She needed a closer parking space. Our advocacy paved the way. #AdvocacyMatters
January 4, 2019 / #AdvocacyMatters
Mary's apartment complex had five accessible parking spaces, but they were frequently taken by other residents and their guests. She often found herself having to walk long distances to get to her apartment, which was very difficult because of her disability. She tried for several weeks to ask the property manager for help, but she hadn't gotten much of a response. Suspecting that she had rights in this situation, she called Disability Rights Ohio for help.
The property manager told a DRO attorney that they didn't allow reserved parking spaces, so he sent a letter directly to the person in charge of accommodations at the management company. He also included guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Justice. Within two weeks, the apartment complex put a sign on a parking space, designating it as reserved for Mary's apartment number. Mary is happy that she no longer has to worry about getting to her front door easily.
To learn more about your rights in situations like Mary's, check out DRO's resource, Housing Accommodations and Modifications for People with Disabilities in our Self-Advocacy Resource Center.