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Category: Advocacy

Celebrating 26 Years of Olmstead: Where We Are and What We Can Do

This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling in Olmstead v. L.C. (Lois Curtis). Known as the “Olmstead decision,” the ruling reaffirmed the right of people with disabilities to live wherever they choose. This right, however, is far from being fully realized. Without plentiful, affordable, accessible housing, and home and community based services, many people with disabilities aren’t able to live independently in the community.

Taking Disability-Forward Housing to Capitol Hill

This week, we brought our disability-forward housing mission to Capitol Hill, meeting with key Senate and House offices to advocate for inclusive housing policies. Keep reading to learn how you can join us in defending critical programs that protect people with and without disabilities.

37 U.S. Senators Support Key Federal Programs for People with Disabilities & Older Adults

Thirty-seven U.S. senators are calling on Congress to fully fund and expand key housing programs for older adults and people with disabilities. Their powerful letter supports critical housing investments for people with disabilities and older adults. Learn more about Senator Reed’s (RI) Dear Colleague letter and how you can support these critical programs today.

The Kelsey featured in New York Amsterdam News

Disability-forward housing was featured in New York Amsterdam News! Read how our communities in San Jose and San Francisco are setting a new standard for housing and why this work matters now more than ever.

The Kelsey on the Housing After Dark podcast

In a recent episode of the Housing After Dark podcast, our Housing Manager, Louisa, joins host Alex Schafran to talk about our mission to make disability-forward housing the norm. Their conversation explores how we advocate for systemic change in the housing industry, while co-developing affordable, accessible, and inclusive communities.

Advocacy Update: Highlights from Our Week in Washington, D.C.

Last week, our team traveled to Washington, D.C., and witnessed firsthand the incredible power of collective impact. We connected with a wide range of advocates, organizers, and policymakers — each working toward a shared goal of creating a more equitable, inclusive housing future.

The Disability & Housing Narrative Change Cohort 2024: In Conversation with Keah Brown

The Disability and Housing Narrative Change Cohort is a year-long virtual program bringing together disabled leaders from across the country to share and amplify their unique housing experiences.Facilitated by staff with lived experience, the cohort works to shift what we call dominant narratives challenging ableist policies and practices that drive exclusion. Cohort members write their personal stories, engage with narrative change experts, receive peer support, and gain training on using storytelling as a tool to advocate for disability-forward housing policy and engage with the media. We’re excited to bring you along for a conversation with one of the most groundbreaking storytellers of our time: Keah Brown.

How Graduate Programs of Architecture Can Be More Accessible to Students with Disabilities

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.