Assemblymember Paulin's Able Column It is no secret that the lack of accessible and affordable housing for people with disabilities is a significant problem that is desperately waiting for some solutions. In fact, it could easily be described as one of the biggest issues that the disability community is facing today. These days, we hear about the call to provide services to individuals with disabilities in the most integrated settings appropriate to their needs, yet when people attempt to locate housing that will safely and adequately fit their needs, they are often disappointed to find little or no accessible units - especially in an affordable price range. The Assembly Task Force on People with Disabilities has been working specifically on the effort to increase the amount of appropriate housing for people with disabilities. We held a public hearing on this very issue in April of 2004. So far, during the 2005 Legislative Session, the Assembly passed two measures aimed at improving accessible housing for people with disabilities. They include:
Furthermore, the Task Force is supporting a bill (A.4622-Lavelle/S.3907-Spano) that prohibits discrimination in the rental and sale of housing on the basis of source of income, and we are working with disability advocates to develop legislation that would create a housing trust fund for people with disabilities. Please be assured that accessible housing will continue to be a top priority as the 2006 Legislative Session approaches. In the meantime, I encourage all of you to continue contacting your local Senators and the Governor's office regarding the critical nature of these measures. Let them know that we won't quit the fight for accessible housing until we win! |
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