<div>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.

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<div>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.

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<div>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.

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<div>What I received was yellow paint on grey concrete.

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<div>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.

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<div>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.

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<div>Nothing changed.

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<div>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.

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

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<div>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.

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

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<div>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.

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<div>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.

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<div>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.

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<div>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.

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<div>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.

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

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<div>With gratitude,

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<div>Debbie Malone

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joe roan

Help Debbie Protect Her Right to Independent Living

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Help Debbie Protect Her Right to Independent Living

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