We Are Up的动态

The US housing crisis disproportionately impacts over 70 million people living with disabilities, who face barriers including cost, discrimination, and accessible design. The Kelsey is pioneering disability-forward housing that is affordable, accessible, and inclusive and makes communities more vibrant for all residents. Learn more about this critical issue and The Kelsey's solutions on PBS with reporting by Judy Woodruff and Layla K Quran. https://lnkd.in/ehDWMfAr

New York City must be a place where everyone, regardless of ability, has access to safe and affordable housing. In my latest op-ed for amny, Council Member Carlinal Rivera, Tamara Morgan of Adaptive Design Association Inc. and I outline a critical step to address the housing crisis for New Yorkers with disabilities: expanding access to the Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) program. We are introducing City Council legislation today to do just that. Read more about our efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable city: https://lnkd.in/gDDe9JGv housing-crisis-new-yorkers-disabilities/ Let's work together to ensure that no one is left behind.

Title: Addressing the Accessible Housing Gap: Chicago's Initiatives and Ongoing Challenges As an industry expert in Special Needs Housing, I've been closely following the challenges faced by people with disabilities in finding affordable and accessible housing. A recent article by Microassist Digital Accessibility Services highlights the critical issue of the scarcity of accessible options within the already limited affordable housing market. The article sheds light on the lawsuit filed by Access Living against the city of Chicago, alleging inadequate inspection of new affordable units for compliance with disability laws. This case underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement and oversight to ensure that affordable housing developments meet the needs of people with disabilities. While Chicago has recently announced initiatives such as the Housing and Economic Development Bond program and the "Cut the Tape" recommendations to streamline city approval processes, more targeted efforts are required to bridge the accessible housing gap. These initiatives, while promising, must be accompanied by a strong commitment to accessibility standards and inclusive design principles. As industry professionals, we have a responsibility to advocate for and contribute to the creation of more accessible and affordable housing options. By engaging in conversations, sharing best practices, and collaborating with stakeholders, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has access to safe and suitable housing. I encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences, and innovative solutions in the comments below. Together, let's work towards a future where accessible and affordable housing is not just a goal, but a reality for all. #SpecialNeedsHousing #AccessibleHousing #AffordableHousing #InclusiveDesign #HousingForAll Call to Action: Join me in advocating for accessible and affordable housing by sharing this post and engaging in discussions with your network. Let's raise awareness and drive change in the Special Needs Housing industry.

Covington's sidewalks pose challenges for residents with disabilities, with issues ranging from accessibility to safety. The city is investing in projects to enhance accessibility, including ADA ramps and sidewalk improvements. However, housing and transportation remain significant hurdles, with a lack of sidewalk connectivity in rural areas and limited accessibility on public transport. The city is open to feedback and suggestions for improvement.? https://lnkd.in/g7RnxHv7

I need to talk about something that's been really weighing on my heart: the lack of affordable housing for intellectually disabled individuals in California. This issue is incredibly personal and frustrating, and I feel compelled to share it with you all. Imagine being told you have to wait 2-3 years for a place to call home. That's the reality for many people with intellectual disabilities. These individuals are trying to live independently and with dignity, but the system is failing them. Most of my clients are living on $800 to $1200 a month. With California's insane rent prices, there's no way they can afford a decent place to live without help. So, what happens? They end up in room and board facilities, paying $700-$900 of their checks. These places aren't always safe or supportive. Instead, they often take advantage of these vulnerable individuals. This isn't just about money—it's about basic human decency. When we talk about housing, we're talking about safety, stability, and a sense of belonging. For people with intellectual disabilities, these things are essential. They need environments where they're respected and supported, not where they're just another rent check. The state and federal governments need to step up. We need more affordable housing options and better oversight of these room and board facilities. It’s not enough to just give these folks a roof over their heads; we need to ensure they're living in environments where they can thrive. It's beyond frustrating to see how slow progress is. We can't keep ignoring this issue while real people suffer. California has the resources to fix this. We need to channel our compassion and sense of justice into real, actionable change. Let's be the voice for those who can't always speak up for themselves. Let's demand better for our intellectually disabled community members. Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. It’s time we make this a reality. Thanks for listening, and please share this message. Together, we can push for the changes that are so desperately needed. #affordablehousing

Thanks to Gary Gladstone Ann Bilodeau Andrew Fagan and Brad Saunders for their leadership in the sector and for their assistance and knowledge sharing in writing my latest column around the challenges of affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities. Take a read!

For individuals with disabilities, the existing housing crisis is compounded by the difficulty of finding accessible homes. To address these challenges, The Kelsey is creating inclusive housing communities. Micaela Connery, CEO of The Kelsey, shares that the uniqueness of these communities lies in its focus on fostering community through resident outings and monthly meetings led by on-site inclusion concierges. Residents also have accessible kitchens and bathrooms, as well as sensory gardens to meet their individual needs. Plants in the sensory garden are selected to stimulate and appeal to the five senses, and, in some cases, help residents with cognitive, mental, or visual disabilities navigate the space. https://lnkd.in/gDD6mA-4

It was great to meet with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow last week. I enjoyed continuing our discussions about advancing accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. 27% of the Canadian adult population is living with a disability, this number is only set to grow as baby boomers age and acquire new challenges and disabling conditions. With extensive growth and development in a big city like Toronto, buildings need to be built to work for people. Whether it’s in the housing, commercial, public or social sectors, we should ensure that we are not building barriers. I look forward to continuing to encourage municipalities across the country and the federal government to collaborate and agree to an updated and common standard on accessibility that goes beyond the minimum requirements and incorporates a broad perspective of disabilities. This will help empower the private sector to aim for consistency and meaningful accessibility in newly built buildings. This isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s an economical imperative to invest in building correctly from the start. #Toronto #YYZ #everyoneeverywhere #accessibility

The conversation about the national housing shortage often excludes the need for affordable AND accessible housing, both in new building design and retrofitting existing housing to ensure everyone has access to affordable places to live, accessible to public transportation and employment. Visit the PBS News Hour "Disability Reframed" for more insights into the challenges currently faced by people with disabilities including housing, climate, subminimum wages, home and community based care, and more. https://lnkd.in/egYMJFDM #disabilitymatters https://lnkd.in/gDD6mA-4

The good people at Community Vision, Inc. have published an important paper on the unmet housing needs facing people with disabilities. Program Director #AllenHines does a fantastic job explaining the complex affordable housing system that has left too many people without options. Have a look, and please consider joining the campaign for better housing access. #disabilityaccess #housingmatters #housingjustice #disabilityjustice