Disabled Residents Demand More Support For Accessible Housing
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A group of disabled Chicagoans came to City Hall on Wednesday to demand better housing across the city.
WBBM Newsradio's Craig Dellimore reports a small crowd of people, most with varying disabilities, chanted outside City Hall; calling for more affordable, accessible, integrated housing.
They said they want increased city funding for home modifications and relocation costs so disabled residents have more choices for accessible housing.
Cecilia Black, with the Disability Rights Coalition for Housing, said they want to double the percentage of new and rehabbed units accessible for people with mobility and sensory disabilities.
"When we are living in buildings that are inadequate, and our freedom is restricted; we can't move in and out of our own homes, we can't use the kitchen or the bathrooms, we will never be happy, and we will never be able to support ourselves," Black said.
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The group said the disabled also should not be forced to live in housing that segregates them from other residents.
A number of aldermen have backed their efforts to amend city ordinances regarding accessible housing.
