By DON DARE
6 On Your Side Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - A disabled Knoxville woman who uses a wheelchair had trouble with management at her apartment complex so she took her request a step further.
Jaymie Moss needed a wheelchair ramp, but said she was first told she would have to pay for it.
Requests for wheelchair ramps are typically considered reasonable modifications under the federal government's Fair Housing Act.
Big expensive wooden ramps are not always necessary at apartment complexes. Instead, a less expensive metal portable ramp may be an alternative.
When Jaymie used to leave her apartment in her wheelchair, it was an adventure. "I've got to have something so my wheels will hold on the ground so the chair will not tilt and will not fall," she said.
She can't use the sidewalk in front of her apartment because there's a seven-inch curb.
"I've been talking to them about ramps for six months. They tell me I'd have to pay the cost to get someone to come out and lay the concrete so that I can have a ramp," Jaymie said.
Jaymie, who lives alone, has been disabled for nearly 20 years and draws $836 from Social Security disability.
She lives at Prestwick Ridge Apartments, off of Sutherland Avenue. Many units are set up for the disabled, and there are concrete ramps at the complex.
No one was available when 6 On Your Side first went to ask management why they can't help Jaymie with a portable ramp.
Getting help with wheelchair ramps
However, since then we learned that at the Disability Resource Center in Knoxville, portable ramps are available through community block development grants.
"You have to meet the income guidelines. You have to be a person with a disability who needs a ramp to get in and out of your home," said Kathi Hollander, with the Disability Resource Center.
Hollander also says there's no cost for someone who's disabled to get a ramp. "We have a volunteer contractor who does the work and through the grant, we provide the materials."
Eligible recipients only need to fill out a seven-page application and if they're qualified, a wheelchair ramp can be installed.
Since Jaymie doesn't own a car, she rides in her wheelchair to the bus stop. But she has to maneuver around several speed bumps at her apartment complex.
The final speed bump gave her trouble. There's no way around it so she had for a small portion of it to be cut out.
"They told me there are other people in wheelchairs out here and they manage to maneuver. I've tried to go over sideways, but I've fallen twice already in my chair," Jaymie said.
Since 6 On Your Side first interviewed Jaymie, Ms. Moss, the managing director of the complex, contacted us.
A few days ago, a small chunk of the speed bump was removed, making access to the road and bus stop easier for Jaymie and others in wheelchairs.
"At the bottom of the hill, the access is much better," Jaymie said. "I can go right through. I don't have to worry about falling in my wheelchair anymore. I'm grateful and I appreciate it."
If you have a consumer issue, call the 6 On Your Side Hotline at 865-633-5974 or email ddare@wate.com.
Jaymie Moss
The speed bump really affects Jaymie's wheelchair.
A small chunk of the final speed bump was removed.
