Roundtable Task Force on Housing for the Disabled

Date: October 25, 2000

During our third meeting, the discussion focused on how housing currently fails to meet the needs of the disabled. In particular, there are currently no clear and consistent standards concerning accessibility. Building codes vary region to region and are often open to interpretation. The meeting, too, addressed possible sources of data. A survey developed by task force participants Brenda Johnson and Daphne Cronin was also shared and discussed.

Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Nikki Everett, Orange County

Linda Linstrum, US Department of HUD

Victor Alvardo, US Department of HUD

Linda Larkin, City of Orlando

Bob Melia, Accessible Alternatives

Stacy Starke, Center for Independent Living

Scott Zimmerman, PMI

Jacqueline Thompkins, CDBG, City of Orlando

Brenda Johnson, Southport Financial Services

Daphne Cronin, Southport Financial Services

Lennie Larson, Center for Independent Living

John Hazelton, Housing Consultant

Frantz Dutes, Orange County Department of Community Development

Milli Plass, Commonwealth United Mortgage

Katie Porta, Quest, Inc.

Janice Schnell, Salvation Army

Marilyn Baldwin, City of Orlando

Mary-Stewart Droege, CDBG, City of Orlando

In reviewing apartment lay-out specifically designed for the disabled, there are obvious discrepancies among local building codes as it concerns the interpretation and enforcement of ADA regulations. State wide consistency is needed.

South Port Financial's survey was shared among participants. The purpose of this survey was to look at accessibility. Data concerning the disabled is limited and what data is available comes primarily from the out-dated 1990 Census. Accordingly, South Port sent out three (300) surveys to gather pertinent data. Seventy-five (75) percent of the individuals surveyed indicated that they would move to obtain accessible housing. The Division of Blind Services and other state agencies were contacted to participate in the survey. South Port also spoke with Census employees regarding population projections of the disabled in general and of those individuals living at/ (below 50% of AMI (average median income).

The group agreed that the physically disabled had the greatest need for housing. Nevertheless, a survey exploring their needs should also address housing needs of groups with other disabilities. Jacqueline Thompkins indicated that the City of Orlando could possibly sponsor a contract with UCF survey/statistics department to design a housing needs survey. This survey would ideally include respondents from Department of Children and Families, Department of Education, Division of Blind Services and Department of Labor.

The group then discussed the data from the 2000 Census. Since the "short" rather than "long" form was used, very little information concerning the disabled will be secured from the 2000 Census. While the City of Orlando could possibly sponsor a survey, sharing costs ( and sponsorship) with Orange County would be advantageous. The State, too, could possibly be brought in.

The issue of partnership was further explored. Partners should be invited to the next meeting. Government partners may include: Social Security, Division of Blind Services, Department of Children and Families, County, Department of Health, Deaf Services, etc. Brenda Johnson offered to contact UCF for assistance with survey. Other members are to seek partnerships in Volusia and Brevard counties. Bob Melia also agreed to contact agencies from "yellow" book.

New Issue:

Linda Linstrum ( US Department of HUD) indicated that she knows of, at least, one apartment complex ( name ?) under construction in the greater Orlando region which is only 50% completed. A certain number of units from this complex could possibly be converted thereby increasingly the number of affordable and accessible housing units for the disabled. This issue is to be explored.

This concludes the end of the meeting minutes. Next meeting will be held on November 29, 2000.