Apartments encourage independent living
by Casey Fagan
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Paul Chase Commons, 16440 Moonrock, an apartment complex for residents with physical disabilities, will be completed in June. Located less than a mile away from UH-Clear Lake, the apartments are likely to become a resource for disabled students at the university.

Residents must include a head of household who is 18 or older (no maximum limit) and who has a physical disability, mobility impairment and/or traumatic brain injury. Physical disability includes vision or hearing impairment.

"With the extremely close location, the complex will play a huge role in the process of drawing prospective students as well as offer a comfortable living environment for those already attending UH-Clear Lake," said Paul Chase, board member for the rehabilitation foundation in Pasadena and local director of the Paul Chase Commons.

"Apartment living has been almost next to impossible for me until now with the Paul Chase Commons," said Sarah Witlock, a graduate student of clinical psychology who is a wheelchair-user. Witlock will be one of the first UH-Clear Lake student residents.

Accessible Space, Inc. is responsible for building the facility. It is a nonprofit agency that provides accessible, affordable low-income housing and personal care services for adults who need provisions accounted for by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Residents pay 30 percent of their adjusted gross income for rent. Income of all people applying to live in the unit must meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development low-income standards in the area. The maximum income for one person is $20,850.

Chase believes the complex will offer something other ADA compliant housing in the area does not.

"The few existing accessible living apartments in the area are extremely inadequate and are more ADA compliant, having the bare requirements, rather than ADA friendly," Chase said. "These facilities are also very expensive."

All Paul Chase Commons apartments are fully wheelchair accessible with lowered, open counters in the kitchen and a roll-in ceramic shower in the bath. Apartments are either one- or two-bedroom. A single person may only apply for a two-bedroom if he or she can show a medical need for extra equipment or a live-in attendant. Those applying with a companion or children are eligible for a two-bedroom.

A caretaker will be available for routine and emergency maintenance; however, residents will need to provide their own attendant and personal care needs.

Bus service to this area ended last year. Chase and others are currently working on getting a bus service back on Bay Area Boulevard.

Chase retired 15 years ago and has devoted all of his efforts to working for people with disabilities. As a young man newly married with a baby, Chase contracted polio. He was able to complete his education and return to work where he completed a career of 35 years in human resources at a chemical plant in Pasadena.

"I was blessed to have a good life with a supportive family and employer, and now I support others in their quest for a good life," Chase said.

Chase now requires a scooter for assistance and understands the difficulties those with disabilities face.

The idea for Accessible Space, Inc. formed in 1975 when Michael Pesch from Minnesota was paralyzed during a diving accident. During Pesch's physical rehabilitation, his friend from high school, Stephen Wiggins, came to visit. Wiggins saw the pain and frustration his friend was going through in his inaccessible living space. Wiggins and others formed the incorporated, nonprofit organization in 1978.

For more information about Accessible Space, Inc. or for an application for the Paul Chase Commons, call 800-466-7722 or visit www.accessiblespace.com.