The function of this toolkit is to provide you with the tools necessary to recognize the barriers that may avoid you from the complete usage and enjoyment of your home and what you can do to eliminate them.

The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) needs residential or commercial property owners to permit reasonable modifications and affordable lodgings to persons with disabilities so that they can have complete use and satisfaction of the residential or commercial property where they live. The ease of access laws under the FHA guarantee that, either through structural modifications to the structure (typically referred to as "reasonable adjustments") or changes in rules and policies (generally described as "affordable lodgings"), individuals with disabilities have equal access to and satisfaction of their homes as do non-disabled individuals.

If you are a person with a special needs, you have the legal right to acquire an adjustment or accommodation to your residence, if it is an affordable demand and it is needed to afford you access to and equal satisfaction of the residential or commercial property. This request can be made prior to moving into the system or at any time throughout your occupancy. This toolkit is created to help you assert your civil liberties and request an affordable modification or an affordable lodging from your housing provider.

This toolkit includes:

- Information about your legal rights.

• Steps that will help you request an affordable modification or lodging.
• Templates for writing an ask for a sensible modification/accommodation.
• How and where to turn for aid.
  
  Fair Housing for People with Disabilities
  
  Everyone has a right to fair housing. The capability to live where one selects with self-respect and without fear of discrimination is a standard right ensured to all people. The Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP) enforces the Fairfax County Human Rights Ordinance and the Fairfax County Fair Housing Act, which restrict discrimination in housing. If you are an individual with a special needs, you have the right to equal access to housing, consisting of complete enjoyment of your housing. If you think that you, or someone you understand, have actually experienced housing discrimination in Fairfax County, you have the right to file a reasonable housing grievance with OHREP, but you must do so within 365 days from the date the alleged inequitable act happened, or when it comes to a continuing infraction, from the date the alleged discriminatory act ended.
  
  What is a Disability?
  
  The federal Fair Housing Act specifies a disability to include a physical or mental problems that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities are main activities to life, such as seeing, hearing, strolling, breathing, performing manual jobs, taking care of oneself, and speaking. A disability can include a hearing, visual, or movement problems