Accessible Residential Options, Inc. , Lawrence, KS
785-841-3720 aro@sunflower.com
At some time in our lives, each of us will discover the importance of simple things like curb cuts when we push a stroller, or use a wheelchair or a walker. For the millions of Americans with physical disabilities, it is important to not just have curb cuts throughout the community, but also to have a home that is fully accessible. Most homes and apartments are built with stairs, narrow doorways, and difficult-to-use appliances.
What is ARO?
In Lawrence, there is a non-profit organization that recognizes the importance of accessibility in a person’s home and has worked hard for twenty years to provide solutions. This organization is called Accessible Residential Options (A.R.O.). In 1987 A.R.O. built five barrier-free four-plexes in Lawrence: two on the east side and three on the west side.
Barrier Free Living
Without structural barriers in the apartments, our tenants are able to enjoy full use of their homes regardless of age or ability. Universally designed features of ARO include: front loading washers and dryers, roll-in showers, grab bars in the bathrooms, knee clearance under sinks and countertops, wide doorways for comfortable wheelchair passage, and accessible light switches and environmental controls.
These features create a living space where many tenants don’t need assistance to fully use and enjoy their homes. For tenants who do use in-home services to live independently, the lack of structural barriers in the home decreases the amount of services needed. There is a high savings to the community when resources can be minimized in place of structures that are functional for all people.
Our tenant population is composed of families with children, full and part-time workers, college students, senior citizens, and people choosing community life over nursing home placement.
The Future Is Now
ARO’s goal is to continue to provide affordable barrier-free housing in Lawrence. Our community is rated as one of the best places to retire, and if we are going to continue to be a friendly place for people to grow older, we need to ensure all people have an accessible place to live. The cost of maintaining housing increases everyday, but the availability of universally designed housing in our community is invaluable.
ARO is offering Kansas Community Service Tax Credits to raise the revenue necessary to modernize and increase the energy efficiency of our current units. You can support barrier-free universal design by donating to ARO. Your donation is deductible from your federal taxes and is eligible for a sizeable credit on your state taxes