Help Us Protect Disability Access for Our Family

We are Melanie Jannery and Meg Tamulonis, life partners and homeowners since 2002 in Burlington, Vermont.

A neighbor has appealed the City’s approval of our Americans with Disabilities ADA-compliant ramp project. We were grateful to receive the prompt permit approval from the City shortly after identifying and accepting the urgent needs of disabled and aging members of our household. Now 9 months later the appeal process continues along with other related legal matters.

We need to retain Legal counsel to defend our City-approved ADA-compliant ramp project and protect safe and continued access into and out of our home. The medically necessary ramp itself was installed with the generous support of the ONE Good Deed Fund, and we are not able to absorb the unexpected and prolonged legal costs arising from this appeal. We are also deeply concerned that, without the ability to defend our case effectively, the outcome could set an unfavorable precedent for disability access.

Our initial goal is to raise $20,000 to cover anticipated legal expenses so we can preserve accessibility, safety, and independence in our home.

All funds raised will go directly toward attorney fees and related legal costs. If excess funds remain, they will be used for disability-related needs, held for related legal matters, or donated to a local accessibility nonprofit. Because legal proceedings are ongoing, we may share only limited updates.

Thank you for standing with us in support of disability access, safety, and the ability to remain at home with dignity.

With gratitude,

Melanie & Meg