This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Neighbor News

Problem with lack of handicapped access

Recently heard that Stoneham Disability Committee not available to help handicapped and disabled persons.

No handicapped accessible units except 3rd floor (no elevator - only stairs) ???
No handicapped accessible units except 3rd floor (no elevator - only stairs) ???

Good morning, I am a 74 yo female that lives in Stoneham Elderly housing and have resided here for 13 years. Without proper handicapped access it is very troubling to many of us with mainly mobility issues as the only handicapped access apts were built on the 3rd floor at Dunklee Ave with no elevator, only 2 flights of stairs which seem illogical as that is unthinkable trying to manipulate wheel chairs and walkers. Most of us live in non accessible apts on Parker Chase Rd. in Stoneham. Before I get into the streets and ramps availability I would ask if there is a meeting the public may attend as we really need some assistance with this issue of non accessible units for the disabled . Stoneham Housing is a State owned single unit apt complex overseen by DHCD and we have had little luck with them. We have people here in wheelchairs and walkers that have had to move to assisted living or nursing homes due to the lack of access to handicapped apts. This is very troublesome to many of us as we age.
It would be helpful if someone from the disability commision could get back to me regarding some of these issues. I am not sure what your duties include but Boston Center for Independent Living sent me your phone number which is either broken or always busy so as a voter and handicapped person I would sincerely hope someone from your staff can get back to me sooner than later. My information is as follows.
Nadine Houston Dalo
8 Parker Chase Rd #1
Stoneham, MA 02180
Home # 781-435-0151
Cell# 781-219-8121
email address nadinedalo@gmail.com
Our director Tricia Halpin has been also working on this issue as she is an advocate for those of us who have mobility issues. Thank you for your anticipated response and time. I have cc: this letter to all of the elderly services in the town in hope of getting more funding from state and or town to assist disabled to have access to LHA.

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