Carol's House from the street
AHA!’s first residential project is dedicated in honor of the inimitable Carol Eisenberg, a former United Cerebral Palsy of Texas employee who tirelessly dedicated herself to improving conditions for people with disabilities in Austin. Carol passed away in 2007, but her family was determined to keep her house affordable and accessible for future generations. With the help of United Cerebral Palsy of Texas, now part of Easter Seals Central Texas, AHA! purchased the home so that it could be maintained as an affordable, accessible rental property.
History of Carol’s House
AHA! President Stephanie Thomas Signing Closing
AHA! purchased the single-family detached home with a no interest forgivable loan from the City of Austin’s General Obligation bond proceeds, totaling $100,000 and funding from Austin Housing Finance Corporation’s Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Set-Aside fund in the amount of $40,810. With the help of many community supporters, AHA! was able to carry out the family’s wishes and now operates the home as an accessible, affordable, and community-integrated rental unit for families who have members with disabilities.
The home is located in the established Gracywoods Neighborhood and was the first home Carol purchased. She did so with the assistance of Easter Seals Central Texas’ Home of Your Own program, a first-time homebuyer assistance program. She was also an employee of United Cerebral Palsy of Texas.
Accessibility Features of Carol’s House
The home has some wonderful and unique features that make it ideal for someone with a physical disability to occupy. The 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home is fully accessible, featuring a roll-in shower, an accessible kitchen and bathrooms, with levered door handles throughout the home. The home is adaptable for individuals with sight and hearing impairments. The single-family structure is 1023 square feet, constructed in 1983.
Accessible Kitchen and Washer
Accessibility Features Pictured:
- Roll-under sinks
- Lowered countertops
- Front-loading washer
- Raised oven
- Single-handled levered faucet
- Hardwood and tile floor throughout
Accessible French Doors
In an effort to increase accessibility, the sliding door to access the backyard was removed and French doors were installed with a levered handle. A small ramp was added.
