(NAPSA)—According to a recent U.S. Census report, 19 percent of the population identifies as havinga disability. If you or someone you care about is ever among them, a survey by Harris Poll may intrigue you. That’s because it found a strong desire among homebuyers with special needs for real estate sales associates who are trained in, and knowledgeable about, accessible housing. Among active homebuyers who either have disabilities or live with someone who does, one in four indicated it’s absolutely essential their real estate professional is knowledgeable about accessible housing. The Problem The survey also revealed about half have a difficult time finding a homethatfits their family’s unique needs. It also found most homebuyers with disabilities rated the average real estate professional’s knowledge of accessible housing with a gradelevel of “C”or below. An Answer To meet the demand, the CEN- TURY 21 System offers its independent brokers andaffiliated agents a “Persons With Disabilities Learning Program.” It provides access to information and resources on acces- sible housing and universal design for persons with disabilities. It’s a part of the company’s long-standing relationship with Easter Seals, the leading nonprofit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmentaldisabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. Helpful Hints Whatever your abilities, before deciding on a house, it’s wise to consider your lifestyle, current and anticipated housing needs, and budget. Create a prioritized list of features you want in your new home. Finding the right house involves striking a balance between your “must-haves” and your “nice-to-haves.” Persons with disabilities want a home and real estate professional who understands their needs. Fortunately, some organi- zations can help them get both. For example, if you love to cook, you’ll appreciate a wellequipped kitchen. If you’re into gardening, you'll want a yard. Ifa home office is a must, you'll need room for adequate work space. If you have several cars, you may require a large garage. Next, think about what you might need in the future, and how long you are likely to live in this particular home. If you’re newly married, you might not be concerned with a school district right now, but you could be in a few years. If you have aging parents, you may want to look at homes that offer living arrangements that could accommodate them as well. Learn More For further information about resources for persons with disabilities, call the Easter Seals Commu- nity OneSource hotline, (866) 4234981. Real estate professionals who have taken the C21 “Persons With Disabilities Learning Program” can be found at www.century21.com.
