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Getting Started
Get Diagnosed
Gathering Important Information
Organizing Your Information
The Educated Parent
Early Intervention
What To Do First
What is Early Intervention?
Research
Introduction
Keeping an IEP Notebook
Preparing for an IEP Meeting
Conducting an IEP Meeting
Individuals With Disabilities Act
IDEA ACT - A Quick Reference
IDEA Legal Text
Family Finances
Recommended Resources
Housing
Introduction to Universal Housing Design
Housing options
Building a New House ~ That Works!
Introduction to Universal Housing Design
Entrances and Thresholds
Single Family Home Resources
Remodeled Bathroom
Ceiling Lifts
Problem Spaces
Adding a Ramp
Good Restroom
Not So Good Restrooms
Great Space Adaptions
Not So Great Adaptations
Ramp Design
Ramp Design (Part 2)
Commercial Ramps
Public Access Ramps
Adding a Ramp
Retrofit Door Sill Ramp
Insurance
Medical Bills
Filing an Appeal
Medical Expenses and Income Taxes
Finding Help for the Uninsured or Underinsured
Free or Discounted Prescription Programs
Medicaid Waivers
Legal Adults - Introduction
Guardianship and Declaration of Incapacitation
Establishing Guardianship and Obtaining a Declaration of Incapacitation
Dependency Determination (Military)
When to Start the Transition Process
Begin Transition - Age 14-16
Exploring Possibilities and Guardianship Issues - Age 17
Age 18
After High School Graduation - Age 19-22
Post High School Education Options
Future Housing Options
Specialized Medical Equipment
Wheelchair Evaluation
Wheelchair Safety
Introduction: Special Needs and the Military Family
DEERS & ID Cards
Dependency Determination
TriCare Introduction
TriCare Program Options
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Individual Case Management
TriCare Extended Care Health Option (ECHO)
Early Intervention
Housing Options
Family Support Services
Community Contacts
Letters of Medical Sufficiency
Wheelchair Accessible Vans
Van Conversion: A good Example
Fund Raising - The Flamingo Air Project
Utah DSPD Complaint List Winter 2011
 

HOUSING OPTIONS - Finding a Home to Live In

Option 1 - Renting (Subsidized):

State and federally funded accessible housing. Must be applied for. Eligible applicants are put on a waiting list and notified when housing becomes available. Waiting lists for this type of housing are 3-5 years minimum. Some of the positives - Housing is fully accessible, usually close to public transportation routes, close to shopping & other services, significantly lower (subsidized) rents.

Option 2 - Renting (Private):

In some instances you may be able to find housing that, with a few simple changes, can be made accessible. Many individuals find homes with open floor plans, reasonably sized bathrooms and kitchens but needing a ramp and doorknob changes workable alternatives. Negotiate with the landlord about building either a temporary or permanent ramp. Replacing round doorknobs with a paddle handle knob will allow easy access and is of minimal expense. Changing toilet seats can also be done to enhance accessibility. Ask for permission to install grab bars in the shower. You may be able to find removable tub railings at your local home improvement center. Be creative and use your imagination. Always get permission in writing for any and all changes first. Be sure to keep a copy of this agreement with your rental agreement.

Option 3 - Purchasing (Existing as accessible)

Before you begin shopping for a new home it is helpful to get pre-qualified for your loan. Shopping for a loan can be a tedious process but a very important one. Pre-qualifying for your loan will give you your budget and the price range you and your realtor can start looking for. If you can find a home that is already accessible and will suit your needs...take it! These don't last long on the market and can be extremely difficult to find.

Be sure to find a good Real Estate agent in your area who will do daily checks on the MLS for new listings and is familiar with basic accessibility needs. It is important that you have an agent you feel comfortable working with. Interview several before choosing one. You don't have to be stuck with the first agent that comes your way! You are the boss; find someone whom you are comfortable with and communicate well with. Before you even begin to look, sit down with your agent and co-ordinate a detailed list of your family's needs and the features you will need in a new home. Be prepared to be patient and persistent!

Option 4 - Purchasing (Existing but Not accessible)

This is the most common situation. You find a house that will most closely suit your needs but will require some basic remodeling to accommodate the special needs of your family. Be creative and use your imagination. With a little ingenuity, some creative financing, an affordable accessible house is within reach. Consult with an expert such as a rehabilitation specialist, building contractor, structural engineer, architect, experienced drafter, etc. As long as the basic framework needed is in place and can accommodate the modifications recommended by the expert, you can make it work. Don't be afraid to take your contractor/architect/drafter etc. along with you to look at the home itself, if need be. It is better to look at a home and find out if you can make modifications within your budget BEFORE making a purchase! Remember, the house needs to work with your needs, not create more problems.

You may also need to consult with an occupational rehabilitation specialist (therapist) for some of the finer equipment details (see How Do I Know What I Need) regarding access in the bathroom, kitchen, and other areas of the house being used by the occupant. This may be as simple as door handle changes and safety railings to full structural remodels to accommodate wheelchairs and extra equipment.

Option 5 - Building New

Building a new home is one way to ensure that your needs are covered but it is not a simple process and will take a great deal of time and patience to see it through. The most important thing to do if you are considering this option is to exhaustively shop around. Finding the right location with the right floor plan and the right building contractor are factors that only begin to scratch the surface of what is involved but the end results may be far more effective in accommodating the needs of your family. This, in itself, can be worth every minute of frustration waded through during the building process. Before you start down this road it is imperative to take a very serious look at your finances and the needs of your family. Do not jump into commitments without making a realistic assessment of your current situation first.

Linda recommends viewing the Universal and Accessible Design Home Plans catalog published by the UNC College of Design for ideas and suggestions.

http://www.ncsu.edu/ncsu/design/cud/pubs_p/phouseplans.htm