Special Needs Spokane Real Estate

Tips for finding a friendly neighborhood for families with special needs.

Moving to a new location can be exciting, adventurous and chaotic. From finding the best school and a new family doctor to making friends and neighbors, it can seem overwhelming. For a family with a physically challenged member, relocating can add more stress. Coldwell Banker Northwest Group offers the following recommendations for families with special needs to find the right home and neighborhood:

• As soon as you know or are seriously considering moving to a new city or state, begin your research. Look for neighborhoods that are special-needs friendly. Does it offer accessible transportation, recreation activities and entertainment options? Does it have sidewalks with cutout curbs, stores with easy parking spaces and safe play environments?
• For children, look for communities with universally accessible playgrounds, i.e. parks designed for people of all abilities. Make sure they have ramp access, play panels at ground level, and the correct surface for walkers and wheelchairs.
• Interview school districts' special needs department and ask yourself: Can the school provide for your child's needs? Does it offer a curriculum dedicated to ensuring such children with disabilities achieve full participation in their education?
• Find and talk to families living in the community who have members with special needs to hear what they think about the community.
• Ask your real estate agent to show you homes that have been previously owned by a family with special needs or ones easily reconfigured or expanded. Homes need to be accessible to allow family members to do what he or she needs and desires to do as independently as possible. Look for ramping entrances, wide doorways, low counters, lever or loop-style grab bars and a tub seat in bathrooms, and hardware on doors and drawers.
• Know there is additional help for families with special needs, such as tax deductions for any home modifications, plus funding from local Gowannis and Rotary Clubs, as well as the Paralyzed Veterans Association.