How Advances in Assistive Technology & Our Aging Society Mean a Paradigm Shift in How We Have to Think About Accessible Housing

NOTE:  I wanted to let you know that about half-way through today’s episode, my guest's pet cockatoo Mimo decided to share his thought’s on the conversation we were having.  So don’t be alarmed by his squeaks and squacks.  

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Welcome to Accessible Housing Matters!

In today’s episode, I welcome Bill Pelter

Bill Pelter is a Consultant to Ability Now Bay Area, and has been with the organization since 1999.  Ability Now Bay Area provides non-residential day programs for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.   Previously, Bill was the Program Director at the Spectrum Center’s Oakland campus, which served K-12 students with autism. He is a founding member of the East Bay Employment Taskforce, the former President and current board member of the Alameda County Developmental Disabilities Planning and Advisory Council, a current board member of several organizations, including Alegria Community Living and the Alameda County Workforce Development Board.  He is a former Commissioner of the City of Oakland Mayors Commission on Persons with Disabilities.   

Listen to find out more about:

[00:01 - 06:05] Opening Segment

I welcome Bill Pelter to the Show Bio Bill shares how he became a disability advocate The Story of the Two Bills Something magical at Ability Now Bay Area

[06:06 - 17:00] Advances in Assistive Technology 

Why we are living in an amazing moment  Four significant numbers that matter How Technology is Levelling the Playing Field for All Bill talks about the digital divide Technology that mitigates every form of disability How the Senior Community is Affecting Technology Development Bill talks about eye-blink control and eye-gaze readers Why the general population has low expectations of people with disabilities

[17:01 - 31:45] Our Aging Society

How an aging society is considered a transformational change in society  “Our issues are senior issues, senior issues are our issues.” Bill talks about The Local Playbook Why a master plan in accessible housing is needed in the Ability Now Bay area Caregiving in the Home The State’s plan on providing care services All Hands on Deck: How You Can Help in Aging Initiatives

 [31:46 - 32:48] Closing Segment

See links below to know more about Bill Pelter Final word

Resources Mentioned:

AARP Report: Home Alone Revisited

Tweetable Quote/s:

“We all just need to treat each other with kindness and let’s have a good world together.” - Bill Pelter

“The biggest issue that people with disabilities face with the general population is low expectations.” - Bill Pelter

“Get involved in the planning for aging.” - Bill Pelter

You can connect with Bill through [email protected] or the following websites www.AbilityNowBayArea.org and https://mpa.aging.ca.gov/ and be a part of the changing future.

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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.