VISITABILITY OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Resolution 28: Passed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors June 2005

WHEREAS, the U.S. 2000 Census indicates that approximately 20 percent of the American population has a disability, and that by 2030 there will be over 70 million seniors; and

WHEREAS, with the population aging and the likelihood of developing a disability or other mobility limitations increasing with age, the growth in the number of people with disabilities can be expected to rise dramatically; and

WHEREAS, only five percent of new single family homes and town homes built with federal assistance require any access features that make it possible for people with disabilities to live or visit; and

WHEREAS, visitability is an inclusive design approach that integrates a limited number of crucial accessibility features, such as no step entries, doorways with 32’ clear passage space and at least one accessible bathroom into newly built homes; and

WHEREAS, visitability features would allow seniors to stay in their homes longer and people with disabilities to visit friends and families in their homes, thereby enhancing quality of life and community living; and

WHEREAS, numerous municipalities and states across the country, including Chicago, Naperville, Bolingbrook and Urbana, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; Pima County, Arizona, Vermont, Texas and Kansas have adopted visitability standards in their building codes; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly supports the independence of persons with disabilities and seniors by promoting the concept of including visitability standards to increase access to the homes of friends, family and neighbors; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors supports local and state initiatives to promote visitable housing.