NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WXIN) The parents of a quadriplegic teenager are in a conflict with their homeowner’s association regarding a wheelchair ramp for their front entrance.
Corban Phillips, 17, was paralyzed due to a trampoline accident in August 2024 and is just starting to regain some of his previous independence. Earlier this year, he began driving after acquiring a customized van.
“Some days are hard because I’m not up and doing what I used to be doing,” Corban said.
One thing he is unable to do is enter and exit the front door of his family’s house because of the steps. To address this, his parents, April and Matt, intended to construct a ramp at the front of their home.
They hired a contractor who came and evaluated Corban’s needs and drew up a design. They submitted the plans to the Morse Point HOA for approval.
“What we got back was that it was aesthetically unpleasing and not something they wanted at the front of the home,” April explained. “There were a flood of emotions that ranged from sheer anger to deep sadness.”
The HOA offered the Phillips family an alternative design. Matt mentioned that the proposed ramp was too steep and didn’t meet the specifications outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Corban has limited use of his arms and hands, making it difficult for him to stop his chair if it rolls down an incline. He also stated that going back up an incline poses a challenge for him.
Both the Phillips family and the HOA have since retained attorneys.
“Our goal is for residents in our neighborhood to feel at home, and we support accessibility for all our residents,” a spokesperson for the HOA said. “When we met with the family, we thought we were headed to a resolution. We look forward to working with the homeowners and quickly approving a ramp design.”
April said the family is making other modifications to their home in order to accommodate Corban’s needs. She said this debacle has been an added burden on an already challenging situation.
“(I’m) so angry that someone or a group of people care so much more about aesthetics to a home for a disabled person than what they do accessibility.”
Housing law experts said the federal Fair Housing Act generally prevents an HOA from stopping homeowners from making accommodations for disabled people solely because of aesthetic reasons.
“The act makes it unlawful for a housing provider or homeowners’ association to refuse to allow a reasonable modification to the premises when such a modification may be necessary to afford persons with disabilities full enjoyment of the premises,” a statement from the Department of Justice reads.
In the meantime, the family is attempting to fundraise for Corban’s expenses, which continue to pile up. His family is hosting a rummage sale and silent auction on Sept. 26 and 27 to help pay for his medical expenses and other home modifications.
