Impactdisability accessDisability rightsHabitat for Humanity

Giesegh Family Of Colorado: Daughter's Handicap Ramp In Jeopardy Because Of Neighbors

AWFUL: Neighbors Want Family's Handicap Ramp Removed
By 

Intern, Huffington Post Impact and Student, Tufts University

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Talk about inconsiderate neighbors!

The Giesegh family of Colorado says their neighbors are asking them to take down the handicap ramp outside their door, belonging to Kirsten, their 16 year-old daughter, who has cerebral palsy KKTV reports. The Giesegh's neighbors are threatening to resort to legal action, claiming that the ramp jeopardizes the value of their home.

Vincent Giesegh, Kirsten's father, told KKTV in a recent interview, that although they have tried to explain the necessity of the ramp for their daughter's safety, their neighbors have not changed their mind.

"I mean, I'm just kind of disappointed that a neighbor of mine that doesn't -- I don't think he really understands the necessity of handicap-accessible houses," Vincent Giesegh said in the interview.

The Giesegh family also told KKTV that Fountain, the city in which they live, had approved not only a ramp but also a wider driveway to fit a handicap van.

Heidi Giesegh, Kirsten's mother, is glad that the city understands her daughter's safety needs but hopes that her neighbors will do the same.

"As she goes into her spastic modes, we could just tumble down the stairs and both of us could get massively hurt," Heidi Giesegh told KKTV.

Their neighbor's protests have forced the Gieseghs to look for support from the Rocky Mountain American Disability Center, a government resource that helps support the needs of individuals with disabilities.

The Gieseghs are not alone in experiencing this type of opposition to the development of handicap-accessible homes.

Elsewhere across the country, a group of Borough, Penn., residents are also fighting against Habitat for Humanity to prevent the construction of two handicap-accessible homes, Fox 43 reports. Neighbors also told the news outlet that they feel the handicap-accessible home will reduce the value of the surrounding properties.

But much like the Gieseghs, Habitat for Humanity hopes to open a dialogue with the Borough community to discuss the importance of wheelchair-accessibility.

"What we're hoping for is that they will just give us the opportunity to hear about our program and really get to know the family that we are putting in this very first home that we are building," the local Habitat for Humanity Director told Fox 43.

CORRECTION: The story previously stated the town's name was Foundation.

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Before You Go

The Most Handicap-Accessible Destinations Around The World
Seattle, WA(01 of04)
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Seattle is continuously ranked as one of the most disabled-friendly cities in the U.S., thanks in large part to its condensed downtown area and public transportation system. Since the city did not begin operating its first rail system until 2009, it is entirely built to comply with ADA standards, unlike older major railway transits in cities such as New York and Boston. The Emerald City also has tons of entirely accessible attractions such as the Seattle Museum, Pike Place Market and even the Space Needle.Stay:Hyatt at Olive 8This hotel is not only known for its chic and eco-friendly decor and design, but also for its great downtown location and variety of assistance services. The hotel has just about every feature offered in Braille, along with audio-visual smoke detectors and ADA-approved rooms.
Montreal, Canada(02 of04)
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As Canada's second most-populated city, Montreal, has a great public railway that offers seven (and counting!) wheelchair-accessible stations. The city also has plenty of wheelchair-friendly attractions, including a beautiful botanical garden, a fine arts museum and classic European-style cathedrals, many of which are entirely accessible.Stay:Fairmont Queen ElizabethThe Fairmont is located right downtown, and has 13 rooms that can accommodate wheelchairs and are equipped with teletype phones, vibrating alarm clocks and door sensors for the hearing-impaired.
Las Vegas, NV(03 of04)
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With an economy centered on tourism, Las Vegas is a city that caters to all travelers. In addition to the city having great ADA-standard transportation services and lodging, many casinos have ramps, wheelchair-accessible slot machines and gaming tables and hearing devices at live shows.Stay:Treasure Island Treasure Island is one of Sin City's most accessible hotels, offering 71 ADA-approved rooms, lift equipment for the handicap-accessible pools and hearing kits that include a door knock light and bed shaker. Plus, the resort's location right on the Strip makes it easy to get from attraction to attraction.
London, England(04 of04)
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Though London may have an old-time feel, the city has plenty of modern conveniences and assistance services for the impaired. Though it's a town full of history, London is up-to-date on accessibility, with attractions like St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and even the London Eye all boasting services for the disabled.Stay:DoubleTree by Hilton: Tower of LondonAt the DoubleTree, special-needs guests are able to book one of the 29 accessible rooms, which include roll-in showers with handrails and wide doorways, among other supportive features.
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