Photo not of actual client
“Darla” was referred to Jacksonville Area Legal Aid through its Northeast Florida Medical Legal Partnership in early 2023. She lives in public housing with her mother, brother and 2-year-old daughter. In February 2022, and again in December 2022 she requested of the housing authority, who runs the apartment complex, a reasonable accommodation to move to a four-bedroom apartment because her daughter needs her own bedroom for her medical equipment. In December 2022, that reasonable accommodation request was denied without explanation.
Darla’s toddler is substantially limited in her major life activities of speaking, balance, cognitive function, and mobility. She attends “physical, occupational and speech therapy multiple times a week.” She has orthotics to help with her stability. She also has a “stander” which is a large piece of equipment “to hold her in a standing position.” She must use this piece of equipment to improve bone density, improve circulation and improve mobility with the goal of one day being able to stand by herself. She also uses an adaptive bike to teach her trunk control and to help with her strength and coordination since she cannot move independently. She is getting an adaptive walker and a medical bed to aid in daily life functions due to her risk of falling and lack of mobility.
According to her doctor, it is imperative for her health that the move to the new apartment happen as soon as possible to accommodate her necessary medical equipment. She has already lost precious time according to her treating professional.
She is “at a point where she is curious and motivated to move, and I would love to capitalize on this time to push her skills and developmental as much as possible so she can truly enjoy and experience life the way it was meant to be,” her doctor said.
Suzanne Garrow of JALA’s Fair Housing Unit requested a reasonable accommodation in writing and pointed out that the denial of the medically supported request was unlawful and a violation of the housing authority’s own policies. She cited the child’s treating medical providers in support that a further delay or denial of this request may prove so detrimental to her and that it may lead to further and more substantial impairment. As a result of JALA’s assistance, Darla’s family was immediately granted an emergency transfer.
About Jacksonville Area Legal Aid
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm focused on delivering economic, social, and housing justice to low-income and at-risk individuals and families on the First Coast.
If you are an attorney wanting to volunteer with probate and heirs property issues, contact JALA Pro Bono Director Aaron Irving, at (904) 356-8371, Ext. 363, or Aaron.Irving@jaxlegalaid.org.
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