Community Support for Accessible Housing Continues to Grow

Financial support from our generous community continues to grow as our new twin homes take shape in a northwestern Sioux Falls neighborhood. Since we announced our plans to build two new twin homes in October of 2023, businesses and individual donors have contributed more than $500,000, getting us closer to our goal of $1.5M for this $2.5M housing expansion.

We thank the following businesses and individuals for their gifts:

Duane & Ann Stich, MLAEA Charitable Fund of the SFAFC, First Bank & Trust, Thrivent (anonymous grant), Steve & Nicole Tripp, Muth Electric, Click Rain, Merlyn & Janet Christensen, Citibank, Sammons Financial, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, Midco Foundation, Eide Bailly, Frisbees, Vern Eide, Minnwest Bank, Avera Health, Ernest & JoAnn Priebe, our annual golf tournament sponsors and generous donors who wish to remain anonymous.

Why new homes?

With the steady growth of Sioux Falls comes an increased demand for accessible housing for adults with disabilities. The most recent census data for the Sioux Falls metro area shows that adults with disabilities under the age of 65 make up 7.2% of our population. As many of you familiar with DakotAbilities know, we support people well past the age of sixty-five. Thanks to advancements in medical research and treatments, all of us are living longer lives, including people who live with disabilities.

Another compelling reason to build new homes is the shift toward smaller, more desirable 4-person living arrangements. Think about it in terms of your own life experiences with roommates and family members. When it comes supporting people with disabilities, their physical and mental health is our top priority. The shift from a large "group home" setting to a quieter and more manageable home environment improves everyone's overall well-being and allows for more privacy, dignity, and personal space. DakotAbilities is able to accommodate this important shift while simultaneously increasing the number of people supported.

The cost of custom-built accessible homes is naturally higher than the cost of building standard family homes. Data found on www.assistivetechnologyblog.com spells out the top construction considerations that impact cost.

  1. Wider Doorways and Corridors: Consider widening doorways and corridors throughout your home. This small adjustment can make a significant difference in accessibility, allowing easy passage for wheelchairs and providing a more open feel to the space.
  2. Reinforce Ceilings for Hoists: During construction or renovation, reinforce bedroom and bathroom ceilings before they are plastered. This will enable the discreet installation of hoists if needed in the future, providing essential assistance for individuals with mobility challenges.
  3. Remote-Controlled Features: Plan for remote-controlled features, especially in two-story homes. Running wires to doors and considering potential lift shafts can make it easier to retrofit accessibility features such as automatic doors or home lifts without significant structural modifications later on.
  4. Accessible Bathrooms: When designing or updating bathrooms, opt for features like roll-in showers, grab bars, and slip-resistant flooring. These modifications enhance safety and accessibility for individuals with various mobility requirements.
  5. Open-Plan Living: Consider incorporating open-plan living spaces into your home’s layout. This design concept not only creates a sense of space but also facilitates maneuverability for wheelchairs and mobility aids. It benefits everyone in the household while accommodating future accessibility needs.

https://assistivetechnologyblo...

To contribute to our Accessible Housing campaign, visit https://www.dakotabilities.org...