The Trainer

COMPLYING WITH AFHMP; ACCOMMODATING WHEELCHAIR USERS

In this month's feature, “Keep Records to Show You Followed Marketing Plan,” we discussed how important it is to comply with your site's Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (AFHMP). HUD released the latest version of the AFHMP form in May 2010. We noted that an AFHMP is required of all HUD-assisted sites with five or more units. The plan must describe an affirmative action program to attract residents to the site, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.

In “Accommodating Wheelchair Users: What Is ‘Reasonable’?,” we discussed what you need to know about complying with HUD and other federal rules regarding providing reasonable accommodations for residents who use a wheelchair for mobility. We pointed out that your challenge is to find the right balance to meet the needs of both the wheelchair user and other residents, while at the same time making sure that you are safely overseeing and operating your site. A good starting point is reviewing what HUD and federal regulations require you to do.

TRAINER'S QUIZ

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the questions below has only one correct answer. On a separate sheet of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you have chosen—for example, (1) b, (2) a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

A good way to demonstrate that you're complying with HUD rules on Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans is to:

1. Distribute a newsletter to applicants.

2. Establish a diverse group of advisors.

3. Keep comprehensive records showing exactly what marketing you've done.

QUESTION #2

Site owners must be able to provide documentation that marketing activities for the site have been consistent with fair housing marketing requirements and the approved plan for the site. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #3

If you use billboards to market your site, you should:

1. Use attractive models.

2. Make sure you include all ethnic minorities in the ads.

3. Take a photo of the billboard or ask your sales rep to provide a photo.

QUESTION #4

If you use promotional offers to attract qualified residents, you should not bother to keep a written record of them. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #5

In general, you must grant a reasonable accommodation or modification request to a person who needs a wheelchair for mobility if the resident or applicant needs the accommodation or modification to allow him or her to “use or enjoy” your site. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #6

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you must remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from getting to and using public-use areas if barrier removal is:

1. Not more than $100.

2. Done without the assistance of any contractors.

3. Readily achievable.

QUESTION #7

You should always assume that a person who needs a wheelchair for mobility wants to live in a ground-floor unit. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #8

One issue with motorized wheelchairs that is garnering increased attention is:

1. Whether to require a driving test of residents who use them.

2. Whether they should be electric or battery-powered.

3. Whether they're really necessary.