessibility modifications that can be made throughout the life cycle of the residents. Accessibility modifications that allow aging in place are becoming more common. A growing trend is the desire for many senior citizens to 'age in place', living as independently as possible for as long as possible. Aging seniors may wish to continue living independently, but the aging process naturally increases the disabilities that a senior citizen will experience. Continued.Īccessibility in the design of housing and household devices has become more prominent in recent decades due to a rapidly aging population in developed countries. Illustration of a 2 story blue and white house. However, for wheelchair users, access may require ramping entrances, widening doorways, lowering counters, adding lever or loop-style hardware to doors and drawers, and modifying storage areas.Ĭontinued below image. A truly accessible home is a house or apartment that enables an individual to do what he or she needs and desires to do as independently as possible.įor some people, access could be as simple as adding grab bars and a tub seat in the bathroom. Other adaptations that improve accessibility for seniors include: easy-to-reach work and storage areas in the kitchen reaching devices to grab objects on high shelves lever handles on doors toilet seat risers walk-in showers and bathtub and shower seats.ĭeciding whether a home is accessible depends of course on the nature and extent of a person's disability. Adding handrails and grab bars throughout the home, particularly in bathrooms and along stairways, helps reduce the risk of falling. Accessibility is achieved through architectural design, but also by integrating accessibility features such as modified furniture, shelves and cupboards, or even electronic devices in the home. However, there are some initiatives to change typical residential practices so that new homes incorporate basic access features such as zero-step entries and door widths adequate for wheelchairs to pass through.Īccessible housing refers to the construction or modification (such as through renovation or home modification) of housing to enable independent living for persons with disabilities. Most existing and new housing, even in the wealthiest nations, lack basic accessibility features unless the designated, immediate occupant of a home currently has a disability.
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