Airline and theater seats, equipment in doctors’ offices, and now, inevitably, housing: “Carmen Bowen, 44, has been involved in a two-year dispute with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority over how much work must be done to help her move around her [Cleveland, Ohio] apartment.” Ms. Bowen weighs 772 pounds and the agency has already agreed to an extensive menu of apartment renovations that it believes go beyond what the federal ADA requires: “The modifications include removing doors and walls, installing an automatic door operator and panic device, demolishing the existing bathroom and installing a special shower, and putting in a sidewalk to the front door.” However, “Bowen filed a discrimination complaint, saying the agency took too long. … In August, 22 firefighters and emergency medical technicians worked for 2 1/2 hours to move Bowen from her apartment so she could have dental work.” (“Housing agency works to accommodate 772-pound tenant”, AP/Akron Beacon Journal, Nov. 17).

Filed under: Cleveland, disabled rights, firefighters, Ohio