Screw You! Can You Hear Me Now?

Back in 2010, there was a groundbreaking ceremony at the Apache ASL Trails where a ton of people showed up to support a first of its kind project that would be a true blessing for people with hearing disabilities. At the time, I wrote an article titled, “Happy Trails on the Light Rail.”

Prior to writing the article, I had taken the time to visit the site, to talk with future residents of the project, and I had a chance to speak with people involved with the process of developing the project. Every single thing I learned about the Apache ASL Trails home for hearing impaired individuals seemed to be nothing but positive.

This morning, I saw a headline from an article at AZ Central titled “Feds target Tempe apartment complex for hearing-impaired. “ My first thought was, “Oh, no. What happened?” Was there a scandal? Misuse of funds? Poor care for the elderly or disabled?

The only scandalous info I could find was the fact that some freakin’ bureaucrats want to withhold funds for people that don’t appear to be harming anyone.

Apparently, our friends and allies at HUD feel like the people at Apache ASL Trails are violating my rights by providing a safe, happy, healthy place to live for people with a specific disability. Yes, really.

“Despite the complex’s purpose, HUD wants that arrangement to remain in effect until three-fourths of its residents are people without hearing impairments.” AZ Central

In digging a little deeper, I found that this “investigation” has been going on for quite some time. However, I can’t find anything that makes me feel like Apache is doing anything but awesome things for people in need. If I am missing something, I hope someone can point it out. Well, something other than HUD wanting them to get rid of most of the people the place was designed to help…

What can be done? Who knows… A couple of suggestions I have seen are: Call your state representatives or…

Sign the petition to stand with the deaf:

On the Apache web site, they have more information. Take a look and take a minute to read the AZ Central article. Hopefully, it won’t make your blood boil…