July marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Signed into law on July 26, 1990, this law prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, housing, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and State and local government.

Chris West, President and CEO with North Coast Community Homes, explains, “This law was the first to recognize that all individuals deserve greater access to opportunities, whether that be getting a job or finding quality accessible housing.”

North Coast Community Homes provides quality housing and supportive resources to individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. Established in 1984, North Coast Community Homes was incorporated as a non-profit organization in response to the need for community-based residential facilities to live with supported independence.  West offers, “The concept was born out of the deinstitutionalization of residential facilities.  NCCH was established in partnership with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Cleveland Foundation.”

West points out, “The anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act spotlights that people with disabilities deserve the same basic right to quality housing as you and me.” 

North Coast Community Homes has created a housing model that brings individual residents together, in some cases, creating a family while incorporating these individuals into a community.

West sums up, “While NCCH remains committed to preserving the integrity of our homes through a dependable and proactive maintenance system, our goal is to set quality expectations to ensure our homes are stable, safe, and supportive for the residents and partner organizations. The residents are our priority.”