Improving Accessibility in Tompkins County

Unity House has won a new $135,500 state grant to make improvements five Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) in Tompkins County.

The work will improve accessibility within the homes and protect their structures. The work will provide residents with greater autonomy, mobility and dignity. We’re grateful to state Assemblymember Anna Kelles, who nominated Unity House for the grant.

Among people who have joined Unity House programs in recent years, a higher percentage are have mobility needs. Because of the planned improvements, IRA residents are more likely to be able to stay in the homes they love as their mobility decreases with age.

Here’s a list of the work to be completed through the grant.

• At Hector Street IRA, in Ithaca: Install a three-season room so that residents with limited mobility can choose to enjoy the outdoors most of the year
• At West Lake Road IRA, in Dryden: Renovate the roll-in shower to ensure that it can be used by people with wheelchairs; Renovate landscaping; Install a new chlorinator
• At Danby Road IRA, in Ithaca: Replace the roof
• At Beam Hill Road IRA, Dryden: Replace the flooring in four units
• At Campbell Road IRA, Ithaca: Repair the foundation