Leonard Sandler
He makes buildings welcoming
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Years ago when Len Sandler was living in Maryland, he had knee surgery and couldn’t make it up the stairs.
“The house can turn into a prison,” Sandler said.
That feeling of not being able to independently use your home or businesses is what he now fights to protect people with disabilities or other limitations from.
Sandler supervises second- and third-year law students in updating housing and buildings and making new construction accessible for all.
“We are trying to encourage and promote designing buildings and offices right from the start so they are useable,” Sandler said. “The idea is, ‘how can you live independently?’”
His team provides the technical and legal know-how to businesses, landlords and organizations that want their properties to be welcoming for virtually anyone no matter what their need is.
“Who might come through this door? What can I do to make sure I can welcome as many people as possible?” Sandler said.
He also has worked on policy issues to require new construction that is publicly subsidized to accommodate disabled people. For example, at least one entrance must be at ground level and doorways should be at least 32 inches wide.
“Housing and transportation are the No. 1 priority for most people. It is the core of independence for most people.
Without it, it diminishes the quality of life,” Sandler said.
He has worked with the YMCA and the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, New Pioneer Food Co-op and helped push through policy changes in Iowa City.
Recently, in Dubuque, Sandler helped convert an old casket factory into the Washington Court, an apartment complex with 36 units, including nine that are universally equipped, and a health clinic.
“Now, I understand the pride that stone builders or masons take in their work. I can come back and look (and say) ‘I built this,’” he said. “It’s a great sense of fulfillment and a great sense of frustration in that this is just the first step.”
— Brian Morelli
