THDA Home Modifications and Ramps Program
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The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) offers multiple programs to assist Tennessee homeowners with home modifications to increase safety, livability, and visitability. This article is about the Home Modifications and Ramps Program.
Tennessee Housing Trust Fund/Home Modifications and Ramps Program: This Tennessee Housing Development Agency program provides funding for home modifications and repairs for low and very low income older adults, persons with disabilities, and persons with special needs. The statewide Home Modifications and Ramps Program is administered by United Cerebral Palsy of Middle Tennessee.
UCP Ramp Build for THDA
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) builds ramps and coordinates state-wide construction of wheelchair ramps for individuals with mobility disabilities whose homes are without proper accessibility. Working in conjunction with collaborating agencies, volunteers from churches, civic clubs, and other area groups, UCP spearheads the construction wheelchair ramps on to the homes of persons with disabilities across the state of Tennessee. Lumber and supplies for the program are funded through a grant from the THDA. Since the initiation of the collaboration, over 2000 wheelchair ramps have been constructed. The photo on the left is representative.
Lumber and supplies for low income applicants to the program are funded by THDA. Applicants who do not meet the THDA household income criteria may receive ramps if they pay for the cost of the lumber. Partner agencies across the state supply human resources for ramp construction.
Creating a home that is safer, more livable, and more visitable should involve Universal Design (UD). The principles of UD contribute to the safety, convenience, and function of products and home spaces by making products and spaces safer, easier to use and, more accessible. Accessible wheelchair ramps is part of the process. For additional information about UD please see Universal Design.
Careful planning is important to creating a home that is safer, more livable, and more visitable using UD. A home that is safer, more livable, and more visitable should include aging-in-place considerations.
Universal Design is a key part of aging-in-place home modifications. A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is trained in the application of UD for home modifications to help aging and disabled individuals remain in their homes longer. CAPS consultants and UD incorporate the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA) into residential home design and modifications.
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