Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Required handicap access to 2nd floor/elevator

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On May 9, 2008, at 8:24 AM, Ellen Keyne Seebacher wrote:

> Please don't assume that you and yours will *always* be able-bodied.

Most people are just unaware of this issue. One thing, however, after  
living with accessibility is that I quickly became very used to it.  
Everyone appreciates it. Everyone. It is just easier to live without  
schlepping groceries and two kids upstairs or the laundry downstairs.

Washington DC is almost totally accessible. All the museums, the  
Metro, the streets, etc. I recently went to Des Moines to visit family  
and was shocked the lack of accessibility. So when you get used to it  
you really notice when it isn't there. It really changes life  
depending on whether you have it or don't have it.

And a caution -- once you move in, unless you have the money in the  
bank, it is very hard to get changes or more money for anything. The  
status quo kicks in very fast. And with consensus decision-making you  
just never get it.

"Never" is probably too strong but it's very hard. Do it now. The  
costs only go up.

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing,Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org