India Sims wants Charlottesville to make itself accessible — and understand that wheelchair accessibility should just be an everyday reality. Kori Price/Charlottesville Tomorrow
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By India Sims for Charlottesville Tomorrow
I got a call from Ryan Homes in the summer of 2019. My family and I were qualified to purchase a home in Glenmore, a gated community in Albemarle County. The agent told us to visit the model homes the next day.
I was excited and called my husband; we decided I would go see the homes while he was at work. When I pulled up to the side of the house, I noticed there were steps to the front, side and back doors. I called the sales consultant — no answer. The garage door was open and there was an open house sign, so I blew my horn. No one came out.
Finally, I called my husband and told him that there was no one there. Someone came outside and asked if they could help. I told them I had an appointment to see a home that I am potentially purchasing.
“India? Come on inside.”
I asked if there was a ramp anywhere on the house, so I could get inside. She brought a manager who said no, we do not build ramps.
Read on at Charlottesville Tomorrow.