Every Louisianan deserves to live in a home and community that supports their independence, safety, and dignity. Unfortunately, many homes and structures in our state remain inaccessible to individuals with disabilities or those facing mobility challenges. I am committed to providing more funding and subsidies to help retrofit homes, businesses, and public spaces to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and go beyond compliance to deliver practical, meaningful accessibility.
This initiative will prioritize:
- Increased Funding for Accessibility Retrofits: Establish a dedicated state fund to support retrofitting projects for ramps, elevators, widened doorways, accessible bathrooms, and other essential modifications. This fund will prioritize low- and middle-income households, as well as small businesses in underserved communities, ensuring cost is not a barrier to accessibility.
- Tax Credits and Grants for Retrofits: Introduce tax credits and direct grants for homeowners, landlords, and businesses that make ADA-compliant upgrades, incentivizing wider adoption of accessibility improvements.
- Community Partnerships for Accessibility: Collaborate with local governments, nonprofits, and disability advocacy organizations to expand awareness, streamline application processes for subsidies, and ensure retrofitting resources are accessible to those who need them most.
- Workforce Development for Accessibility Projects: Invest in training programs for contractors and builders specializing in accessibility retrofits to create a skilled workforce equipped to meet growing demand for these projects.
Accessible homes and buildings benefit not only those with disabilities but also older adults and families with young children. By investing in these retrofits, we can make Louisiana a more inclusive and equitable place to live while boosting local construction jobs and creating safer, more supportive communities for everyone.