Housing Support for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – The Regional Center Model

Welcome to Accessible Housing Matters!

In today’s episode, I welcome Steve Robinson

Steve Robinson is the Director of Community Services at the Regional Center of the East Bay.  The Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) is one of 21 Regional Centers that is a community-based, private non-profit corporation under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. RCEB works in partnership with many individuals and agencies to plan and coordinate services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members, and community leaders in the Alameda and Contra Costa counties. 

Steve has worked in the regional center system since 1998, beginning as a social worker at Golden Gate Regional Center then coming to RCEB in 2004.  At RCEB he has held multiple positions including case manager, case management supervisor, and senior resource specialist/quality management specialist for the Agnews Developmental Center closure   In 2015, he became the Director of the RCEB  Community Placement Plan leading RCEB’s work in the current developmental center closures from acquiring new homes, developing providers, and shepherding the complex transitions so that individuals could safely move to their community homes.   Steve is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned a Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University. He has a B.A. from the University of Delaware in music with a minor in psychology.  Steve lives in the East Bay with his family. 

Listen to find out more about:

[00:01 - 04:06] Opening Segment

I welcome Steve Robinson to the Show Bio The Regional Center of the East Bay What is an intellectual/developmental disability?

[04:07 - 26:13] The Regional Center Model

The Role of the Regional Center in Housing Who are its stakeholders? What are the options available? Independent Living Skills and Independent Living Services There is always an opportunity. How the Regional Center Funds their Projects  The Community Resource Development Plan Steve shares about their partnerships with developers A multi-Unit model in place Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) A Unique Long-Term Investment for People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities We’re in the Bay-Area: A Challenge on Affordability Why There Has to be New Development It’s on us to communicate for the people we serve. Addressing end-of-life planning in a subtle manner  An Affordable Housing Success Story

[26:14 - 27:16] Closing Segment

See links below to know more about Steve Robinson Final word

Tweetable Quote/s:

“People do want to live independently.” - Steve Robinson

“Finding affordable housing is the main obstacle.” - Steve Robinson

“It’s important to advocate for housing so that people with developmental and intellectual disabilities get counted.” - Steve Robinson

You can connect with Steve through [email protected] or LinkedIn.  Visit the following links: Regional Center of the East Bay, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, California Department of Developmental Services. 

To learn more, share feedback, or share guest ideas, please visit our website, or contact us on Facebook and Twitter. 

Like what you've heard?  Please review us! That helps let other people know about the podcast.

Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing, and getting conversations going. I'd love to learn more about what's on your mind, and get your feedback about the show. Contact me directly at [email protected] to share your thoughts or arrange a call.