Ask about . . . Accessibility Features
Some housing developments include a certain number of apartments designed to be accessible for people with physical disabilities or mobility limitations. This usually means that doorways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, that bathrooms are large enough to allow an interior turning radius for wheelchairs, and that there is space under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom to allow wheelchair access. In addition, doorway thresholds are flush with the floor, or are beveled and no higher than 1/2 inch, to provide safer passage by people using mobility aids such as walkers, canes, and braces, and are safer for frail individuals who may walk with a shuffling gait.
The availability of additional accessibility features can vary from one development to another, but may include such items as roll-in showers, adjustable sinks and counters, adjustable rods in closets, sit-to-work space, and elevators.
If you need a living unit that is "accessible," you need to ask the housing manager which features are available, and you will need to visit and compare different apartments.
Three federal laws require a housing development to make "reasonable accommodations" in operating rules, policies, practices, or services for people with disabilities, unless proof can be shown that the accommodations would result in an undue financial burden to the development or substantially change the development's purpose or program. How the three laws are interpreted is often determined through court challenges. Following are several resources for assistance and information about your rights under the three laws:
The three laws are:
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.), which covers housing that receives federal funds for construction or operation.
- Title III of the Federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) (28 CFR Part 36), which covers the common areas of a multiunit development (such as the lobby, meeting rooms, or common dining room), but does not cover the individual private apartments.
- The Federal Fair Housing Amendments of 1988 (42 U.S.C.), which cover both the public and private areas of any multiunit apartment building that has more than four units.
Landlords must make reasonable accommodations and must allow tenants to modify their apartment units to accommodate impairments. When vacating their apartments, tenants are responsible for returning the apartment to its original state. Elderly people with aging-related impairments are covered under these laws.
- Regional ADA Technical Assistance Center
Employment and Disability Institute
201 ILR Extension Building
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14853
1-800-949-4232 (Voice / TTY / Spanish)
(607) 255-6686 (Voice / TTY / Spanish)
dbtacnortheast@cornell.edu - NYState Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy
for Persons with Disabilities
401 State Street
Schenectady, New York 12305
1-800-624-4143 (Voice / TTY / Spanish) - Fair Housing Office
U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:
Regional Offices:- Buffalo Field Office
465 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
(716) 551-5755
716-551-5787 (TTD) - Albany Field Office
52 Corporate Circle
Albany, New York 12203
(518) 464-4200 - New York City Field
Office
26 Federal Plaza, Room 3532
New York, New York 10278
1-800-496-4294
(212) 264-0927 (TTY)
- Buffalo Field Office
- Office of Fair Housing
and Equal Opportunity
New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal
38-40 State Street
Albany, New York 12207
Equal Employment Opportunity Unit: (518) 474-6157
Fair Housing Unit, Albany, NY: (518) 474-6157
Fair Housing Unit, New York City: (212) 480-7492
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