This year, Doorways to Independence, a collaboration between United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP/NYC), the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), and the Associated Builders & Owners of Greater New York (ABO), will remove barriers by installing ramps and other home modifications in the residences of low to moderate income New Yorkers with physical disabilities. This pilot program will serve to supplement MOPD's existing Project Open House (POH) program and UCP/NYC's HAS (Housing Assistance Services) home evaluation program. Some of the goals of Project Open House and UCP/NYC's HAS are to promote full participation in our City's life and to minimize institutionalization and the need for other governmental supports. As the need for such barrier removal is high, and demand exceeds capacity, this partnership will augment the number of individuals MOPD and HAS can serve.

Here are some of the families who will receive a home modification through the Doorways to Independence program:

Marilys Padilla (“Lily”) Martucci of Kensington, Brooklyn, who uses a power wheelchair, must stay home most of the time because she is not able to navigate the steps from her front door. With an electric vertical platform lift, installed by UCP/NYC, the 22-year old will be able to enjoy activities in her neighborhood with her fmily, and rejoin her friends at the UCP/NYC day program she once attended.

Eddy Oviedo is 30 years old and lives in the Bronx with his mom and dad and three siblings. Eddie needs assistance with all aspects of daily life. It’s been a struggle to get Eddy up and down the front steps. A permanent ramp to the front door, installed by UCP/NYC, will ensure that Eddy can live at home with his family as well as be a part of his community well into the future.

Fourteen year-old Devon Hannah is autistic and lives with his mother in a rented apartment in the Bronx. He has a limited awareness of safety and will open the front door to leave, or climb out onto the fire escape at night. UCP/NYC will install an alarm system with a keypad, an inside horn, and other safety features that will alert his mom if Devon tries to leave without her knowledge.

Joanette Matthews lives with her brother and sister-in-law. Although she is in excellent health, she recently has had a series of falls that have compromised her safety. UCP/NYC is rebuilding the concrete steps to the front door to make them easier to negotiate, adding a railing, and installing railings within the house on several floors. With these modifications, Joanette will be safe and can continue to be mobile and independent.

Veronica Johnson is 23 years old, uses a wheelchair, and lives with her mom in Cambria Heights, Queens. The house already has a ramp, but Veronica cannot open the door without assistance. By installing a remote-controlled electric door opener, UCP/NYC will give Veronica the freedom of coming and going without having to rely on others.

Teena Thomas is 13 and lives in Staten Island with her parents, grandparents, and sister. She is now attending high school and has the typical goal of a teenager: to be independent. UCP/NYC will widen the bathroom door giving her easy access, and will install an outdoor vertical platform lift in the rear of the house to give Teena the ability to

Ricardo Tangrie lives with his parents in Brooklyn in a 60-unit building. The interior steps make it impossible for him to get in and out of the building without having to be carried by another adult, so the only time he leaves his home is when he has a medical appointments. A Garaventa Stair Lift will be installed to give him the freedom of finally being able to live life to the fullest.

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Thank you to the following sponsors who are helping to open Doorways to Independence

Associated Builders & Owners of Greater New York
Rent Stabilization Association
Community Housing Improvement Program, Inc.
Van Wagner Communications
JPMorgan Chase
Nicholas Voulgaris, Architect
Architectural Entrance Systems
Franciosa Construction, inc.
Thomas S. Murphy
Nativo, LLC
Ryan Laul and Outdoor Vision