Shaping the Future of Accessible Housing

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Accessibility in design goes beyond physical spaces; it enhances quality of life by allowing individuals to participate fully in their communities. As we look to the future of housing development, it’s vital to integrate accessibility at every stage, ensuring that homes are inclusive, safe, and responsive to the needs of all residents.

Join CHAPA on Thursday, December 5, at MassHousing for our Shaping the Future of Accessible Housing forum. The event will feature insights from those with lived experience, sharing how housing accessibility impacts their daily lives. A panel of architects and developers with experience incorporating accessibility into their projects will share best practices. Additionally, a representative from the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) will provide insight into the variance process.

Panelists:

• MODERATOR: Kristen McCosh, Disability Commissioner & ADA Title II Coordinator, City of Boston, Disabilities Commission
• Franklin Pineda-Lopez, Disability Peer Advocate, Boston Center for Independent Living 
• Susan Gillam, Home Modification Loan Manager, CEDAC
• William Joyce, Executive Director, Mass Architectural Access Board
• Laura Baker, Real Estate Development Director, Valley CDC
• Zoe Weinrobe, Chief of Real Estate, 2LifeCommunities

Please note in the event registration form or email Jordan Stocker (jstocker@chapa.org) if you need any accommodations for the event. The forum will begin promptly at 10 AM, so please arrive around 9:30 AM to check in and enjoy light refreshments.

Kristen McCosh is the Disability Commissioner and ADA Title II Coordinator for the City of Boston. In this role, she leads the City’s collective efforts to ensure access, inclusion, and non-discrimination on the basis of disability, so that all disabled residents and visitors have an equal opportunity to participate fully in everything that Boston has to offer. A life-long resident of Boston, Kristen has been a part of the disability community for over 30 years after becoming disabled from an injury during high school. She began to advocate for disability rights during college, just as the Americans with Disabilities Act was being signed into law, and she has seen first-hand the improvements in accessibility and inclusion throughout society over the past 30 years.

Franklin Pineda-Lopez is a dedicated disability peer advocate at the Boston Center for Independent Living. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Paralegal Certificate. Franklin has lived with a disability for 32 years as a result of an accident caused by a drunk driver. A lifelong resident of Massachusetts, Franklin currently resides in Haverhill. His personal experiences with discrimination due to his disability have fueled his passion for advocacy. Franklin is committed to being a strong voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, and his work reflects his deep dedication to empowering others and driving meaningful change.

Susan Gillam is the Project Manager for the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP).  In her role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the program. Additionally, Susan is responsible for all statewide efforts to increase awareness of the program. Susan began working on HMLP in the Fall 2007. Prior to her work with HMLP, Susan was an AmeriCorps volunteer with the Central Vermont Community Land Trust. Susan also brings with her, experience working within the government sector, having worked for a member of congress and other state agency departments. Susan holds a Master’s in Public Policy & Management with a Certificate in Community Development from the University of Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service and a Bachelor’s from Clark University.

William Joyce is a committed public servant and the Executive Director of the Architectural Access Board. He has served in that role since 2020, prior to which he was the Board's Compliance Officer. He is dedicated to advancing the Board's mission of ensuring that buildings and facilities in the Commonwealth are accessible to and safe for use by persons with disabilities.

Laura Baker has worked in the field of community development for the past 35 years and holds an MA in Community Economic Development. She has a passion for affordable housing and has worked to create new, affordable housing opportunities for the past 20 years at Hilltown Community Development Corporation, as a private consultant, and in her current role at Valley Community Development. She has experience in architectural barriers removal for accessibility in public buildings and private homes through the CDBG Program.

Zoe Weinrobe has devoted herself to the field of affordable housing finance and development for over two decades. Since joining 2Life Communities in 2016, she has overseen completed development projects totaling more than $350 million, projects in development totaling over $500 million, and a number of potential prospects to realize their long-term growth strategy. Her previous career experience includes roles at Recap Real Estate Advisors, Urban Edge CDC, the Cambridge Housing Authority, and the City of Cambridge.