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ACCESSIBLE HOUSING PROGRAM (AHP)

What ls AHP?  (a local program)

It is a program developed by Independence, Inc. that uses funds from a Lawrence Community Development Block Grant to provide people with disabilities improved access to their rented units.

AHP is a result of a provision in the 1988 Fair Housing Amendments Act that states a landlord may not refuse reasonable accessibility modifications needed by a tenant with a disability.

AHP is also a response to the needs of persons with disabilities who can't afford to make accessibility modifications to their present rental homes.

What are some typical modifications?

• Building ramps

• Widening doorways

• Installing visual signal systems for telephones and doorbells

• Installing lever-type handles on doors or faucets

• Modifying door thresholds

• Installing grab bars in the bathroom

Who can qualify for AHP?

To qualify, applicants must have a mobility or sensory impairment, currently rent housing in Lawrence, and need accessibility modifications. (General maintenance, such as roof repair, is not covered by AHP.) Applicants also must be within the low to moderate income levels established by the United States Housing and Urban Development Department. These levels are based on annual income and the number of persons living in a household.

KAMP  ( a new statewide program)
Kansas Accessibility Modifications Program

For an application and more information about AHP, contact:

Bob Mikesic --  Residential Services Specialist -- Accessible Housing Program

Independence, Inc.
2001 Haskell Ave.
Lawrence, KS 66046

Phone: (785) 841-0333 (voice)
Phone: (785) 841-1046 (TDD)
BobM@independenceinc.org

About FHAA

The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 was signed into law September 13, 1988 and went into effect in March of 1989. This is a landmark federal law that extends the principle of equal housing opportunity to persons with a disability and families with children. The law defines persons with disabilities consistent with the definititIon of a "handicapped person" in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Family status includes one or more children in the family or pregnant women.

The Act makes it unlawful to discriminate in the selling or renting of privately owned housing. This includes an individual with a disability, someone associated with that individual, or a resident, or potential resident who has a disability. It also prohibits discrimination in the provision of services or facilities available to those living in the dwelling. Reasonable accommodation is required in rules, policies, practices, or services, when such accommodations may be necessary to afford a person with a disability equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

FHAA requires that persons with a disability be permitted to make accessibility modifications to an existing rental unit at the tenant's expense. Also, after March 13, 1991, all new multi-family dwellings of four or more units, all ground-floor units, and all dwelling units reachable by elevator must contain:

• An accessible route into and through the dwelling

• Accessible and usable public and common use portions by persons with a disability

• Doors wide enough to allow passage by persons using wheelchairs

• Kitchens and bathrooms large enough for person using a wheelchair to use

• Accessible light switches, outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls

• Reinforced bathroom walls to allow later installation of grab bars

To file a disability-related discrimination complaint, contact the Lawrence Human Relations/Human Resource Dept., City Hall, 3rd Floor, Lawrence, KS 66044,  (785)841-7722 voice/TTY, or the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Region VII, 1103 Grand Ave., KCMO 64106, (816) 374- 6457 voice, (816) 374-6403 TTD.