Protecting the Housing Rights of People with Disabilities, Part 1 -- HUD’s Role in Enforcing Fair Housing Law around Design and Construction

Welcome to Accessible Housing Matters!

 

In today’s episode, I welcome Lynn Grosso

 

Lynn Grosso is the Director of Enforcement in HUD’s Office of Fair Housing. In this capacity, she oversees the administration of HUD’s national fair housing enforcement and compliance operations.  Lynn is at the forefront of many of the Department’s highest-profile fair housing initiatives, particularly in the area of disability rights and accessible housing.

 

Lynn led the successful negotiation of HUD’s landmark 10-year agreement with the City of Los Angeles to address widespread noncompliance with federal accessibility standards in the City’s development of affordable housing.  The agreement provides for accessibility retrofits across the City’s portfolio of over 800 affordable multifamily housing developments and will incentivize new affordable housing with cutting-edge accessibility features that surpass current federal standards.  Lynn is an expert on the subjects of disability discrimination and reasonable accommodation in housing.  She specializes in issues at the intersection of fair housing and disaster recovery, sparked largely by her deployment to the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina to tackle issues in emergency housing and long-term recovery.

 

Listen to find out more about:

 

[00:01 - 02:45] Opening Segment

I welcome Lynn Grosso to the Show Bio The Office of Enforcement, Office of Fair Housing, HUD

 

[02:46 - 09:02] Protecting the Housing Rights of People with Disabilities 

How the Fair Housing Act Protects People Enlightening the term ‘disability What does the Fair Housing Act cover? Collaborative Relationships and Processes Fair Housing Assistance Program Our jurisdiction spans the entire nation

 

[09:03 - 24:12] HUD’s Role in Enforcing Fair Housing Law around Design & Construction

Top Enforcement Needs that Need Urgent Action The Seven Standards for Disability More Enhanced Responsibilities Accessibility of Adjacent Spaces Some Challenge in Enforcement Investigations and Complaints Enforcement on Designing Construction Accessibility issues between parties in their living environments

 

[24:13 - 25:17] Closing Segment

See links below to know more about Lynn Grosso Final word Join us again next week!

Tweetable Quote/s: 

 

“There are federally recognized congressionally recognized opportunities for HUD to do Fair Housing enforcement with state and local governments.” - Lynn Grosso

 

“The Fair Housing Act as a very basic threshold for accessibility. Federal funding provides much more enhanced accessibility.” - Lynn Grosso

 

You can connect with Lynn through [email protected] or visit their website https://www.hud.gov.

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.