When Living in Your Home Becomes A Daily Struggle: The Benefits of Accessible Homes and Universal Design By: Samantha Lebron
A common topic discussed within the disability community is the need for affordable, accessible housing. A home is supposed to be a haven, a refuge to relax in, but for those with disabilities, an inaccessible home can be an unsafe hindrance. With the use of reasonable accommodations and universal design homes, people with disabilities can once again find a safe and accessible haven. One of the first lessons a person with a disability learns is to adapt to the world around them. Those who cannot afford a fully customized accessible dwelling can find it frustrating and ultimately unsafe. When I moved into my first apartment. I was placed in a unit that had steps at the entrance. The steps had railings on both sides. I was able to lift my four-wheel walker up the steps one-handed while maintaining my balance by using my other hand to hold onto the railing as I walked up the steps. I did this for a while until I had a decline in my health and had to begin using a wheelchair. From that poi...