Accessible Housing Resource Center of The Ability Center

The Housing Resource Center is three distinct, interconnected programs Nursing Home Transition, Home Accessibility and Systems Advocacy. By combining these programs under one umbrella, the Center can provide realistic opportunities for successful independence that addresses all aspects of housing and disability.

Nursing Home Transition Program

NHT banner The Nursing Home Transition Program assists people by connecting them with programs and services necessary to maintain independent living within a community. Ability Center staff are Transition Coordinators for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ Access Success and Home Choice programs. If you are ready and able to leave a long-term care facility setting, the Nursing Home Transition staff is ready to assist you in coordinating your transition.

Consumers must reside in a nursing facility for a minimum of 3 months before they can qualify for the Ohio Home Choice Program.

A consumer or nursing home staff person can call and speak with someone on the Nursing Home Transition Team for more information concerning the Transition Program process.

Home Accessibility (Ramp) Program

The Home Accessibility Program utilizes federal, state and local grant dollars to assist individuals with accessible home modifications necessary to maintain quality of life and independent living. For more details on this, please visit the program page.

Housing Advocacy Program

“Nobody wants to live in a nursing home. That should tell us something.” – Wade Blank, Advocate

Besides the human rights issues, advocates cite the economic implications of Visitability: By 2010, research by the National Association of Home Builders indicates that individuals 55 years or older will head half of all US homes.[3] Average nursing home costs exceed $60,000 dollars per year, per resident[4], while the public pays nearly 70% of nursing home costs.[5] Staying out of institutions as long as possible is a strong desire of most people and also financially beneficial to individuals, families and society.

The Accessible Housing and Advocacy Program provides information, consultation and advocacy with respect to Visitability and Universal Design. This program can also connect folks with Realtors and home builders knowledgeable and capable of identifying features necessary for an accessible home. Our goal is to maximize residential functionality and marketability by taking a responsible look at community needs and identifying economical, environmental and aesthetically pleasing solutions.