MONTGOMERY COUNTY HOMEOWNERS THAT ACCEPT HOUSING VOUCHERS BY - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

MONTGOMERY COUNTY HOMEOWNERS THAT ACCEPT HOUSING VOUCHERS

BY REGINA LEE HOUSING ADVOCATE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

• WED. DEC. 12, 2018

ABOUT ME

■ Diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at age 10, and survived as a passenger in a

severe car accident in 1977. While no longer being ambulatory from the broken leg, I became a permanent wheelchair user. ■ 1977-1985 Worked for the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development as a Typist. ■ 1985-1989 Worked at IPACHI as a Word Processor. ■ 1984 Moved to a 4-Bedroom, 2-Story home in New Carrollton, MD, where I first started using a non-manual wheelchair for mobility. Ramp was installed on carport (by a friend), and Master Bathroom/Walk-In Closet modified to include raised toilet, roll-in shower, roll-up sink/vanity combination with financial assistance from DORS. ■ 11/93 – 11/99 Member, City of New Carrollton ADA Compliance Committee ■ 7/94 – 7/97 Member, PG County Commission for Individuals with Disabilities ■ 2007 Moved into a 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath apt. [See Tilt Mirror, Motion Sensor, White Bench Seat] ■ 2015 Moved into a 2-Bedroom, 2-Bath apt. [See White Bench Seat and Vanity Modification]

• 1. Replace light switch with large toggle switch.
• 2. Lower electrical outlet under medicine cabinet.
• 3. Install grab bars in shower area
• 4. Replace sink/vanity with sink for leg clearance and vanity on the side (See Figure 31).
• 5. Move the toilet 45” away from the tub -- it is now only 17” (minimum is 30”).

It is hindering the disabled resident from transferring from wheelchair to shower seat because of the proximity of the tub. Attachments cc: Teresa Smithson, Family Counselor, Greenbelt Cares

Motion Sensor

I found that in order to turn on my bathroom lights – come into the bedroom, close the door. Go into the bathroom and close the door. Reach up high to turn on light. Once sensor was installed, I had it set to turn on light when entering the bathroom and stayed on for 15 -20 minutes.

Adjustable Tilting Mirror See yourself from a seated position Easily tilts back into place for use when standing, if necessary. Installs easily Variety of sizes available

Figure 31 - Lavatory Clearances

In addition to clearances discussed in the text, the following knee clearance is required underneath the lavatory: 27 inches (685 mm) minimum from the floor to the underside of the lavatory which extends 8 inches (205 mm) minimum measured from the front edge underneath the lavatory back towards the wall; if a minimum 9 inches (230 mm) of toe clearance is provided, a maximum of 6 inches (150 mm) of the 48 inches (1220 mm) of clear floor space required at the fixture may extend into the toe space.

Clear Floor Space at Bathtubs

With Seat in Tub. If the approach is parallel to the bathtub, a 30 inch (760 mm) minimum width by 60 inch (1525 mm) minimum length clear space is required alongside the bathtub. If the approach is perpendicular to the bathtub, a 48 inch (1220 mm) minimum width by 60 inch (1525 mm) minimum length clear space is required. With Seat at Head of Tub. If the approach is parallel to the bathtub, a 30 inch (760 mm) minimum width by 75 inch (1905 mm) minimum length clear space is required alongside the bathtub. The seat width must be 15 inches (380 mm) and must extend the full width of the bathtub. The back is removable to reverse seat and measures Seat Width: 33"; Seat Depth: 20"; Seat Height: 32 1/2“. Not sure of weight capacity or cost.

Bathtub Transfer Bench

The Economy Padded Transfer Bench safely provides assistance to those who have difficulty stepping over bath tub walls. Features: Vinyl covered foam backrest and seating surface offer a highly resilient cushioned surface for comfort. Suction cup foot pieces included. Lightweight, anodized aluminum frame is height adjustable in 1/2" increments. Backrest adjusts for right or left transfers. Side arm and seat handles provide extra stability and leverage when transferring. Specifications: Product Weight Capacity: 250lb; Seat Width: 17"; Seat Depth: 16"; Seat Height: 16" - 21“. Cost $139.

MODIFICATION OR ACCOMMODATION REQUEST

Under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, _________________________________ is required to make certain reasonable modifications to existing premises occupied or to be occupied by disabled persons, if such modification is necessary to afford such persons full enjoyment of the premises. The cost of such modifications may be the responsibility of the Resident.* ______________ may, where reasonable, agree to a modification with the condition that the Resident agrees to restore the premises to its original condition, reasonable wear and tear excluded.* In appropriate circumstances, the Owner may also ask the Resident to escrow funds for the purpose of restoring modifications to the interior apartment to its original condition upon termination of residency. The interest in such an escrow account would accrue to the Resident’s benefit. Under ________ policy, an approval, denial, or request for additional materials shall be communicated to the resident or prospective resident making the request within ten (10) business days of the date on which the request is received. If additional information is requested, an approval or denial will be communicated to the resident or prospective resident within ten (10) business days of the date on which all requested information is provided by the resident or prospective resident. [I did request a second towel rack, additional clothes rack in closet, while vanity (below) was installed by complex.]

Vanity Modified to be Accessible

Wall hung sinks are great for wheelchair users to get close to the sink basin, but sometimes extra space is needed that only a vanity can provide. Please insulate pipes under sink. This Sink/Vanity Combo is 36” L X 28 2/3” H from floor to bottom of vanity.

RESOURCES FOR RENTERS

■ ADA specifications obtained from the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design by Department

• f Justice dated September 15, 2010.

■ Contact Trish Foley [240-898-2181], Director of Community Services with Independence Now, Inc. – Home

Modifications & Assistive Technology Program. Serving Prince George’s and Montgomery County residents with disabilities.

■ Contact Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) for qualification to obtain financial assistance for

• modifications. Wheaton Office 301-949-3750 or Germantown 301-601-1500.

■ Contact Tanya Goodman [410-554-9244], Loan Program Director with Maryland Assistive Technology Loan

Program (ATLP) at MDTAP.

■ Request a copy of the Home Modifications Directory for Maryland from MDTAP. ■ Pictures of accessible items that have been used to modify my bathrooms, without any cost to me.

SUGGESTIONS

■ Develop a Montgomery County Homeowners Modification Service in conjunction with Housing Authority to

allow renters to obtain qualified, affordable and accessible modifications, that may not already be available.