In order to improve the quality of life and accessibility of homes for individuals with disabilities, Ability360 has opened applications for their Consumer Home Accessibility Modification Program (CHAMP) in Phoenix. The City of Phoenix provided $58,449 to fund this program.

The on-going program provides no-cost improvements to homes, including the installation of ramps and grab bars, widening doorways, replacing standard toilets with raised models, and more.

“Safety is a significant concern for CHAMP recipients and their families,” says Ability360 President and CEO Christopher Rodriguez. “These modifications can save members of the community hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, and make their home safer and more accessible without the fear of trying to make upgrades on a fixed income.”

According to the American Housing Survey, approximately one-third of dwellings have level one accessibility features such as step less entry, an entry-level bathroom and bedroom, or an interior elevator to access those rooms. Less than five percent of units can accommodate level two or higher.

Eligibility requirements include having a significant disability where the client will benefit from home modification, have a verifiable Phoenix residence, be a homeowner or a renter with a minimum one-year lease and signed release from the landlord agreeing to the proposed modification, and verification of income for each member of the household as required by the City.

Applicants will undergo a pre-qualification and in-home assessment before any work begins. Once approved, Ability360 will work with licensed contractors to ensure high-quality modifications are done in a timely manner.

This program will provide up to $10,000 in accessibility modification services per consumer with a goal of completing five household projects city-wide.

Referrals for the program are accepted by phone, online, by email at info@ability360.org, or in-person at the Ability360 campus. The organization cross-refers with other organizations and City programs to assist in meeting various client needs.

To learn more about CHAMP, including scope of services and full eligibility requirements, call (602) 296-0536 or visit ability360.org.

ABOUT ABILITY360
Ability360 continues a 40-plus-year tradition of empowering programs for people with all disabilities. Ability360 offers and promotes programs to empower people with disabilities to take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community. The independent living philosophy states that people with disabilities should have the same civil rights, options, and control over choices in their own lives as do people without disabilities. Ability360 is located at 5025 E. Washington St. Ste. 200, Phoenix, AZ 85034, http://www.ability360.org, 602-256-2245.