Our son Giovanni who is disabled and has Autism relies on a trampoline daily for therapeutic exercise and enjoyment as recommended by his Pediatrician, Neurologist, BCBA therapist & Occupational Therapist. However, our Homeowners Association (HOA) of Crosstown Commons located in Port Saint Lucie, Florida is demanding that we remove this essential tool from our backyard immediately after months of correspondence and provided proof of my sons disability. This action not only infringes upon our rights as homeowners, my son's rights as a disabled child but also negatively impacts the health and well-being of our child.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, trampolines can be an effective tool for physical therapy for children with disabilities. They help improve balance, coordination, muscle development and overall fitness levels (American Physical Therapy Association). Despite these known benefits, our HOA has sent correspondence to remove the trampoline immediately.

Associations do not have a right to determine whether an individuals disability is serious enough to warrant following ADA guidelines or not. Both the ADA and the Federal Fair Housing Act require community associations to grant reasonable accomandations and modifications requested due to a disability. An HOA's refusal to make such an accommodations (one that is responsible and necessary to afford a disabled owner the full enjoyment and use of his / her unit) is deemed to be discrimination under the FHA. 

Having an association deny our right to meet the needs for our son is inhumane. This petition seeks to change these restrictive rules within HOAs to accommodate residents with special needs. We believe that all children should have access to necessary therapeutic tools within their own homes. We are asking for your support in urging our HOA and HOAs nationwide to reconsider their policies regarding outdoor equipment used for medical or therapeutic purposes without attaching extra guidelines and stipulations. 

Please sign & share this petition and stand up for the rights of disabled children like our son who rely on these tools for their physical health and happiness. Your support means everything to us. 

Love the Barrios Family - Port Saint Lucie, FL (USA)