Accessibility Is Home podcast

Traveling can be challenging if you are disabled because of  inaccessible short term rentals. But through the help of disabled homeowners and "Becoming Rentable," that will change!  In honor of Accessibility Is Home podcast  winning the Sonic Bloom Pioneer Award, to pioneers are interviewed - Angela Fox and Lorraine Woodward. Lorraine Woodward is the visionary behind Becoming Rentable, who's reshaping the travel landscape to accommodate everyone's needs. Our conversation orbits around the often-overlooked necessities that make a world of difference—think driveways you can actually navigate and doorways that welcome any guest, no matter their mobility challenges. This episode unveils the 43 meticulously cataloged features that Lorraine's platform offers, ensuring that every adventure is accessible and every traveler can find their perfect stay.

Shifting away from the travel norms, we confront the stark reality of the limited accessible rental market, especially as the baby boomer generation sails toward retirement. Lorraine and I dissect the hurdles in amassing a more inclusive property inventory and the certification process that not only raises the bar but also raises awareness. We also shed light on the crucial role of insurance and safety in this evolving industry, narrating tales that will move and motivate you. From the heartwarming story of Gideon's family to the potential for Becoming Rentable's expansion, we're showcasing how these rentable spaces are becoming memory makers for families seeking autonomy in their travels.

As we wrap up, I point you towards a beacon of hope and guidance for making properties more welcoming for everyone. At BecomingRentable.com, you'll find a treasure trove of advice on creating a space that speaks the language of accessibility, while my own platform, HorizontalHouses.com, serves up resources for those in the disability community taking the leap into homeownership. We're building a network where shared experiences are the currency that enriches us all, and I invite you to contribute your voice. Get ready to be part of a movement that's not just changing the way we vacation but altering the landscape of home and heart.

A special note from the host, Angela Fox, wanting to thank her listeners for making Accessibility Is Home podcast the first Sonic Bloom Pioneer Award Winner!

For transcript, click here.

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I teamed up with Griffin Benton from the Maryland Building Industry Association for a heart-to-heart on the Universal Design and Visitability for Housing Act that's revolutionizing homes in Prince George's County, Maryland. We're marking International Day of Acceptance for Disability by celebrating the strides in inclusivity this legislation promises. Griffin provides an insider's view of the industry's initial hesitations and the ultimate community benefits envisioned. We also navigate the resources available for those adapting to the evolving housing landscape, thanks to organizations like the National Association of Home Builders.

As we anticipate the 2026 mandate transforming housing accessibility standards, our dialogue unpacks the act's details such as zero-step entries and wider doorways. These features signal a future where every home welcomes people with disabilities, aligning with the "visitability" and "universal design" movements. We evaluate the practical implications for homeowners and builders, considering the challenges of waivers and administrative hurdles. Our conversation underscores the importance of such foresight to minimize future retrofitting expenses, crafting an inclusive environment from the ground up.

Finally, we delve into the broader themes of disability and homeownership. I share my own journey, reflecting on the varied economic backgrounds within the disability community that are often overlooked in real estate. We shed light on the significant yet diverse minority that is people with disabilities and their aspirations for homeownership. From appraisals that reflect the value of universal design to the long-term vision for adaptable, aesthetically pleasing homes, this episode is a tribute to the pursuit of an inclusive society. Join us as we champion a future where every door is open, and every room is a space for all.

For transcript click here. 

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What happens when an architectural enthusiast, world traveler, and disability advocate merges her passion with her profession? Meet Leslie Davis, who has spent the past 20 years coordinating disability services and making the world a more accessible place during her international travels.  After being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, she transformed her personal experience with disability into a mission of educating and assisting businesses in becoming more accessible across the globe. As the chairperson of the city's Council for Community Accessibility, she sheds light on her inspiring journey of adapting to traveling with a disability.

Imagine living in a world where every new building is barrier-free. That's a reality in Hungary since 2005, thanks to their law requiring accessibility in all new structures. But, is that kind of legislation feasible or even beneficial in the US? Let's delve into that discussion and also discover how a German woman is transforming her town, one Lego-built ramp at a time. The conversation then takes a turn towards the intersection of accessibility and historic preservation, proving that modifications for accessibility can indeed be aesthetically pleasing.

From a conversation about a German woman named Goldman that creates lego ramps that blend seamlessly into any environment, to the story of an ancient Greek temple built with a ramp, this episode is a refreshing exploration of the world of accessibility and a perfect episode to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3rd).  You'll be left marveling at how ancient civilizations valued accessibility and the potential for modern-day home modifications. Tune in, be inspired, and take away some special codes to get discounted wheelchair bag and wheelchair ramp.  #IDPwD2023  #Disability #realestate #housing #podcasting

Mrs. Davis international travel blog, click here.

Transcript, click here.

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This week, we take you on an enlightening journey through the world of accessibility and home design for individuals with dementia and Neurodivergent disabilities. Jonathan Katz  joins us to untangle the complexities of accessible design in kitchens and bathrooms. Together, we dig deep into the innovative solutions that can improve usability in the kitchen - from induction stoves to smart fridges.

How often do we think about the dimensions of our refrigerators? Probably not as often as we should. Listen in as Jonathan highlights the disadvantages of most current refrigerator designs, and how shallower and wider fridges could better serve those who struggle with remembering what's in their fridge. We then pivot our discussion towards accessible housing and the remarkable history of disability in Jewish tradition. Jonathan shares riveting insights about how this influences perspectives on food and the crucial role accessible public restrooms play in religious inclusion.

As we move towards the latter part of our conversation, the focus shifts to creating dementia-friendly spaces at home. Jonathan guides us through a plethora of home design features, from slip-resistant surfaces in bathrooms to the merits of single-story homes. We also explore how community design elements can provide additional benefits and how accessible housing expands options for those with disabilities. Wrapping up, Jonathan leaves us with invaluable resources for those looking to age in place or create a dementia-friendly home. Don't let this engaging discussion pass you by - join us as we bridge the gap between accessibility and home design! Below are a few of the discussed resource. More on blog on www.horizontalhouses.com

Resources: Safe and Neurospicy, Flavors of Diaspora, Work on dementia-friendly planning, Unf**k Your Habitat (for cleaning), Crip Up the Kitchen by Jules Sherred, Color Taste Texture by Matt Broberg-Moffitt, Food52’s Interview with Maegan Blau, Samantha Bigleri, AARP Livability Index, Dementia Friendly America

For transcript, click here.

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For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, join us for an enlightening conversation with Adith Thummalapalli, an ingenious engineer with a disability who guides us through the complex maze of housing accessibility. We examine the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act Section 504, and the Fair Housing Act, spotlighting their shortcomings when it comes to private residences. Aditha and I challenge the concept of "barrier-free" and argue against the necessity of door thresholds, showcasing how modern advances render these obstacles needless for individuals in wheelchairs.

In the second segment of our discussion, we champion the incorporation of accessibility in housing design. Discover how a simple tweak like introducing sliding pocket doors or gradual inclines can revolutionize a home's accessibility. Hear the inspiring story of a housing developer who took the initiative to include these features in their floor plans. As we draw the curtains on this episode, we turn to accessible home ownership for people with disabilities. Learn how resources like HorizontalHouses.com can aid you in this journey and why it's imperative to voice your accessibility requirements. We underline the significance of connecting with the disability community, sharing collective experiences, and raising the standard for disability home ownership. Tune in as we navigate these intricate pathways, aiming to make every house a home for all.

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Learn how the state of Maryland is one of the best states for disability homeownership.  Intrigued? Join me, Angela Fox, in this insightful discussion as we debunk the conventional reliance on the HUD 203K Rehab Loan and spotlight the unique benefits and flexibility of the Home Ability loan program. This isn't just about borrowing up to 95% of a home's value or the deferred zero-interest rate loan for closing costs, it's about broadening horizons and championing inclusivity in housing for the disability community at the state level. We'll also be delving into the significance of the Rehabilitation Act, a cornerstone civil rights act that has been instrumental in enforcing accessibility in federal programs and resources as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

But that's not all. As we navigate through the maze of property tax credits, we'll explore the potential of the Design for Life program to incentivize housing developers to build accessible homes. We'll also bring into focus the bold mandate of the Universal Design Housing Act in Prince George's County and its target of making 50% of private housing accessible by 2026. How crucial is an inclusive universal design workgroup comprising individuals with vast experience in accessible housing and an understanding of the intersectionality of different disabilities? We'll answer this and more. You won't want to miss this comprehensive conversation that underscores why Maryland is a beacon of hope in housing accessibility for people with disabilities.

Click here for the transcript

Cush Pocket, a proud sponsor, is a disabled owned company that sells wheelchair bags. Get $1 off by using code Angela Fox 

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Ever wondered how accessible the Caribbean Royal Hotel in Orlando, Florida truly is? For its first anniversary of #NationalAccessibleAirTravelDay,  we're diving deep into every nook and cranny - from the thermostat to the shower gel placement to the furniture layout - to bring you a thorough understanding of the hotel's temporary and long-term accessibility features. We discuss the thoughtful designs such as the lower height placement of thermostats and outlets and bountiful spacing for wheelchair maneuverability, plus we delve into the smart furniture arrangement that accommodates additional medical devices.

But our investigation doesn't stop there. We're scrutinizing accessible amenities like bathroom facilities, elevators, and ground-floor rooms. We weigh the pros and cons of the rolling shower and explore the convenience of wall-attached toiletries. We also assess the accessibility of the pool area and delve into the significance of disability home ownership. Lastly, we share tips on disabled-friendly taxi services and discuss the vital role of real estate agents and developers in creating truly accessible homes. Join us for this enlightening conversation on making living spaces accessible for all. Click here for the transcript. 

To  learn more about national accessible air travel day, check out www.allwheelsup.org 

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Ever wondered how someone with a disability navigates the world of accessible home ownership? All successful disabled individuals can find their success from hard work and the Americans with Disability Act of 1990.

Join us as we chat with Sandy, a quadriplegic woman, who shares her journey from adapting her childhood home to her college dorm experience and the pursuit of accessible living spaces. Listen and learn how Sandy faced the challenges of modifying a house or a condo for accessibility and how she managed to create a safe and comfortable living space for herself.

Throughout the episode, we discuss the importance of not only considering the law but also individual needs when it comes to home accessibility. Sandy shares her experiences in modifying her living spaces, from adding plugs and door pulls to working with realtors and buyers to ensure her homes are accessible for future owners. Discover the differences between modifying a house vs a condo, and how accessibility features can be attractive to those looking to age in place.

Finally, we explore the valuable tips and tricks Sandy has learned on her journey to accessible home ownership. From being open to creative solutions to recognizing the importance of sharing collective experiences, we uncover the keys to making any living space comfortable and safe for individuals with disabilities. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Sandy, as it provides valuable insights for anyone navigating the world of accessible living.

Transcript click here.

Horizontal Houses, host of Accessibility Is Home,  is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 33rd Anniversary. On July 26th we celebrate this important civil rights law that works to ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Celebrate with us by visiting: adaanniversary.org #ADA33 #ThanksToTheADA #disability #housing #FairHousingAct #wheelchair #quadriplegic #realestate #realestatetips #inclusion #accessibilityishome 

Cush Pocket, a proud sponsor, is a disabled owned company that sells wheelchair bags. Get $1 off by using code Angela Fox 

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What if you could transform your bathroom into a fully accessible space without sacrificing style or functionality? Our knowledgeable guest, Karin Wilson, shares her experience and insights on accessible wet room showers and how they have changed her life. As a power wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, Karin has lived in multiple accessible homes and has even designed her own functional wet room showers, allowing her to shower comfortably and conveniently. Karin is also a travel blogger and has created valuable Disability Tool Kits on a variety of topics available at freewheelingtravel.org 

Join us as Karin describes the concept of a wet room—a space with multiple drains and tile throughout the room that enables people to shower on the toilet and have cabinetry nearby that is not in the way of the shower. We discuss the trial and error process of designing and remodeling accessible bathrooms, the various types of tiles and drains that can be used, and the importance of ensuring the surface is non-slip and using a linear drain to maintain a traditional bathroom look.

Finally, Karin shares valuable tips on finding contractors who understand the concept of wet rooms and universal design and the cost of creating a wet room. We also touch on the programs available to assist in the cost of home modifications, like Medicaid and Vocational Rehabilitation. Listen in as Karen shares her journey of creating accessible bathrooms and the lessons she has learned along the way, and discover how accessible wet rooms can be a game-changer for wheelchair users.

Full transcript: click here.

Cush Pocket, a proud sponsor, is a disabled owned company that sells wheelchair bags. Get $1 off by using code Angela Fox 

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May 18th is Global Accessibility Awareness Day;  is to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital access and inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments.

Ron Klein, the grandfather of possibilities, developed all kinds of inventions that impacted people with disabilities, including the braille, the TTY, and the MLS.  Listen to my interview. 

Cush Pocket, a proud sponsor, is a disabled owned company that sells wheelchair bags. Get $1 off by using code Angela Fox 

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      For Women's history month, this episode will talk about 2 SheHeros who made an impact on accessible housing and beyond for the disability community; Judy Heumann and Eleanor Smith.  Mrs. Heumann was considered the godmother of the disability rights movement and recently passed away. She along with Ed Roberts, helped initiated the Independent Living Movement; providing the foundation for an accessible environment and housing. I talk about the privilege I had in meeting her during the last six months of her life.
        Mrs. Eleanor Smith created the retired organization, Concrete Change which focuses on incorporating three elements into new home construction for accessibility. Her organization and efforts helped create the Visibility Movement; the idea that homes owned and homes visited, should be accessible for the disabled community.
There is much more to be done in private sector housing to increase accessibility, affordability, and homeownership for the disabled community. Listen for five things that you can do to be the next SheHero or SheHero alley!

Transcript, click here

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In this episode, Amazon to Go Stores and Wheel Under Stovetop will be examined regarding the accessibility features that may or may not exist. Amazon to Go Stores allows customers to buy products without using any type of checkout through smart technology sensors. Using an Amazon app, all products that are taken from the store will be billed to your account. But can this new Grab and Go process be accessible to all abilities? According to an article by one of my favorite websites assistivetechnologyblog.com it just might be. But I will also give you my own opinion that not in all circumstances. 

 In the second half of the episode, I will discuss how Wheel Under Stovetops provide accessibility for a wheelchair and children. Like Amazon to Go Stores, Wheel Under Stovetops does have its limitations but with a simple mirror, much can be resolved. Get the complete transcript by clicking here!

Resources:
Amazon Just Walk Out" article link.
Sammons Over-Stove Mirror link on AskJan.Org

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Outside of affordable health care, the second most important issue for the disability community is transportation! Transportation is needed for medical appointments, work, and life in general. The third most important issue is housing; so another way of thinking about access to transportation is not the second most important issue, it is the glue between health and the home. 

But what kind of transportation?

• Traditional Taxi; mini vans with modifications and wheelchair transfer board friendly Sedan model;
• Non-medical transportation; and 
• Para transit. 

I don't just tell you about transportation options if you are disable, I give you a real life experience of my bad trip with Barwood taxi of montgomery county, Maryland. You won't believe what happened to me and you will have an insight of how the transportation options became both a good and bad option when I tried to travel to Orlanda, Florida for the #Podfest conference. But you will also learn how to file a complaint and how to avoid trouble when ordering a handicap taxi. 

Cush Pocket, a proud sponsor, is a disabled owned company that sells wheelchair bags. Get $1 off by using code Angela Fox 

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April is always a month of the excitement of spring cleaning and bruising up your home for outdoor living around the corner.  But April does have one single gloomy day - tax day. With all of the tax incentives, you may imagine that disability taxes are plentiful. While the disability community is diverse in the type of disabilities and abilities, federal tax breaks take an extremely limited view on defining a person with a disability.  In this episode the following questions will be addressed:

• What tax benefits does IRS provide because of your disability and why?
• Does my state provide a tax-exempt because of my disability? 
• What about modifications I did to my home to make it more accessible to me?

Cush Pocket, a proud sponsor, is a disabled owned company that sells wheelchair bags. Get $1 off by using code Angela Fox 

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The month of March has two important dates. March 1st is International Wheelchair Day. March 12th is the 34th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act amendment that made it officially effective that disabilities are a protected basis; no more grace year.  Making this month all about wheelchair housing. One of the most fundamental modifications for wheelchair users is ramps. Ramps are more than just for wheelchair users, ramps have been used by the able body community as well. 

One of the crucial pieces of information for anyone is how am I going to pay for a ramp? Health insurances, whether private or medicare, are focused on providing necessary medical services. The qualifications to cover ramps have changed in recent years for the better. In this episode, you will learn  the following about ramps:

• How to pay for your ramp either through your health insurance or financial assistance?
• What kind of ramps is available for a wheelchair user to gain entry to his or her home?
• How to select the type of ramp?
• How to build a ramp and resources such as Ramps.org 

Don't forget to visit my Pinterest account for examples of ramps!

Cush Pocket, a proud sponsor, is a disabled owned company that sells wheelchair bags. Get $1 off by using code Angela Fox 

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Today, for black history month, I will be talking about the impact on HOAs have on disable black individuals in homeownership.  60% of newly built single-family homes are part of a homeowners association and selling about 4% higher than those without an HOA, they are probably here to stay. Not only are HOAs here to stay, so is the continued discrimination.

Historically HOAs found their footing in the 1960s as a way for white neighborhoods to prevent people of color from moving in by creating illegal covenants and expensive cosmetic requirements to avoid HOA fines. HOAs continue to impose other ways to discriminate against homeowners of color.

For a person with a disability, HOA can discriminate when a request for an accommodation or modification is made. This episode will discuss what are the differences between accommodations and modifications. You will also learn how to make a request that will increase the chances of an HOA will approve.

For the transcript, please see the blog post on my website.

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Location, location, location. Those three words summarize how important location is when it comes to real estate. Understanding the connection between housing and the location within the neighborhood has always been the focus for the disability community because of what services are available in the community near housing and even a finer point; creating walkable sidewalks. Now real estate listings include some scores regarding walkability and other community-based scores. In fact, Redfin, Zillow, ReMax, and many others provide these community living scores because the methodology comes from the same source: www.walkscore.com . Walk Score's mission is to help promote and find communities with walkable neighbors. Walk Score receives grants for academic research that helps governments, urban planning, and real estate agencies to understand neighbors and their communities in the United States and Canada.

What is missing is a score that centers around the disability community.  While Real Estate listings have not created walkable or other community-based scores that include the disability community, it should not stop you from continuing your own research through a few good apps once you have selected the geographical location you hope to buy a home. There are three apps I recommend looking into OpenSidewalks, AccessNow, and Wheelmate. 

If you use any of these apps, please share your experience on my Facebook page which can be found on www.horizontalhouses.com .  Transcripts of this episode can be found in a blog post on same webpage.

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Kitchen renovations can be expensive between demolition costs and prices for top-of-the-line appliances. Rather than fight this fact, I am going to provide you with 7 non-construction and low-cost changes to make a kitchen universally designed and accessible for wheelchair users:

1.  Over the stovetop mirror
2.  Upper Kitchen Cabinets
3.  Food preparation station
4.  3 Features of sink faucet 
5.  Sink Clearance
6.  Floating Shelves 
7.   Kitchen handles   

At the end of the podcast, I will provide you with a platform, the Home Usability program, that can help walk you through if you want to make your entire kitchen and home more accessible if you have money to invest.  For links  of products discussed and transcriptions, look at my blog at www. horizontalhouses.com 

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October is Disability Employment Celebration month.  Even when a disable worker finds a good paying job, it doesn't solve all of the economic challenges a disable person faces .
The fact is finances for the Disability community is just different but but you don’t have to take my word for it, read Cents and Sensibility by the  Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF). Cents and Sensibility is a wonderful 84-page resource book that provides financial guidance for the disability community; including about saving for a home and what you might need to save in order to live independently.

In this epsidoe I will give highlights of the Cents and Sensabilty manual. I will also give tips of my own as a disable worker and disable homeowner on saving and planning to be a disable homeowner or to save for modifications for your home you already own. 

All podcast transcripts are turned into blog posts; where you can also find my free handouts and weblinks discussed. 

Check out my website for www.horizontalhouses.com 

Cush Pocket, a proud sponsor, is a disabled owned company that sells wheelchair bags. Get $1 off by using code Angela Fox 

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