Author: Anna Kizito

In 1974, Mary Ann Hiserman applied to the School of Architecture at The University of California Berkeley. Although there were few female architects at that time, this wasn’t the only thing that made Mary Ann unique. Due to Rheumatoid Arthritis, Mary Ann was an electric wheelchair user.  Adaptations such as lowering workstations were made to allow Mary Ann to more easily draw.  Even fifty years later, there are many barriers that make it difficult for people with disabilities to pursue careers as architects. This article will examine those barriers as well as possible solutions to them.

In this letter, the inclusive housing developers share recommendations for how the HUD 811 Capital Advance program can be more affirmative toward integrated housing models. Specifically, the letter recommends tangible mechanisms by which HUD can strengthen its Capitol Advance program criteria, including adding additional points and other incentives for integrated projects, entitling by-right to integrated projects, and increasing the capacity of newer developers and inclusive housers.

The VITAL Act, Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits Act for Accessible Living, has been introduced in the United States Senate. If enacted, the bill would increase investment in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC) and ensure that developers are building more accessible, affordable housing.