Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) introduced the Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act, H.R. 2352, on June 13. This is a reintroduction of legislation filed in previous Congressional sessions by Ms. Schakowsky (see Memo, 5/18/2012).
The bill seeks to make housing more accessible to those with disabilities. Its namesake, Eleanor Smith, is the founder of Concrete Change, an organization whose mission is to make sure all housing built in the U.S. is accessible to those with disabilities. If passed the legislation would require new homes built with federal funds to meet accessibility standards. Such standards include a zero step entrance, at least one wheelchair accessible bathroom and wheelchair accessible doorways.
"When homes are accessible, it benefits not only people with disabilities, it benefits all of us who have friends and family with limited mobility. Accessible housing makes it possible for more seniors to age in place and avoid the cost of prematurely moving into nursing homes – an issue that is increasingly important as the population grows older. It would also ensure that our veterans who have suffered debilitating injuries on the battlefield are able to more easily find an accessible home. This is a commonsense piece of legislation that would benefit all Americans,” Ms. Schakowsky said in her press release on the legislation.
The bill, which has six cosponsors, has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
View the press release at: http://1.usa.gov/16s88vC