Returning for its second year, the 2026 Disability-Forward Housing Futures Summit will build on the momentum of last year’s convening. Designed as a single-room experience, the Summit will educate and build power through collective learning and collaboration. Rooted in the core tenets of disability-forward housing, the Summit will focus on affordable, accessible, and inclusive housing. The day is divided into a three-part journey:
- Ground: The day begins with a “grounding” to establish a shared foundation, looking clearly at the current state of housing for disabled people. For new attendees, this provides necessary context; for returning participants, it’s a check-in on how the work has evolved. By defining both the progress made and the barriers that remain, we set the stage for the sessions ahead.
- Deep Dive: Next, we move into the “how” of the work. We will explore real-world examples of disability-forward housing and the partnerships that make them possible. This section connects theory with lived experience to show how disability-forward housing works in practice. We will explore complex issues and strategies for navigating common roadblocks.
- Mobilize: The day will conclude by building power to support collective action for disability-forward housing. We transition from learning to doing, providing attendees with the advocacy tools and collaborative frameworks required to drive systemic change.
We’re proud to share this year’s agenda! Please note that this is not a final list, as additional presenters and sessions are still being added. We are currently finalizing our 2026 schedule, and full session details and presenter announcements will continue to be released in the coming months. To learn more about the summit, click here.
2026 Disability-Forward Housing Futures Summit Agenda
Section 1: Ground
Establishing a shared foundation by examining the current state of housing for disabled people and defining both progress made and remaining barriers.
Making the Right a Reality: Current Landscape of Community Living
Tina Pinedo (Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund), Deborah Thorpe (National Housing Law Project), and Nicole Jorwic (Caring Across Generations)
State Innovation and Opportunity Panel: Integrating Disability Systems Elizabeth Bioteau (Rhode Island Housing) and Susy Hemphill (Department of Housing and Community Development)
Resident Panel: Resident Life at Disability-Forward Developments
The Kelsey residents
What’s Possible: Current Successes
Beth Foraker and Katelyn Reed (University of California, Davis Students Enhancing Education through Diversity Scholars (SEED) Program), Margot Greenlee (Our Stomping Ground), and Steven A. Isaacson (Patuxent Commons)
Lunch Break
Optional Tours of the Ed Roberts Campus
Section 2: Deep Dive
Connecting theory with lived experience through real-world examples, exploring “sticky” issues, and navigating common roadblocks in development and operations.
Eviction Protections: Legal and Resident Services Perspectives
Michelle Uzeta (Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund) and The Kelsey Resident Services Team
The Life Cycle of Accessible Design
Seema Kairam (San Antonio Housing Trust), John Ryan (Mercy Property Management), Susie Criscimagna (Eden Housing), and a disability-forward housing resident
Changing Strategy and Approach: Shifting Perspectives on Integrated Housing
Ismael Guerrero (Mercy Housing) and Micaela Connery (The Kelsey)
Section 3: Mobilize
Transitioning from learning to doing by providing advocacy tools and collaborative frameworks required to build power and drive systemic change.
Money to Mobilize: Funder Perspectives
Jennifer Angarita (Fund for Housing and Opportunity)
To Build Power, We Need to Be at the Table — and Set the Table
Valerie Novack (The Kelsey), Ryan Manriquez (Metropolitan Transportation Commission-Association of Bay Area Governments), and Eric Harris (Disability Rights California)
The Power of Storytelling: Resident Voices Through Art
Dom Kelly (New Disabled South) and Keah Brown (Author)
Closing: The Work Ahead
Building off 2026 momentum to cultivate champions and prepare for future policy wins.
Momentum for 2027: Building on Policy Wins
Allie Cannington (The Kelsey) and Dolores Tejada (California Statewide Organizer)