Handicap Ramps

Started by NM • 6 replies • 2731 views

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NM (Illinois)
Posts: 1

Posted:

I am a board member of a 20 unit owner-run condo association. We now have a resident that is confined to a wheelchair. Built in 1970, our building is not handicap accessible. Is it the building's responsibility to install a ramp?

DJ1 (Ontario)
Posts: 798

Posted:

Morally, Legally, or as a goodwill gesture to welcome the new resident and bring the building up to 21st century standards?

BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640

Posted:

NM:

I am not up to speed on all handicap laws but if no major renovations have taken place since it was built it is possible your building is grandfathered in. I may be really wrong on that. At any rate, I think a reasonable effort should be made to make their condo accessible.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Our city has a ramp building program. I am not sure if it's through CASA or through Habitat for Humanity. I volunteer for both and get confused which one does it. However, you may find a local charity that does the same thing. They build about 20 ramps a year for elderly or homebound. It may or may not be free. I believe it may be the cost of materials.

You may want to find out if part of the sale of the house had an agreement pertaining to providing accessibility. The owner may have already made arrangements for the unit itelf. The Condo association may need to make considerations elsewhere.

Our HOA we had to cut into a curb to make a ramp to the clubhouse and provide a handicap parking space in front. (It may have been 2 spots.) I believe the Condo/HOA will only be responsible for making common areas accessible by wheelchair like the clubhouse, pool, or other amenities. That's about all that's consider "reasonable" accommodations.

I will add that we also replaced our Bathroom signs to be in Brail as well. There are signs that offer both pictorials and brail for certain areas. That may also be a good idea to look into in the future while your upgrading.

Former HOA President

PaulM (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 1,347

Posted:

NM: Check out guidelines from the Disabilities Act to learn the requirements.

Does the average homeowner as a disabled person have rights? I believe so and can get funding for the erection of needed ramps, etc. Don't know what rules would apply in a community, but the gvt. may subsidize on behalf of the resident and at the resident's request.

JeanneK3 (Maryland)
Posts: 562

Posted:

NM: I believe if you check the US Disabilities Act it says you are required to allow a ramp but it is the individual who pays the cost. The Board can set up architectural standards for the ramp.

RebeccaM1 (Florida)
Posts: 43

Posted:

NM: I am just curious here...
Has the homeowner made a request already or are you being proactive, because you expect a request might be made on behalf of this Homeowner? It is probable that the individual not only knows their rights, but that they took their needs into consideration before purchase and that you all could come to some sort of mutually beneficial agreement. Certainly, as another recent post has taught us, either the ADA or FHA will give you specific guidelines, but here's hoping that this homeowner and your BOD can be reasonable and respectful of each position.

I am just interested in the background of the story.

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