In the Trenches: How DO you Create New Accessible and Inclusive Housing Spaces? A Chat with the CEO of a Washington DC-Area Non-Profit Doing Just That

Are you figuring out how to build a world where people with disabilities are fully included? In this episode, Larysa Kautz, the President & CEO of Melwood, a leading employer, and advocate for people with disabilities headquartered in the DMV discloses how this organization is working to create accessible housing and how it can help individuals with disabilities live independently and achieve gainful employment. Se is hopeful about the challenges ahead, despite vocal opposition from some individuals; Larysa believes that by reaching out to others in the community and sharing her project's details, she can overcome any obstacles. Let's dig into it!

Larysa brings nearly 20 years of experience in law, business, advocacy, and nonprofit management to the role, driving practical policy change to expand the field of employment for people with disabilities and create a more inclusive workplace for the future. Kautz has been instrumental in advocating for the abolition of Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows employers to pay workers with disabilities below minimum wage.

Key Highlights:

[00:01 - 06:13] Opening Segment

• Larysa shares what Melwood is and what they do

It offers training and support services to help individuals with disabilities find employment and independence

• How Melwood serves people of all types of disabilities, including those with intellectual developmental disabilities

[06:14 - 12:08] Affordable Housing for Disabilities

• What Melwood is doing to develop affordable housing for people with disabilities in Virginia

• Larysa's outlook on Main Street Rockville

[12:09 - 17:50] Low-Rise Residential Zoning for Melwood

• How Meldwood addresses the need for childcare, affordable housing, and art spaces

A general land use plan amendment is needed to study the potential uses of the property A low-rise residential zone could be designated, followed by zoning for a higher building height and other accommodations An application for low-income housing tax credits would need to be submitted to the state

 

[17:51 - 23:41] Creating a Fully Integrated and Inclusive Space

• The plans for a new building that will be specifically designed to be accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities

• The importance of community engagement

[23:42 - 29:15] Closing Segment

• Larysa's experience starting and running a community-owned accessible housing project

Want to connect with Larysa? Head to Melwood, dynamic nonprofit providing jobs and opportunities for people with disabilities!

Key Quotes:

"We're deeply embedded in the community and we're staying. We're gonna continue to do all of the good work that we do now, except it'll be even better, and it'll add more to the community." - Larysa Kautz

"The more inclusive environments we can have, the more we'll be breaking down barriers by having people interact with others with disabilities." - Larysa Kautz

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Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing, and getting conversations going.

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