Home Modifications and Assistive Technology in the Home Presenters: Naomi Hubert, Housing Programs Director Community and Housing Services Easter Seals Central Texas John C. Morris Assistive Technology Coordinator Texas Technology Access Program

Home Modifications

The term ‘home modifications’ encompasses a broad range of alterations made to one’s home in order to create a more usable and comfortable environment in which to carry out daily activities.

HOME MODICIFCATIONS: Simple to Complex

Single Lever Door Handle

Standard Door Hinge Off Set Hinge

Door width 32” Actual opening is approx. 30” Door width is 32” Actual opening is approx. 31 ½”

Shower Hose

Fold Down Grab Bars “Designer” Grab Bars

Walk-In Tub

Single Lever Faucets

Pull Out Shelves

‘Reacher’ Pull Down Shelves

BATHROOM MODIFICATIONS shower storage shower closet BEFORE storage AFTER storage

Funding for Home Modifications Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Amy Young Barrier Removal Program www.tdhca.state.tx.us

Easter Seals Community and Housing Services CHAMP http://centraltx.easterseals.com

Other Resources City and/or County Home Repair Programs Department of Veterans Affairs www.va.gov

US Department of Agriculture www.usda.gov

Urban League, Community Action Agencies, Services for the Elderly Texas Technology Access Program (device loan program)

ADVOCATING FOR HOME MODIFICATIONS Can I get a grab bar installed in my bathroom?

The Fair Housing Act

Establishes design and construction requirements for multifamily housing of four or more units built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991 (privately funded) Landlords/Owners cannot refuse to make reasonable accommodations when such accommodations may be necessary to afford a person with a disability equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling Landlords/Owners are not required to pay for the modifications but can request that the tenant restore the unit to it’s original condition

Does not cover single family homes

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Access requirements apply to new construction of federally subsidized multi-family housing having 5 or more units constructed after July 11, 1988 A percentage of units must be made readily accessible and not merely adaptable for people with disabilities Request for reasonable accommodations cannot be refused and are completed at the owner’s/landlord’s expense Does not cover single family homes

Basic Access Legislation • •

City of Austin – Basic Access Ordinance in 1998 Texas Statewide Basic Access Law Applies to single family homes constructed with public funds Basic Access requirements are very similar to the Fair Housing Design Guidelines

Assistive Technology

A term used to describe all of the tools, products, and devices, from the simplest to the most complex, that can make a particular function easier or possible to perform.

Intercom Systems

Hard-wired Battery operated Linked with other systems

Keyless Entry

Automatic Door Openers

Hearing Aids for people who are deaf or hard of hearing

Vision Aids for people with visual impairments

Personal Digital Assistant/PDA Magnifiers Scanner/Reader

Communication Boards Augmentative & Alternative Communication

Assistance Using Computers On Screen Key Board

Eye Tracker Systems

Mouse replacement device that allows the user to place the mouse pointer anywhere on the screen by simply looking at the desired location.

E C U

Environmental Control Units:

enable people with disabilities to control their personal environment including telephones, televisions and other infrared devices, lights, appliances, electric beds and personal computers.

Environmental Control Units/ECU

Activities of Daily Living Universal Holders

Easy Key Turner EZ- Spray Handle Toothbrush-Razor Holder Utensil Holder

Activities of Daily Living Writing and Typing Aids

Writing Aids Reading Writer Clip Baseball Cap Head Pointer Writing Aid Slip on

Activities of Daily Living Reachers and Grabbers

Bed Pull Up Lightweight aluminum reachers Rainbow Reacher

Activities of Daily Living Reachers and Grabbers

Reachers Quad Reacher Reacher with Power Grip and Hooks

Activities of Daily Living Dressing Aids

Leg Lifter Flexible Hair Dryer Stand Button and Zipper Aid

Activities of Daily Living Cooking and Eating

Safety I-Can Opener Adjust a Scoop And Spoon (Measuring System) Food Guard

Resources

Assistive Technology Loan Programs Vocational Rehabilitation And Independent Living Services

Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP)

A voucher program that provides financial assistance for the purchase of specialized assistive equipment or services for individuals whose disability interferes with their ability to access the telephone network.

1-800-628-5115 or TTY 1-866-581-9328 http://www.dars.state.tx.us/dhhs/stap.shtml

Medicare?

Medicaid?

Easter Seals Central Texas Community and Housing Services 1611 Headway Circle, Bldg 2 Austin, Texas 78754 512-615-3377

[email protected]

The University of Texas at Austin Texas Center for Disability Studies Texas Technology Access Program 10100 Burnet Road, Bldg 137 (CMS) Rm 1.160

Austin, Texas 78758-4445 Office: 512-232-0753

http://techaccess.edb.utexas.edu