In 2018, Access Living took a bold step by filing a federal lawsuit to address long-ignored concerns about inaccessible housing in Chicago. This lawsuit, Access Living v. City of Chicago, highlights how the inaccessibility of over 500 apartment complexes funded by the Department of Housing has forced Chicagoans with disabilities to live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, homeless shelters, or inaccessible housing units.
Recently, this case has moved forward in meaningful ways: A U.S. District Court issued a critical ruling rejecting Chicago’s motion for summary judgment, an effort by the City to dismiss Access Living’s claims. The judge ordered both parties to engage in urgent settlement negotiations. A trial date could be set if these negotiations falter.
Last week Access Living’s managing attorney, Ken Walden, and Vice President of Advocacy Amber Smock, held a virtual community update about the latest developments and what this could mean for the future of accessible housing in Chicago.