Disabilities
A landlord cannot refuse to make a reasonable accommodation
in policy, practice, rule and/or service that will allow a
person with a disability to fully use a rental unit. This
section contains housing rights and advocacy organizations for
accessible housing.
The
Ability Center of Greater Toledo has provided the following
information and advocacy organization links to assist people
with disabilities in obtaining affordable, accessible housing.
Housing Rights to Keep in Mind
- It is illegal to discriminate against a person with a
disability in terms, conditions, services, or facilities
when renting or selling housing units.
- A landlord or agent cannot refuse to make a reasonable
accommodation in any policy, practice, rule and/or service
that will allow a person with a disability to fully use a
unit.
- It is also illegal to refuse a person with a disability
the right to make a reasonable modification to the premises
at his or her own expense. An example would be installing a
ramp or widening doorways.
Housing Advocacy Organizations
In addition to The Ability Center, the organizations to
follow are also working to generate accessible housing:
Concrete Change is an international organization
dedicated to making all homes “visitable.” Visitability simply
means making one entrance into a house or apartment with no
steps. It also ensures that all doorways and halls are at least
32” wide. While this is not full accessibility, it allows people
with mobility impairments the freedom to visit friends. You can
contact them at: 600 Dancing Fox Road, Decatur, GA 30032 or
www.concretechange.org.
The Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing (DRACH)
is a national network of organizations who work with housing
providers to ensure that they follow the independent living and
consumer control philosophies in their service provision. You
may contact them at (215) 634-2000 or at
www.libertyresources.org.
The Toledo Fair Housing Center is dedicated to
eliminating housing discrimination and enforcing fair housing
laws. You can reach them at 419/243-6163 or
www.toledofhc.org.
Lucas County Metropolitan Housing Authority (LMHA) has
several housing options for people with disabilities. You may
contact them at 419/259-9400 or visit them at
www.lucasmha.org.