Susan Bourne, a 71-year-old former clerical associate with New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services, has filed a significant lawsuit against the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The lawsuit, filed in federal court, accuses NYCHA of failing to provide accessible housing accommodations, leaving Bourne unable to return home for more than a decade.
In 2013, Bourne experienced a severe stroke that left her partially paralyzed, significantly restricting her mobility and forcing her to rely on a wheelchair for daily activities. Initially admitted to Sea View Rehabilitation Center on Staten Island, Bourne successfully regained basic life skills, including speech and self-feeding. By 2018, her recovery had progressed sufficiently for her to consider returning to her Staten Island apartment, a place she had called home for years.
However, Bourne’s excitement quickly turned to frustration when she discovered that her NYCHA apartment was entirely unsuitable for her new reality. Narrow doorways, an inaccessible bathroom, and kitchen cabinetry placed beyond her reach were among several critical obstacles preventing her from resuming independent living. Bourne repeatedly requested necessary modifications or a transfer to an accessible unit, but her pleas to NYCHA remained unanswered, deepening her sense of isolation.
Adding to her ordeal, NYCHA initiated eviction proceedings against Bourne in 2014 on the grounds of non-occupancy, ignoring her clear inability to occupy the inaccessible apartment. These eviction proceedings persisted for years, adding emotional and financial strain to her already challenging circumstances. Advocates argue that NYCHA’s actions reflect systemic issues regarding the lack of accommodations for disabled residents across public housing in New York City.
Bourne’s case has drawn attention from disability rights advocates, who stress that housing accessibility is not merely a convenience but a fundamental right protected under federal law. They argue that NYCHA’s neglect not only violates ADA regulations but also highlights the broader struggle faced by many disabled New Yorkers navigating inaccessible living conditions.
Legal experts following Bourne’s case suggest that the lawsuit could prompt significant policy changes within NYCHA. If successful, it might compel the housing authority to prioritize accessibility improvements, potentially benefiting thousands of disabled residents throughout the city.
As Bourne remains confined to a rehabilitation facility, she hopes that her lawsuit will not only resolve her personal struggle but also set a precedent, ensuring others do not endure similar hardships. The case underscores the critical need for housing authorities nationwide to adhere strictly to accessibility laws, safeguarding the dignity, independence, and basic rights of individuals with disabilities.
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