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If your home has only step entrances and small doorways that aren’t feasible for someone with mobility limitations, this limits the “visitability” of your residence. Such structural barriers often cause persons with disabilities or limited mobility to have limited access to the homes of family and friends. This may often lead to feelings of isolation, and a constant challenge to easily be able to visit others. Visitability legislation is being proposed to support the inclusion of all Virgin Islanders in our society.

“Visitability” is a national movement to voluntarily alter home construction practices. The movement hopes to influence new construction and renovation to include specific structural changes that will allow people who become disabled to continue living in their own homes and/or be able to visit others.

AARP Virgin Islands recently joined a coalition that is working to educate and advocate for the legislation that will provide incentives for those who construct or renovate homes with Visitability features. The Coalition includes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Ad Hoc Advocacy Committee, the V.I. University Center for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities, the V.I. Disability Rights Center, the V.I. Association for Independent Living and AARP Virgin Islands. 

The coalition has introduced The Visitable Home Design Act. This legislation would establish minimum regulations with tax incentives. These regulations address the design and construction of newly built and renovated single family, duplex and triplex homes that provide accessibility and usability for Virgin Islanders with physical disabilities. The legislation is being championed by Senator James A. Weber (D).

There are three simple visitability features. First, homes must have an accessible entrance, which means a clear path from the street or driveway that has no steps. Second, interior doorways on the first floor should be at least thirty six inches wide. Third, at least one bathroom on the first floor should have clear floor space that is 30” x 48” centered on the sink to allow a person with a wheelchair to enter, close the door, and use all fixtures in the bathroom. These three features will make your home fully visitable. 

Persons over the age of 60 are the fastest growing segment of our population. So this legislation makes sense, and will facilitate the ability to age in place.

We hope all VI residents will agree that this will result in a win-win situation for all. Constructing visitable homes will increase the housing options for persons with disabilities, the aged and their families. Visitable homes are not only a benefit to the homeowner, but to their visitors as well. The voluntary tax incentive will promote homeowners’ awareness of the ability to comfortably age in their homes.  But, most importantly, the VI Government can demonstrate that they care about the disabled segment of our population.

Join the effort to make more homes visitable. Talk to your senators, and ask them to support this legislation. It’s just a first step in making our Virgin Islands community more disabled friendly.