My name is Debbie. I'm legally blind and completely color blind. I have spent much of my life advocating for accessibility, inclusion, and the right of people with disabilities to live independently and with dignity. I never imagined I would one day need to fight for those same rights in my own home.

About a year ago, I fell while walking through a common area of the community where I live. I never saw the step. I never felt it coming. I simply fell and was bruised.

Afterward, I requested a simple disability accommodation: high contrast markings on the steps so I could safely identify where the ground changes beneath my feet. It's a reasonable modification that would allow me to live more safely and independently.

What I received was yellow paint on grey concrete.

For many people, that might be enough. For someone who is completely color blind, it is not. Yellow on grey provides little contrast for me. When I tried to explain this to the property manager, he insisted that I could clearly see the difference between colors that I could not distinguish. I explained that I could not adequately see the markings. He didn't believe me.

I made another request and specifically asked for black markings to provide greater contrast. Months passed before a thin black strip was added to the steps. I thanked management for the effort through his lawyer, but explained in writing that the marking was too narrow to provide the safety I need.

Nothing changed.

Along with my third request, I provided letters from both my doctor and my mobility instructor explaining exactly what accommodation I require and why it is necessary for my safety and independence. Once again, nothing changed.

What began as a request for accessible markings on a step has become something much larger.

After my daughter raised the issue with management's supervisors, I experienced a series of troubling events that have left me fearful and overwhelmed. I believe I am experiencing retaliation for requesting disability accommodations. I have received a seven-day cure notice containing statements that I know to be false, and other events have occurred that I believe are intended to intimidate me rather than address my accessibility needs.

I never expected that asking to safely navigate my own home would lead me here.

I have spent years writing books, teaching others about disability rights, speaking about accessibility, and advocating for independent living. I have stood before audiences explaining what dignity and accommodation look like in practice. Today, I am asking for those same things for myself.

I have found an attorney willing to take my case. His initial retainer fee is $3,500. I know I will need more than that but I'm not sure how much so I'm setting my goal at $7000 and hope I don't have to ask for more.

Your donation will help provide the legal representation I need to protect my rights and obtain the accommodation I have been requesting for more than a year. This is not simply about paint on a step. It is about safety, dignity, accessibility, and the right of people with disabilities to live independently in their communities.

No one should have to choose between exercising their disability rights and being able to afford legal representation. Yet that is where I find myself today.

If you are unable to donate, I would be deeply grateful if you would simply share my story. Sometimes sharing reaches the very person who is able to help.

Thank you for standing beside me during one of the most difficult chapters of my life.

With gratitude,

Debbie Malone