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BlackPhx -> RE: Paying To Be Handicapped (2/9/2008 7:34:50 PM)
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Mistress of Ga;
First of all please let me express my admiration for you and your strength. Having had surgery to remove cataracts that were were bad enough on discovery that I had missed seeing (but not hitting a F-350), I have some small awareness of what you have faced in the recent past. I know you have already gotten some good advice, but I am going to toss my .02 cents in here, as well.
In Apartment hunting a tape recorder is your friend, whether you are visually impaired, handicapped or not. That little machine can make sure that you have a clear reccollection and record of what has been said, offered, denied, etc. Put it down to being blind and not being able to take notes by hand, you will then have a record of the discrimination as well.
What the apartment manager did was against Federal Law not just state law. Information is below.
Windows Vista has one feature that I love and wonder how I did without it. It takes dictation and reads nearly as well as I do. No extra program needed, only a headset. This also means that it will find anything Vista has indexed including emails, open programs and close them by name and even shut down the computer or reboot on command. It is a blessing for me and I have full visual accuity now after surgery, but still have other physical problems that can make typing a strain at times. All versions save Home Basic (I am not sure about HB) do this [:D]. I still do a lot of my own typing but, when parts start locking up, Vista comes to the rescue.
Contact your local United Way, they can help a great deal in helping you find the services you need to deal with apartment managers, services and even modifications to accomodate you. If you are anything like I am (and I suspect you are), you have contributed and paid into the public and charitable coffers for years. It is time to let them help you back to maintain your independence. I find no shame in using the services I contributed to before I became physically challenged so to speak. They may also know of buildings, apartment complexes and rental houses that will welcome you with open arms. They have a very broad network of social services and are more than willing to put them at your service.
poenkitten (for whom doing stairs is a lovely shade of blue skin and a trip to the hospital)
http://www.hud.gov/complaints/housediscrim.cfm
Housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability is illegal by federal law. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint.
There are several ways to file a complaint:
[image]http://www.hud.gov/images/common/hgv-icn-pointer-red.gif[/image]
You can file a complaint right now, by using our online form.
(It is recommeded that all pop-up blockers be turned off in order to access this form. Otherwise, press the "Ctrl" button as you click on the link.)
[image]http://www.hud.gov/images/common/hgv-icn-pointer-red.gif[/image]
You can call toll-free 1 (800) 669-9777.
[image]http://www.hud.gov/images/common/hgv-icn-pointer-red.gif[/image]
You can print out a form, complete it, and drop it or mail it to:
For Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada:
San Francisco Regional Office of FHEO
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
600 Harrison Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, California 94107-1387
(415) 489-6524
1-800-347-3739
TTY (415) 436-6594
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