Need help with restrictions for handicapped husband in independent living complex.

I think this may be contrary to the ADA, as well, and that you should politely push back against it. The incident with the other two people in the elevator sounds like a mishap, an accident -- not something that is likely to happen again if he has been moving around easily in the complex before, right? Maybe he could do some practice getting in and out of the various elevators in the complex to make sure he has a game plan about any potential problems and have a routine that he courteously advises fellow passengers about: "Excuse me, would you mind standing beside the buttons?" or something like that. Maybe he should also be in the habit of carrying a charged-up cellphone with him within easy reach when he's out and about, with various phone numbers all programmed just in case. (I've seen folks in power wheelchairs with a cellphone mounted by the controls.) Maybe advising management of the steps you both have taken to reduce the chances of another "elevator incident" might allay their fears? If not, then maybe seeing if a social worker at the complex, a local agency advocating for independent living for those with disabilities, etc., might be of assistance.