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Disability Resource Center
Independent Living at Home
Housing Assistance & Nursing Home Transition
Helping Individuals with Disabilities Transition to Independence
Our experienced staff can help you with:
Your housing rights
Applying for Section 8
Applying for Subsidized housing
Locating an accessible apartment
Locating affordable housing
Landlord/Tennant communication
Transitioning to independence in a community setting
What is the difference between Subsidized and section 8 housing??
SUBSIDIZED HOUSING is where the housing complex owns the government subsidize. You apply at each location. Link to Subsidized housing list.
SECTION 8 is where the person owns the government subsidize. You can travel with this. The private landlord must accept section 8.
Section 8 housing list - a new list can be picked-up every Monday at the Vine Street office or view Louisville Metro Housing Authority.
Section 8 application - Call Center for one to be mailed out or go to Vine Street office for one.
Blue update form / Change of address form. For section 8 is used when you move from the original address on section 8 application.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING LIST- There is NO government help with rent involved. Call Center for a list to be mailed out.
Important Housing Numbers
Section 8 LMHA - Louisville Metro Housing Authority - 502-569-6060
Section 8 waiting list - 502-584-1704 (must have social security number to find out where you are on the section 8 waiting list).
LMHA Eighth Street Office - 502 569-3400. Senior Citizens housing run by the city.
SOCAYR- Spirit of Christmas all year round 638-9600 ext 110. Affordable housing.
New Directions - 502-589-2272. Affordable, subsidized housing.
KHC Kentucky Housing Corp. - 1-800-633-8896 Homeownership ext 222, down payment program DAP.
Park DuValle Home Sales - 502-515-1979 / 502-778-9255. Has program for low income and people with disabilities. You must meet their requirements and live there.
River City Housing - 502-587-6763. builds affordable housing for low/ moderate income families apartments.
HOP Home Ownerships Partners - 502-585-5451. Can help with budgeting and getting ready for home ownership. FREE.
For other programs in the state, visit Kentucky Housing Corporation:
As Housing Program Manager I have many things about my job that I love. But nothing compares to transitioning someone out of a nursing home into the community. This story is not so unique but the man is. John has lived for the past couple of years at a Nursing Home. He fell about three years ago and broke his lower leg and ankle. He was told by the doctors that he would never walk on his own again. After two years in a Nursing Home and many hours of rehab, John not only walks but walks with out any assistive equipment.
I went to all the section 8 meeting with John and talked with him over the phone on numerous occasions. John just wanted to be out
on his own again. The Center made his dreams come true through the Olmstead Program Vouchers. With the help of volunteers
and Dismas workers to help move
him, we were able to get him back into the community. The picture of him shows him on his first day at his new home signing his new lease.
The saying "A picture can speak a thousand words." is so true here. John is beaming with joy that his dream of once again being on his own
and independent had come true. Beside helping John this also helps the men at the Dismas House. With their help, they too can see that they
are making a difference.
- Lee Ann Thomas, Housing Program Manager
This past December I was invited to Freida’s Christmas Open House. My Mainstream program gave her the opportunity for the first time in her 56 years to have a place and call it “HOME”. Freida, without the Mainstream program and a wonderful guardian, would not be able to live on her own. Freida has lived in group homes and institutions all her adult life.
When I was there, she wanted to show me a beautiful 7 foot white Christmas tree that she picked out herself, this was her first Christmas tree and she was proud! Freida doesn’t talk much but the look on her face and her smile said everything. Freida feels very safe with her guardian and now that she has her own place I believe that Freida will only blossom with the love and care that is in place for her. It snowed the day of Freida’s open house and as I left her apartment I knew the real meaning of Christmas!
- Lee Ann Thomas, Housing Program Manager
Rampbuilders Program
Custom-Designed Home Access
The Rampbuilders Program has been providing custom-designed home access ramps and railings to persons with disabilities since the incorporation of the Center for Accessible Living in 1981. Whenever possible, ramps are provided at no cost to the recipient. Individuals with mobility impairments can safely enter and exit their homes, providing independence and opportunities for education, employment, and recreation. A ramp provides a very basic level of freedom so that persons with disabilities can make their own choices.
Our program has provided ramps to hundreds of individuals thanks to funding from sources that include or have included Louisville Metro Government, Louisville Metro Council, Medicaid, and private donations.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone living in the Louisville Metro area who has a permanent mobility impairment. Eligibility may vary due to rules set by funding sources.
How Can I Apply?
Call the Center for Accessible Living and ask to speak to the Information and Referral Manager, who will collect some basic information. You will then be called to complete a telephone application and be mailed a more thorough follow up application.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Ramp?
Time to determine eligibility and to receive authorization varies, depending upon how quickly all paperwork is received from you and whether you live in a restricted area such as a flood plain or historical district, which sometimes requires extra paperwork and government review.
The number of persons already waiting for a ramp and the amount of funding available also greatly impacts the time it may take to get a ramp. Depending upon available funds, we may be able to furnish a ramp in as little as three months, or it may take up to two years. For that reason, it is best to get your paperwork in to reserve your spot on the list.
Who Builds or Installs the Ramps?
A reputable and experienced contractor or supplier builds or installs the ramps to code.
Who is Responsible for Care?
All maintenance is the responsibility of the ramp owner.
How Can I Help?
The
Rampbuilders Program is always in need of funding. The average cost of a
ramp is about $3,500.00. Every little bit helps, and donations are tax
deductible. Please make your check out to the Center for Accessible
Living with “Rampbuilders Program”
on the memo line.
We greatly appreciate your support of independent living for everyone!
For more information or to make a donation, contact:
Rampbuilders Program
Center for Accessible Living
305 W Broadway, Suite 200
Louisville, KY 40202
Ramp Building Manual
Ramp Manual is a guideline that is safe and easy way to build ramps for single family homes. The basic ramp manual was based on building codes in Minnesota. We understand that there are building code guideline variables in other states. The manual is for sale for $15 and it is on the web site www.wheelchairramp.org for people to review are copy for personal use.
Our Stories
Kirsten
I went to this home to do my ramp inspection. Tracy (Mother) directed me to the ramp in the back yard. In the back yard, I was greeted by a 4 year old boy who said “this is our new ramp” smiling as he ran down the ramp to a swing set located in the back yard. The young lad then said, “look what my sister can do,” as he smiled proudly.
Then, 6 year old Kirsten came out with her walker with the most beautiful smile as she proceeded down the ramp to join her brother at the swing set.
Her parents told me that the ramp had changed their lives. Kirsten could now go outside and play for the first time. Then Kirsten came up to me, smiled, and said “Thank you very much!” Then she went back to playing and moving around the back yard. This is a perfect example of how much difference a ramp can make in peoples lives.
- John Leonard, Ramps Program Manager
Letter
March 3, 2011
Mr. John Leonard
Center For Accessible Living
305 W. Broadway Suite 200
Louisville, KY 40202
Dear Mr. Leonard:
This is a letter of thanks to all those involved in building the ramp for my mother, Frances -- a thank you from the bottom of my heart!
It has not only made the situation easier for me and her, but it will improve her quality of life, because I was having to leave her
at home because I could no longer negotiate the steps, having to carry her heavyweight walker down the steps and then go back to get
her and help her down the steps. I am no pring chicken
myself. Sometimes, depending on the situation, we have to use a wheelchair for
her. Now she will be able to accompany us more often.
The builders did a wonderful, professional job building the ramp. Everyone who has seen it has commented on it positively. There have been no negative comments. Some of the comments have been:
"They really did a good job."
"That will last a long time."
"Everything fits together perfectly."
"They must have used a nail gun to drive the nails
, because he didn’t notice hammer marks." (He also commented that he notices details.)
These are only a few that come to mind. Our comment is that "it exceeds expectations"
.
I think this is a wonderful program because it addresses the handicap without regard to a financial need. My mother lives with us because she cannot live alone physically or financially. We could not have afforded to build it for her but the fact that we are responsible for her may have caused problems with financial qualification. I hope this program can help others as much as it has helped us.
Thanks again for all you have done to the program coordinators, builders, program funders, and anyone else responsible for the program that I have not mentioned.
Yours truly,
Beverly Trail
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