Glossary

Accessible (FH Act) When used with respect to the public and common use areas of a building containing covered multifamily dwellings, means that the public or common use areas of the building can be approached, entered, and used by individuals with physical impairments (handicaps).[1] The phrase readily accessible to , and usable by , is synonymous with accessible. A public or common use area that complies with the appropriate requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.12003, ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998, CABO/ANSI A117.1-1992, ANSI A117.1-1986 or a comparable standard is accessible within the meaning of this paragraph. [24 CFR 100.201]

Accessible (Section 504) When used with respect to the design, construction, or alteration of a facility or a portion of a facility other than an individual dwelling unit , means that the facility or portion of the facility, when designed, constructed, or altered, can be approached, entered, and used by individuals with a physical impairment (handicaps).[1] The phrase accessible to , and usable by , is synonymous with accessible. [24 CFR 8.3]

Accessible, when used with respect to the design, construction, or alteration of an individual dwelling unit , means that the unit is located on an accessible route and when designed, constructed, altered or adapted can be approached, entered, and used by individuals with a physical impairment (handicaps).[1] A unit that is on an accessible route and is adaptable and otherwise in compliance with the standards set forth in 24 CFR 8.32 is accessible within the meaning of this paragraph. When a unit in an existing facility which is being made accessible as a result of alterations is intended for use by a specific qualified person with a disability (handicaps)[1] (e.g., a current occupant of such unit or of another unit under the control of the same recipient, or an applicant on a waiting list), the unit will be deemed accessible if it meets the requirements of applicable standards that address the particular disability or impairment of such person. [24 CFR 8.3]

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Accessible Route (FH Act) A continuous unobstructed path connecting accessible elements and spaces in a building or within a site that can be negotiated by a person with a severe disability using a wheelchair and that is also safe for and usable by people with other disabilities. Interior accessible routes may include corridors, floors, ramps, elevators, and lifts. Exterior accessible routes may include parking access aisles, curb ramps, walks, ramps, and lifts. A route that complies with the appropriate requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003, ICC/ANSI A117.1-1998, CABO/ANSI A117.1-1992, ANSI A117.1-1986 or a comparable standard is an accessible route. [24 CFR 100.201] Accessible Route (Section 504) A continuous unobstructed path connecting accessible elements and spaces in a building or facility that complies with the space and reach requirements of applicable standards prescribed by 24 CFR 8.32. An accessible route that serves only accessible units occupied by persons with hearing or vision impairments need not comply with those requirements intended to effect accessibility for persons with mobility impairments. [24 CFR 8.3] Adaptability (Section 504) The ability of certain elements of a dwelling unit, such as kitchen counters, sinks, and grab bars, to be added to, raised, lowered, or otherwise altered, to accommodate the needs of persons with or without disabilities (handicaps),[1] or different types or degrees of disability. For example, in a unit adaptable for a hearing-impaired person, the wiring for visible emergency alarms may be installed, but the alarms need not be installed until such time as the unit is made ready for occupancy by a hearing-impaired person. [24 CFR 8.3] Adjusted Income Annual income (as determined by the owner) of the members of the family residing or intending to reside in the dwelling unit, after making the following deductions.

In determining adjusted income, the owner must deduct the following amounts from annual income:

1. $480 for each dependent;

2. $400 for any elderly family or disabled family;

3. The sum of the following, to the extent the sum exceeds 3% of annual income:

   • a. Unreimbursed reasonable medical expenses of any elderly family or disabled family; and

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• b. Unreimbursed reasonable attendant care and auxiliary apparatus expenses for each member of the family who is a person with disabilities, to the extent necessary to enable any member of the family (including the member who is a person with disabilities) to be employed. This deduction may not exceed the earned income received by family members who are 18 years of age or older who are able to work because of such attendant care or auxiliary apparatus; and

4. Any reasonable child care expenses necessary to enable the family member to be employed or to further his or her education. [24 CFR 5.611]