On the Anniversary of the ADA, Rep. Jan Schakowsky introduces the Inclusive Home Design Act

Statement

Today, on the 28th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law, Rep. Jan Schakowsky reintroduced H.R. 6509, the Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act. This bill would make more new homes accessible for people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans. The legislation would require all newly-built single-family homes and townhouses receiving federal funds to meet several accessibility standards. After introducing the bill, Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement:

"I am so proud to mark the 28th anniversary of the ADA by introducing the Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act. The many remaining barriers that people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans face every day should not extend to their homes. New homes built with federal dollars should be open to all, and this legislation would take steps to guarantee just that. Ensuring that new homes come equipped with zero step entrances, doorways wide enough for wheelchairs, accessible bathrooms, and reachable light switches and thermostats is not much to ask, but it will go a long way in making sure that seniors can age in place and that people with disabilities and veterans don't have to spend thousands of dollars to make their homes livable or be forced into nursing homes. It is time to build on the promise of the ADA. This bill is a great place to start."

The Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act of 2018 is supported by Access Living, the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, The Arc of the United States, Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Association of People with Disabilities, AARP, the National Council on Independent Living, Easterseals, the United Spinal Association, and the National MS Society.

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