Where can you live if you can't walk up the stairs?

Thursday, July 26, is the 17th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This Thursday, the ADA Restoration Act of 2007 will be rolled out to the House of Representatives to help make the ADA more enforceable. Despite 17 years with a law to help disabled people have access to all aspects of American life, unfairness still reigns in our country. I see it here in the Greater Boston area real estate market.

I have long been a supporter of universal design and regularly work with disabled home-buyers as part of my real estate practice. I have been frustrated in my efforts not only by the older housing stock, crowded neighborhoods and lack of land for building. I also fume over the new developments that I see popping up which lack access for disabled buyers.

People with mobility impairments (this includes people who use wheelchairs, have cardio-pulmonary disease, as well as people with arthritis) are all ages, races and classes. Not all of them want to live in tower-style condo buildings. Some would prefer condos in small associations where they can enjoy a yard and a neighborhood. Some want single-family homes in established neighborhoods.

Look around where you live. See how many places built after 1990 could be home to someone with a mobility impairment... Appalling, isn’t it?... Now, don’t get me started about the garbage they put up with to get and keep a job!

If you want to help, there are things you can do.