Public spaces must be accessible for all, including those with disabilities. They have to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant.
However, many experts note that the same regulations do not apply to homes. This means that someone who suffers an injury and winds up with a disability may have the easiest time in public places, but their own home could present some of the biggest challenges that they’ll face.
That’s not to say that homes have no standards at all in this regard. Even so, the reality is that every disability is unique and leaves the person with their own set of specific needs. Even a home that was designed with a disability in mind may not be perfect.
On top of that, what a person needs may not be the same year after year. It can change, but the home doesn’t change with it.
Just think about your own home. If you were suddenly confined to a wheelchair, putting in a ramp to get up the front steps may be the least of your worries. Can you reach the countertops and cupboards? Can you use the shower or the tub? Do you have any way to move between different levels? Are you able to do even simple things, like getting a drink of water?
What all of this means is that the disability can become very costly as you have to change your home to match your needs. It can also alter your life forever, and you may never be as comfortable as you were before. If you are living with a disability, be sure you know exactly what legal rights you have — and make certain that you discuss your difficulties accomplishing the tasks of daily living over with your attorney when you file your Social Security Disability claim.
