We Are Up

RANA is honored to collaborate with We Are Up and K Boodjeh Architects in designing an inclusive, intergenerational community that fosters connection, well-being, and accessibility. We Are Up is a pioneering model that brings together people with intellectual disabilities, seniors, students, and healthcare professionals in a supportive, community-driven environment. By addressing the emotional and financial challenges families face, the project provides affordable housing and shared spaces that promote independence and belonging. Our design enhances this vision through thoughtfully crafted outdoor spaces, including an ADA-accessible amphitheater, sports court, boardwalk and pond, a vibrant community plaza, and a townhouse courtyard. A walking trail winds through open meadows and wetlands, leading to a serene "fairy circle" — all designed to nurture social connections and enrich daily life. We’re proud to contribute to this transformative project! #InclusiveDesign #CommunityLiving #LandscapeArchitecture

The Kelsey was featured on PBS NewsHour last night! We are proud to be setting a new standard for accessible, community-focused housing. Designed specifically for people with disabilities, where residents with and without disabilities can live together, we equip units with wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and smart technologies that support independent living. Beyond just housing, we offer on-site support services that foster a strong sense of community among residents. This holistic approach—combining accessible design with essential services—makes The Kelsey a model for inclusive housing, proving that we can create environments where everyone can live independently and with dignity.

June’s Element of the Month is Natural Lighting. Veronica McGee, whose son Kyle uses a power wheelchair, emphasizes the positive impact that natural lighting can have on people with disabilities by helping eliminate loneliness and connect them to their community and environment. Learn more about this element at https://lnkd.in/eAtH4Kv7. . . . Image Description: Text on image reads “Our son Kyle is a power wheelchair user and uses alternative communication. Kyle’s favorite thing to do is be an active part of his community. Having access to spaces with his wheelchair that are exposed to daylighting and natural lighting brings him a sense of connection to his community and helps eliminate the social isolation and loneliness that can occur when the world cannot see you, and you cannot see it!” The element of Natural Lighting is pictured. Veronica McGee and her son Kyle are also pictured. Veronica is a light-skinned woman with long brown hair. She is wearing a cream-colored jacket, a shirt with flower print, dark pants, and glasses. She is pictured with her son, Kyle. Kyle is a light-skinned man sitting in a wheelchair. He is wearing a dark-colored blazer with light-colored blue jeans. Underneath the blazer, he is wearing a red collared shirt with a pattern on it.

Next Thursday, May 23rd at 1 pm PT, join disability-forward housing advocates, including our Director of Advocacy, Allie Cannington, and our Disability & Housing Narrative Change Cohort members, Felix Jordan, Domonique Howell, and Allen Hines, for a virtual panel on the 25th Anniversary of #Olmstead, the Supreme Court decision that protects disabled people's right to community living, and its impact on #housing. RSVP at www.bit.ly/OlmsteadHousing. . . . Image Description: Text on image reads “Disability Organizers Forum: Olmstead and Housing. Thursday, May 23, 1-2:30 pm PDT/ 4-5:30 PDT. Olmstead is 25 years old this year! But disabled people, especially BIPOC, get stuck in nursing homes as well as prisons and mental health facilities – partly because it is so hard to get housing! Join us for the second in a series of zoom discussions on Olmstead and community organizing today. Allie Cannington, Director of Advocacy, The Kelsey; Felix Jordan, Black queer community organizer; Domonique Howell, Disability and Family Advocate, Liberty Resources; Allen Hines, Housing Access Director, Community Vision; Greg Robinson, Deputy Director of Public Policy, Autistic Self-Advocacy Network. Register at bit.ly/OlmsteadHousing. Call includes ASL & live captioning. Email disabilityandaging@gmail.com for more info.