She needed a closer parking space. We paved the way. #AdvocacyMatters
December 29, 2017 / #AdvocacyMatters
Leandra could never find a parking space close to her apartment. She'd have to park a block away and walk up a hill to her building, which was quite difficult because of her mobility disability. She asked her landlord to give her an assigned, reserved parking space close to her apartment as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. Initially, the landlord offered to create more accessible spaces in the parking lot but said they'd be open to anyone with an accessible parking placard. A Disability Rights Ohio attorney then spoke to the landlord's attorney and advocated for Leandra's rights. The landlord then decided to grant the request, installing a sign and providing Leandra a sticker that will allow only her to park in the space.
Landlords often misunderstand their responsibilities to renters with disabilities. Find out how to better advocate for your housing rights in DRO's Self-Advocacy Resource Center.