This manual is dedicated to pioneers who have successfully purchased their own homes and the individuals who have assisted them. Through their efforts, spanning several years, the dream of homeownership became a reality despite the challenges, attitudes, and financial barriers they faced. Without their vision, persistence, and belief in their dreams, A Home of Your Own Guide would not be possible.

Countless hours of writing, editing, and reviewing were devoted to this manual. We would like to thank the following people who worked tirelessly on its production:

Jay Klein, the director of the National Home of Your Own Alliance, for his vision, foresight, and unwavering belief in justice and equality for all people. Jay’s contributions of writing and editing are the very heart of this publication.

Kim Frederic-Klein, a consultant to the National Home of Your Own Alliance, who contributed to the writing and editing of this manual. Kim spent long hours late into the evenings, writing and re-writing sections of the guide. She never complained and never missed a deadline. We appreciate all of her efforts, which are reflected on every page.

Debra Nelson, the director of the Community Options project at the Institute on Disability, who spent hours carefully reviewing and editing this guide, and provided gentle advice and ongoing support.

Ron Mace who was an architect, industrial designer, and visionary is responsible for the concept of Universal Design.

The creative talent of Kelly Houk enhances this guide. Kelly provided the artistic genius that is reflected in the design throughout the manual. We salute her patience, dedication, and flexibility during the production of this manual.

The staff at the National Home of Your Own Alliance, specifically Margaret Caulk; Nancy Hoctor; Dan Vachon; Clare Sullivan; and Marcie Goldstein.

Last, but not least, our sincerest thanks to the consultants and experts who reviewed the first draft of the manual, including Debbie Berrey from Idaho, Jean Ann McLaughlin from Massachusetts, Edward Alley-Willard from Texas, Cathy Ficker-Terrill from Illinois, Judith Snow from Toronto, Canada, John O’Brien from Georgia, Karen Tamley from Illinois, and Diana Davis from Connecticut. Their insightful feedback and ongoing support were invaluable.