REGINA – Huston Heights is unique in that it was designed both for and by people living with disabilities. Florence Steffan was one of the first tenants when the building opened in 1980.
“I didn’t have to rely on anybody to help me with anything. I was able to… do my own housework, prepare my own meals,” she said.
Steffan was involved with the initial planning. The apartment was her first taste of independence. It was that freedom, which lead Janet Mish to move in three years later. However, after 32 years, the apartment was in need of renovations. In June last year, Regina Housing Authority installed new cupboards.
“I assumed that we were going to get the same design that we had before,” said Mish, who has severe rheumatoid arthritis.
But in completing the renovations, the specifications of the cupboards were not maintained.
“Now the cupboards are built for able-bodied people and not disabled people,” she said. “Before, the countertops weren’t as deep so you could stand closer to the cupboard, so that when you opened the door, you reached in, you didn’t have to lean over.”
Higher shelves, deeper counters, and a fridge with no handle are causing her pain: “I’m putting a lot of stress on my back and my neck.”
Mish said she’s been trying to contact Regina Housing Authority for the past year, but they’ve done nothing. The authority said they didn’t have anyone available to speak with Global News, but did indicate they are aware of her situation and are looking into solutions.
“My concern is this building was designed for persons with disabilities, so we’ve taken away or eroded all that planning and development that was done years ago,” said Mish.
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