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Message from the Executive Director New Pictures of
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Education is an important tool in the arsenal of any real estate investor. Just ask Morris Sirhan, the Executive Director of Accessible Housing Specialists, a non profit agency devoted to addressing the demand for affordable, accessible housing in the metropolitan area. After a car accident, 22 years ago, Morris became a civil rights advocate working closely with local businesses and non-profit agencies on accessibility issues. He has worked a wide variety of organizations such as The Phoenix Suns, Sun City West, local property management firms as well as many smaller business owners to ensure the inclusion of all individuals as valuable members of society. The diversity of his background and experience uniquely qualified him to dare to dream and pursue his vision for his community. Accessible Housing Specialists embodies the vision of Mr. Sirhan, a community which is accessible for people of all ages and capabilities. Accessible housing is an area whose demand has been growing rapidly due to the aging of the baby boomers and the increased number of individuals with some sort of disability. For example, according to the 2000 census 18.6 percent of Americans between the ages of 16-64 have some sort of disability and a whopping 41.9 of those over the age of 65 reporting some type of disability. The census also shows that by the year 2030 one third of all Americans will be retired. These statistics clearly show that there is growing population of families and retirees who will need some sort of modifications to their homes in order live comfortably and not be forced into a nursing home. Universal Design is the vehicle with which Mr. Sirhan chose to achieve his goals. The intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. The first project utilizing these principles was completed in May of 2003. What started as a 40 year old duplex was turned into a showcase of accessibility and Universal Design at an estimated cost of approximately 1% of the total cost of renovations. By incorporating features such as a zero step entrance, 36’ interior doors, lever door handles wall reinforcements for the installation of grab bars at a later date and a more convenient placement of electrical outlets and light switches, Accessible Housing Specialists was able to accommodate a broader range of renters into their property. Mr. Sirhan has been able to place a law student from ASU who is a wheelchair user and a retired woman from California, providing a greater degree of independence and allowing these individuals more time and energy to pursue their goals and dreams. Mr. Sirhan is working closely with ASU, private developers and other non-profit agencies in the area to accomplish his goals. In the meantime Accessible Housing Specialists is helping to improve the community by providing housing alternatives which help strengthen them by allowing residents to be able “To Age in Place”. The strength of a community comes from the quality of life of its members. Universal design is the vision for the future of homebuilding, meeting the needs of our communities’ through better home design. Contact Morris J. Sirhan at 480.329.7821 or e-mail us with your questions and comments. As a non profit agency your financial support will go a long way to help us help others. |