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Fair Housing Month 2025

Fair Housing Month: A Quick Refresher on Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications

April is Fair Housing Month, making it the perfect time to refresh our understanding of reasonable accommodations and modifications. These requests play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing. It’s essential to recognize and respond appropriately to these requests.

Understanding Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications

A reasonable accommodation is a change in rules, policies, or services that enables a person with a disability to fully use and enjoy their home. Examples include:

  • Allowing an assistive animal, even in a pet-free community (managed through PetScreening)
  • Approving a live-in aide
  • Reserving a parking space closer to the resident’s home
  • Granting a unit transfer to a more accessible apartment

A reasonable modification, on the other hand, involves physical changes to the dwelling to improve accessibility. Examples include:

  • Installing an accessible ramp
  • Adding grab bars in the bathroom
  • Modifying a tub into a walk-in shower
  • Removing carpet for easier mobility

How to Identify a Request

Residents may not use legal or industry-specific terms when making a request. They might simply mention a need, such as difficulty walking long distances or requiring an easier way to enter their home. This is where active listening becomes critical.

For example, if a resident states, “I have arthritis, and it’s hard for me to walk from my parking spot,” they may not explicitly ask for a reasonable accommodation, but this statement could indicate a need for one.

The Right Response

When a resident makes a request related to a disability, staff should ask, “Are you making this request based on a disability?” This question helps clarify the situation and determine the appropriate next steps.

DO NOT ASK what the disability is. If the resident confirms their request is disability-related, staff can provide the reasonable accommodation request form and guide them through the process.

Maintaining Good Communication

Open and clear communication is key throughout this process. Staff should ensure residents feel heard, understand the steps involved, and receive timely updates. By handling requests with professionalism and empathy, we uphold the principles of Fair Housing and create inclusive communities for all.

For further education, take a moment to watch this training video: Reasonable Accommodation / Modification: Active Listening. Read the whole article HERE.

Let’s continue fostering fair and accessible housing for everyone!

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Spring Into Fresh Marketing: Spring Content Now Live

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As the days grow longer and flowers begin to bloom, it’s time to refresh your marketing with a bright and engaging spring approach. The marketing team has prepared a new batch of seasonal content to help you connect with your audience and make the most of this vibrant season.

Social:

With our updated social plan, staying on top of your property’s spring marketing has never been easier. Follow along with the posts being scheduled by the marketing team, and check out the highlighted ideas we want you to share! You can plan ahead and schedule all your spring content in just one day. The marketing team is here to assist with personalized graphics featuring reviews, FAQs, and property highlights, ensuring your social media stays fresh and engaging this season.

Flyers & Events:

We’ve added a collection of spring-themed printable/shareable flyer templates with matching social graphics! Whether you’re planning resident events or promoting seasonal specials, these designs will bring a bright touch to your outreach. To get any of the designs personalized with your site’s details, event times, and dates, please submit a Marketing Request or email us at marketingrequests@royalamerican.com.

Let’s make this spring a season of growth, engagement, and fresh opportunities!

Happy Marketing!

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Submit Your Content

 

We want to hear from you! The Dispatch is our space to celebrate the amazing things happening across Royal American, and we know there’s no shortage of incredible content out there.

Have you used your Volunteer Time Off (VTO) recently to make a difference in your community? Are you hosting events or planning fun activities at your site? Snap some photos and send them our way!

Email your pictures and a short description of your VTO or event highlights to hannah.calhoun@royalamerican.com. Not only will you inspire others with your contributions, but you’ll also help us shine a spotlight on the meaningful ways our team members are making an impact.

Let’s showcase the heart and dedication that make Royal American special—one story at a time!

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Winter Content Live

 

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As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, it’s time to embrace the warmth and wonder of the season in your marketing efforts. The marketing team has prepared new, seasonal content to help you connect with your audience and make the most of this winter.

Social:

With our updated social plan, you can easily stay on top of your property’s winter marketing. Follow along with the posts being scheduled by the marketing team, and check out the highlighted ideas we want you to post! You can plan ahead and schedule all your winter content in just one day. The marketing team is here to assist in creating personalized graphics with reviews and FAQs specific to your property, ensuring your social media platforms are ready to shine this winter.

Flyers & Events:

We’ve added winter-themed printable/shareable flyer templates with matching social graphics! To get any of the designs personalized with your site’s information, event times, and dates, please submit a Marketing Request or send us an email at marketingrequests@royalamerican.com.

Happy Marketing!

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New Social Media Handles for Royal American Companies

 

We are thrilled to announce that our social media presence is getting a fresh update! We’ve officially changed our handles to Royal American Companies to better represent the entire Royal American family of companies. This change allows us to share more diverse content, insights, and updates from across all our businesses in one place.

If you haven’t yet followed us on social media, now is the perfect time! Join our growing community and be the first to know about everything happening across Royal American Companies. We can’t wait to connect with you!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Fall Content Live

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As the leaves begin to change, it’s time to shift gears and embrace the cozy vibes of fall in your marketing efforts. The marketing team has prepared fresh new content to help you make the most of the season.

Social:

With our updated social plan, you can easily stay on top of your property’s fall marketing. Follow along with the posts being scheduled by the marketing team, and check out the highlighted ideas we want you to post! You can plan ahead and schedule all your fall content in just one day. The marketing team is here to assist in creating personalized graphics with reviews and FAQs specific to your property, ensuring your social media platforms are ready to shine this fall.

Flyers & Events:

We’ve added fall-themed printable/shareable flyer templates with matching social graphics! To get any of the designs personalized with your site’s information, event times, and dates, please submit a Marketing Request or send us an email at marketingrequests@royalamerican.com.

Happy Marketing!

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Resident Event Idea: Olympic Watch Party

 

Are you looking for a fun and engaging event to host for your residents? With the Olympics just around the corner, why not bring the excitement and energy of the games right to your community with an Olympic Watch Party? This casual and inclusive event is perfect for bringing residents together, fostering a sense of community, and creating memorable experiences. Plus, our marketing team has already created a vibrant flyer to help you get started!

Why Host an Olympic Watch Party?
1. Easy and Flexible Setup: An Olympic Watch Party can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. You can provide snacks and refreshments or encourage residents to bring their own favorite treats to share.

2. Variety of Events to Watch: With so many different sports and events, there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s gymnastics, swimming, track and field, or soccer, residents can watch and support their favorite athletes and teams.

3. Foster Community Spirit: The Olympics is a global event that celebrates unity and perseverance. Hosting a watch party allows residents to come together, cheer for their favorite athletes, and share in the excitement of the games.

Get Started Today!
With the help of our marketing team’s flyer, you have a ready-made tool to promote your event and ensure its success. If you’re interested in hosting an Olympic Watch Party or have any questions, feel free to reach out to our marketing team for assistance in personalizing this flyer for your specific date and time, or simply fill out this form.

Interested in hosting a different event? Visit our marketing website for more ideas!

Let’s bring the spirit of the Olympics to our communities and create unforgettable memories together!

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