by 4.510 consumers in 13 surveys. They received an average importance rating of 86% and an average satisfaction rating of 37%. Consumer-Identified Dimensions There is an extreme shortage of accessible, affordable housing for people with disabilities. Eligibility requirements and regulations keep some disabled consumers, especially the nonelderly who live with family members or attendants, from living in public or subsidized housing. Builders do not comply with existing laws, where laws exist, that require building a certain percentage of accessible units. Builders are unaware of laws, access codes, and modifications necessary for accessibility. - Managers and directors of public housing are unaware of, and often indifferent to, the needs of disabled tenants. Talk to owners if the manager is uncooperative. Disabled and low-income people should be able to rely on social service agencies for housing assistance. Cities need more feedback from disabled consumers on housing needs of people with disabilities. • Local consumer groups can bring complaints to local housing authorities. Consumers can be educated to be aware of tenant rights and raise money to finance suits when necessary. Disabled residents should become familiar with codes, where to file complaints where codes don't exist, and how to introduce legislation. • Groups can obtain 202 and other HUD loans for accessible housing and manage the housing units themselves. Examine eligibility requirements for subsidized housing. not gross income, as they did in Los Angeles. Use net. A consumer group in Los Angeles located two HUD projects in good neighborhoods to lessen the likelihood of crime and improve surroundings. The Telephone Pioneers donated money and labor to upgrade the structure. 15 Establish subsidized housing administered by occupants. Provide income subsidy within housing cooperatives. Some communities in Minnesota provide vouchers to subsidize rent for housing anywhere in the community. Establish a referral network for accessible, affordable housing. Enforce existing laws, setting aside a certain number of units for people with disabilities. Consumers need to educate building professionals and make information available. Advocate for statewide legislation to encourage adaptability of units. Consumers need to lobby elected officials on lack of accessible housing. Disabled community members need to get on housing boards. Educate disabled homeowners about programs to help modify their homes for access and safety. INSURANCE FOR AUTO, LIFE, AND LIABILITY This issue refers to the availability and affordability of auto, life, and liability insurance for people with disabilities. This item was selected as a major probles by 2.355 people completing two surveys. It received an average importance rating of 89% and an average satisfaction rating of 35%. Consumer-Identified Dimensions Insurance premiums are more expensive for people with disabilities. Insurance companies discriminate based on disability. -Consumer-Generated Alternatives Have a group of disabled people discuss possible solutions with insurance companies regarding adequate prices. 16 INSURANCE FOR HEALTH CARE One survey questions related to the affordability of health insurance was identified as a relative problem by 5.624 consumers in It received an average importance rating of 86% and an 2 ̊ surveys. average satisfaction rating of 38%. Consumer-Identified Dimensions · Disabled consumers cannot buy health insurance because of their disability and/or pre-existing conditions. Disabled consumers cannot afford health insurance. Health insurance often does not cover supplies, equipment, regular medications, or therapies used by disabled consumers. · Inability to purchase individual health insurance and exclusion from some group policies are serious disincentives to individuals with disabilities looking for work. ❤ Consumer groups can advocate for national health insurance. Disabled consumers can set up health insurance cooperatives as they did in Los Angeles. Shared risk insurance is an option so consumers with disabilities and pre-existing conditions can get group insurance. Educate consumers about supplemental insurance available through groups such as AARP, professional associations, credit card holders' benefits, etc. - Publicize the fact that laws in some states (such as Missouri and Kansas) prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against persons with disabilities. Independent living centers can: train and assist consumers in filling out forms; challenge actions and policies of Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance companies; and assist in advocacy. complaints, and appeals processes. Get information from and aake use of the state insurance commissioner's office. 17 MEDIA PORTRAYAL AND PUBLIC INFORMATION Three survey items related to media portrayal of people with disabilities and their access to information about services, benefits, and programs were selected as problems. They were selected as problems by 7.547 consumers in 3 surveys. The items received an average importance rating of 81% and an average satisfaction rating of 39%. Consumer-Identified Dimensions The sedia do not provide enough information about what is available for disabled citizens. The media portray people with disabilities in a negative and unrealistic way, preferring the sensational or pitiful to the everyday and human side of disability. Consumer-Generated Alternatives Consumer groups should bring accessibility and independent living issues to the attention of the press. Consumers should monitor coverage of disability issues. Consumers should educate the media to correct negative portrayals and terminology. Consumer groups could meet with service providers about developing a directory of services and programs for people with disabilities that could be disseminated through the sedia. PUBLIC ACCESS Issues related to safe access to public places, including availability of curb cuts, accessible entrances, and snow removal. have been selected as major problems. Two related survey items were chosen by 204 consumers in 2 different surveys, with an average importance rating of 81% and an average satisfaction rating of 48%. 18 Consumer-Identified Dimensions Disabled citizens are forced to stay home or use the street, because curb cuts and sidewalks are absent or inadequate, or in some instances, snow is not removed promptly. - Many public buildings are totally inaccessible or technically accessible with inadequate or unsafe access. Consumer-Generated Alternatives Discuss among disabled consumers key areas that need to be made accessible. Make up a priority list of access and safety issues for each year. Describe problems in newsletters, and solicit opinions from other disabled community members. · Offer modification assistance to owners of inaccessible buildings and appropriate government and social agencies. Offer assistance to government agencies on ways to increase the safety of streets and sidewalks. SOCIAL SERVICES AND BENEFITS Five survey items related to information social agencies provide to consumers about services and legal issues were selected as major problems in 7 surveys. A total of 3.964 consumers responded to these questions, with an average importance rating of 88% and an average satisfaction rating of 50%. Consumer-Identified Dimensions Social service agencies fail to inform disabled consumers about all services available to them through their own agency, other agencies, or the community. Benefits or services from one agency can limit benefits or services from another agency. Most social service agencies are unaware of services available at other agencies. Disabled people are referred from one agency to another, often encountering agencies unable to serve them or refusing services. 19 |