Accessibility - Who is Protected & the Importance of "Visitability"

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HOME-funded programs are subject to certain Federal laws governing accessibility for disabled persons. Accessibility requirements prescribe who is protected by these standards and when PJs must follow accessibility laws; PJs can also take these Federal requirements a step further, however, by incorporating "visitability" principles into their design.

Who is protected by accessibility laws?

Collectively, the accessibility laws that apply to the HOME Program cover individuals who:

• Have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Disabilities might include physiological disorders or conditions; hearing, mobility, speech, and/or visual impairments; drug addiction (other than addiction caused by current, illegal use of a controlled substance); alcoholism; AIDS and AIDS-related complex; and mental illness or retardation. OR
• Have a record of such a disability. OR
• Are regarded as having such a disability.

What is "visitability" and why is it important?

HUD strongly encourages PJs to incorporate accessible design and construction features, in addition to those that are required, into all housing it develops with HOME funds, in order to provide "visitability." Housing that is "visitable" has a very basic level of accessibility that enables persons with disabilities to visit friends, relatives, and neighbors in their homes within a community. Visitability can be achieved for little cost, with the use of two simple design standards: (1) providing a 32-inch clear opening in all interior and bathroom doorways; and (2) providing at least one accessible means of egress/ingress for each unit. By adopting these visitability standards, PJs can vastly increase the ability of a mobility-impaired person to visit others with independence.