POLK COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
                        610 FLEMING BUILDING 218-6th AVENUE
                                DES MOINES IOWA 50309
                        PHONE (515)243-4545 FAX (515)243-8447
                                July 6, 1992

Ms. Denita Swenson
Office of Senator Tom Harkin
Federal Building
210 Walnut
Des Moines, IA 50309

Dear Denita:

        This letter is a follow-up to the telephone conversation you 
had with Karen Walters of our staff regarding the development of nine four bed 
ICF/MR facilities. PCHS will be purchasing existing family homes in the 
community to house those 36 individuals.

        At the present time, all 36 persons have been identified for 
admission to the homes, and we already have an extensive waiting list. 
By identifying the individuals before the purchase of the homes, we can 
better identify the needs of the individuals and the adaptations needed 
for each home. We are projecting that six of the nine homes will be made 
wheelchair accessible. The reason for this is that the individuals 
identified for the three homes do not need a fully accessible home at 
the present time, and it is very costly (estimate of approximately 
$15,000 to renovate a home for full accessibility). By renovating six 
homes out of the nine we feel we will have many options if persons 
will need a wheelchair accessible home in the future. Also if a person 
in a non-handicap accessible home needs adaptations in the future, we 
can make further renovations or find a more appropriate living 
environment.

        Some persons with the State of Iowa have questioned whether our 
plan will comply with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities 
Act. We believe we will meet ADA requirements, but some sort of written 
clarification would be very much appreciated. 
      
        Thank you for your consideration of this matter. If you have any 
further questions, please feel free to contact me.

                                        Sincerely,
                                        Lynn D. Ferrell
                                        Executive Director
LDF:ib
01-01428