MCIL sues local apartments for greater access

The federal law requires all multi-family ground-floor dwelling units to meet specific design requirements for accessibility. The complaint alleges that 147 of the ground-floor units of the Wyndham Apartments and 60% of the ground-floor units at the Champion Hill sites have no wheelchair access.

"People with disabilities face discrimination in housing each day in our community," said Deborah Cunningham, the Executive Director of the Memphis Center for Independent Living. "Our choices are limited by architectural design and construction. Today is a first step in calling for an end to the blatant disregard of the civil rights of all individuals with disabilities."

The Memphis Center for Independent Living has completed a survey of newly constructed rental housing compliance with the first two design requirements of the Fair Housing Amendments Act. That survey will be published Monday, January 29, 2001, and details more than 1700 barriers found in Memphis area rental property.

"The housing industry must comply with federal laws as well as local and state regulations," said Deborah Cunningham. "On behalf of all the citizens with disabilities in our community the Memphis Center for Independent Living intends to pursue compliance with laws which ensure fair and equal opportunities."