We moved into our townhouse on September 1st, 2023. We hadn't seen the unit (a big mistake on my part) and quickly came to realize how dangerous it was for Ambur simply to enter our unit. The steps are the tallest in the 16 units (some don't even have steps) and they are just so dangerous. Ambur has no way of seeing where the edge is and if she has the dog with her there just isn't room.
Almost on day one we submitted a request to get a ramp from the doorway to the parking. We had an organization that was willing to pay for the ramp. No approval and had to contact the HOA over and over just to get answers. So, I did some research and found that there was supposed to be a certain amount of handicapped parking spaces and there were none. So I petitioned to get a Handicapped spot in front of our house with van accessibility and to include the ramp. I told them I would purchase the supplies. But they weren't really enthusiastic. It went for months without a resolution. Ambur fell a few times--especially when there was snow-- and it was a real thorn that something so easy was being put off and really not resolved. The President of the HOA (also the builder) said he wouldn't allow the parking lot space to be painted blue. It takes up a lot of time/energy and research to prove the need and it should be so easy for them.
Per the HOA we each have two parking places (they are supposed to be assigned) so I asked them to assign the two spots in front of our unit to us. That would stop the cars from parking so close to the van that Ambur can't even open her door to get in. That was another big no.
Finally got the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) involved and sent off the sections that require safety for the resident and the HOA President actually said no again because, "I don't want people thinking this is a retirement complex for the handicapped". Unbelievable. Ambur contacted the Vocational Rehab office and they sent an evaluator out to the house and he couldn't believe our porch. He sent a great letter to the HOA and told them the porch was not to code and that he couldn't understand how the inspection was approved. (this explained why we couldn't get FHA financing) He told them he was going to report the unsafety of it. Suddenly there was parking assignments made, as requested. There were Handicapped signs put up and no ramp because the Voc Rehab representative said it wasn't really going to help the full problem and he got permission to put up the rails on the porch. Today I came home and saw it for the first time. What a great surprise. It only took 17 months to achieve what could have been taken care of in a weekend. But thankfully it is great.
Once again Heavenly Father shows his hand at work in our lives. So many blessings and just on a continual basis. I am so grateful for it. Ambur will not be falling off the porch any longer.
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