International Wheelchair Day, observed annually on March 1st, is a worldwide event dedicated to celebrating the vital role wheelchairs play in people's lives, advocating for accessibility, and promoting inclusivity. Established on March 1, 2008, by Steve Wilkinson—a dedicated advocate for wheelchair users who lived with spina bifida—the day reflects his vision of a global movement that honors the impact of wheelchairs, acknowledges those who provide and support mobility solutions, and raises awareness of the millions still in need of one. Though Steve passed away in 2024, his legacy continues to inspire change.
In honor of this important day, we're highlighting key insights from four remarkable guests who shared their experiences and expertise on the "Accessibility Is Home" podcast. Each of these individuals uses a wheelchair and has unique perspectives on navigating the world of homeownership and real estate with a disability.
Adith Thummalapalli: Challenging Employment Barriers Through Housing
Adith Thummalapalli, a 25-year-old engineer with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, works in his hometown of Salisbury, focusing on permitting new housing developments. His work involves navigating building codes, ADA regulations, Section 504 of the Rehab Act, and the Fair Housing Act. Adith emphasizes that while the ADA provides a baseline for accessibility in public spaces, it doesn't extend to private residences, making it difficult for individuals with disabilities to find truly accessible homes. He highlights the Fair Housing Act offering some guidance for private spaces, but notes it often provides only the bare minimum. Adith advocates for going beyond these minimums to create more disability-friendly housing. He also debunks the myth that thresholds at front doors are necessary for flood protection, explaining that modern door technology offers flood-proof alternatives, emphasizing that the primary reason for advancements in door and window technology is insulation and energy efficiency. Adith shares a personal example of replacing a swinging bathroom door with a sliding pocket door to save space and improve accessibility and recommends a gradual slope sidewalk instead of steps. Episode is available on this website or on Apple podcasts by clicking here.
Creating a Barrier-Free World: Insights from Disability Advocate Leslie Davis
Leslie Davis, a passionate advocate for accessibility and historic preservation, shares her journey of renovating a 1920s-era home to meet her needs as a wheelchair user while preserving its historical integrity. She emphasizes the importance of universal design principles, which aim to create spaces that are usable by people of all abilities, regardless of age or disability. Leslie discusses the challenges of finding contractors and architects who understand accessibility and are willing to work on older homes. She stresses the need for creative solutions and compromises to balance accessibility with historical preservation. Leslie also highlights the emotional and psychological benefits of living in a home that is both accessible and aesthetically pleasing, stating that it can enhance independence, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. When looking for a realtor, it's important to ask questions. Episode is available on this website or on Apple podcasts by clicking here.
Wet Rooms: Game Changer for wheelchair users
Karin Willison shares her expertise on creating stylish and functional wet rooms for wheelchair users. She emphasizes the importance of careful planning and design to ensure the space meets the individual's specific needs and preferences. Karin discusses key elements of wet room design, including proper waterproofing, slip-resistant flooring, adequate drainage, and strategically placed grab bars. She also highlights the aesthetic considerations, emphasizing that wet rooms can be both accessible and beautiful, enhancing the overall quality of life for the user. She emphasizes that planning and a focus on how you will use the space will allow for long term independence. Episode is available on this website or on Apple podcasts by clicking here.
Unlocking Inclusive Travel: Pioneering Accessibility in Vacation Rentals with Lorraine Woodward
Lorraine Woodward, CEO and founder of Becoming Rentable, discusses the challenges of finding accessible short-term rentals. Becoming Rentable is a listing platform, similar to Airbnb or VRBO, but focused exclusively on properties verified for accessibility. Woodward highlights the limitations of accessibility filters on mainstream platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, noting that they often lack the specificity needed to accurately assess a property's suitability for individuals with disabilities. She stresses the importance of descriptive filters, offering 43 choices on Becoming Rentable to account for the diverse needs of wheelchair users, those using walkers, crutches, or canes, and people with cognitive disabilities. Only 1% of 1.5 million listings are accessible. Episode is available on this website or on Apple podcasts by clicking here.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Homeowners with Disabilities
After hearing from these incredible guests, here are some key takeaways for individuals with disabilities who are considering homeownership:
Advocate for Your Needs: Don't be afraid to speak up and advocate for your accessibility needs throughout the home buying or building process.
Seek Out Experts: Find real estate agents, contractors, architects, and other professionals who have experience with accessible design and construction.
Consider Universal Design: Embrace universal design principles to create a home that is usable by everyone, regardless of ability.
Explore Funding Options: Research available grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs that can help with accessibility modifications.
Don't Give Up: The journey to accessible homeownership may have challenges, but with persistence and the right support, it is achievable.
By sharing these stories and insights, we hope to empower and inspire individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams of homeownership and create homes that truly meet their needs and enhance their lives. Happy International Wheelchair Day! #InternationalWheelchairDay2025 #Unstoppable #wheelchairlife
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