Discrimination Against the Disabled: Where Have My Rights Gone?

In the United States of America we are supposed to have the right to fair and safe housing regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or disability. Often this right is forgotten about in the face of ones own selfish desire to have a "sturdy tenant who works and is reliable.

While there are laws that govern this type of behavior it is still happening everywhere. When it comes right down to the bottom line, most disabled Americans can't even afford to fight for their rights. We live day to day on a fixed income that is often far below the national poverty level, trying to make ends meet in a world where greed has taken over compassion. Even when faced with illegal discrimination we often have no resources to fight the problem, and it goes unnoticed and unaccounted for.

My home has been turned upside down by the death of my father and I am left facing being homeless with 2 children. Today I called a local couple who has a house for rent in town and was shocked at their lack of compassion. Her first question was of my age (against the law), next she asked what my occupation was. This was where I explained my situation, being openly honest about why I am in need of housing right away and of the circumstances that are beyond my control.

Once I told her that my source of income was disability she stopped being so nice. She informed me that this house, being rented for $650 a month, was her main source of income and that she couldn't afford to take a chance on someone who is disabled. Federal law says that disability wages cannot be garnished; therefore the risk that she would be screwed was too high (her words, not mine).

Forgive me for being so naïve, but the reality is that in light of the current economic disaster I would have to say that disability is a more reliable income than a "real job" right now. It may not be as profitable but in the same sense it is not a choice someone makes. I didn't ask to be disabled at 15, never asked to be forced to live out the rest of my days on a fixed income, and sure didn't ask to be judged for it. If I were able to work and support my family I would be out there holding down 2 jobs, it isn't a luxury I was granted though.

Even though I know that this lady has broken the law in order to secure her "main income" of $650 a month I don't have the time, energy, nor the money to fight for my right to fair housing. By the way, my income which she disregarded and put down is $1600 per month. It isn't much but it is enough to pay the rent and utilities at that house and still have enough to sustain my family.

What is a person to do when what little security they have in life is threatened due to something that they have absolutely no control over? I could call the ADA and an attorney who may at the very least make this woman think before she speaks next time, but at what cost and to what result. I am not prepared to begin fighting for the rights of disabled Americans, I would love to say I was but I am very worried about merely being able to provide shelter to my children.

What this means is that she will repeatedly break the law, rent to someone with a "real job" and if she is lucky that renter will not be the next one to lose their job or suffer a pay cut. I would love to have the ability to send a clear message to the world that being disabled doesn't make anyone a bad person, nor does it make them any more or less likely to trash a house or not pay rent. At this point all I can do is keep trying to find someone who doesn't suffer from egocentric attitude disorder and doesn't allow stereotypes to rule their world.

My family will live on despite people like her; we will make great renters for someone out there regardless of her ill perceptions. Even though her words were very hurtful and discouraging I wish her the best, hopefully she won't join the ranks of the disabled some day and lose her own credibility in this world.