Our CEO and Co-Founder, Micaela, joined Alie B. Gorrie on the Lakeshore Foundation’s Nothing Without Us podcast to discuss advancing disability-forward housing. Based in Birmingham, AL – the home of our latest community, The Kelsey Avondale – the Foundation shares our vision of creating spaces where everyone belongs.
In the episode, Micaela shares how our co-founder Kelsey’s challenges in finding inclusive housing sparked the creation of The Kelsey. She discusses how our disability-forward housing model can be replicated across communities, and the critical role that both disabled and nondisabled advocates play in shaping design, finance, and policy to advance inclusive housing.
They explore how the Inclusive Design Standards embed disability-forward principles that benefit everyone – explaining how anchoring on the unmet needs of people with disabilities creates better experiences and more opportunities for everyone. Micaela also answers questions about disability-forward community elements, like the Inclusion Concierge program, which supports residents in accessing services and resources, as well as fosters stronger connections within the community.
The discussion also highlights our latest community in development, The Kelsey Avondale, and the journey toward building disability-forward housing in Birmingham. From community engagement and collaboration, to development and advocacy, this conversation spotlights what’s possible when people with and without disabilities lead together to create a more inclusive housing future.
You can listen to the full interview wherever you get your podcasts, and watch the full conversation here.