Understanding Accessibility: A training for the Mayor’s Office on Housing Mayor’s Office on Disability February 2009

Training Outline 1. History and Context of the Disability Rights movement 2. Federal & State Access Requirements 3. MOD Plan Check Procedures 4. Common Design & Construction Errors 5. Q & A

History of Federal Law ► ► Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – Section 504 first disability rights law to protect people with disabilities in federally funded projects. ► ► Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 – added prohibitions against discrimination to the 1968 Fair Housing Act, along with expectations for accessible construction. ► ► Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 – the most comprehensive civil rights act for the disability community, providing protection in employment, transportation, public accommodations and state and local government.

Fun Fact ► Question: Why is San Francisco often called “the birthplace of the disability rights movement?” ► Answer: It was only after a record-breaking 28 day sit-in at the Health and Human Services Office here in UN Plaza by people with disabilities that the first regulations for section 504 of the Rehab act were promulgated.

Does the ADA Apply to Housing? ► ► Yes, when administered through a City or State entity or its programs. ► ► Housing programs must not exclude, segregate, or otherwise provide unequal opportunities for people with disabilities. ► ► Requirements apply to both a City’s policies, practices and procedures, as well as its choices for projects.

“It took the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent statutes to make plain this nation’s opposition to racism, sexism and discrimination based on a person’s age…” “It will take the Americans with Disabilities Act to set the record straight as to where we stand on discrimination based on disability.” Senator Lowell Weicker, Jr. Senator Lowell Weicker, Jr. Joint Congressional Hearing on the ADA September 27, 1988

 Approximately 19% of SF’s population has some type of disability  37.8% have a physical disability (56,749)  26.1% have a mental disability (39,184)  17.1% have a sensory disability (25,672) DisabilityStatistics Disability Statistics

And…  Disability strongly correlates with poverty.  People with disabilities are 2 to 3 times more likely to live at or below the poverty level.  Rates of disability in publicly funded or subsidized housing will be significantly higher than in the general population.

Why is Accessibility Important for the Mayor’s Office on Housing? 1. It’s good for people with disabilities – which include much of MOH’s target, low- income population. 2. It’s good for the bottom line.

Benefits for People with Disabilities ► San Francisco’s housing stock is exceptionally old, and largely inaccessible, with very little in the private market for people who need access. ► Accessible / Adaptable housing promotes independence and integration and reduces segregation and isolation. ► Adaptable housing allows people to “age in place” – a Mayoral and community priority.

Benefits for the Bottom Line ► No lawsuits - Properly constructed housing avoids legal complications later. ► No costly remodels - Adaptable housing can quickly and inexpensively convert to accessible housing. ► No drain on the General Fund for expensive institutional care - Laguna Honda costs the City’s General Fund more than $50,000 per year for each resident. An estimated 500 residents could live in the community if accessible housing were available.

What’s Next? ► Federal & State Access Requirements ► Plan Check Process ► Common Design & Construction Errors