I work with accessibility in technology. I do it because I believe it is the right thing to do. I am also one who believes all ideas can be taken too far and the proposals being made in the city of Austin for mandated accessible homes are examples of an idea being taken too far.
Bettie Dunkerley is behind these proposed changes to the building codes and she’s putting them to the council for a vote on her last night on the council, which is tonight, the 18th. A pdf of the proposals is available at Austin Contrarian’s site.
I’m opposed to these ideas on the grounds that what is being mandated is being mandated for all, regardless of need, as opposed to being available for those who have a specific need. This isn’t the same as making a public building accessible. These are private dwellings.