Show notes
Today, I want to share an encore recording of one of my most popular interviews last August with April Marie Dawson. April has been the Executive Director of Resources for Independent Living (RIL) in Sacramento since August 2018. April’s first exposure to the independent living movement came when she was a Youth Leadership Forum delegate. April started her professional ILC career as an Independent Living Advocate for Disability Services and Legal Center, eventually becoming their Advocacy Director. During this time April was an active peer mentor with the YO! Disabled and Proud program and YLF. Prior to assuming her role with RIL, April served as Executive Director of two disability-focused organizations in California and Oregon. April is a native of Windsor, California. She is a graduate of Sonoma State University with a degree in Liberal Studies. When not working, April enjoys taking day trips with her husband Paul and her dog, Sammie. Listen to find out more about: [00:01 - 04:20] Opening Segment I welcome April Marie Dawson to the Show April introduces independent living centers Serving people of all ages and all types of disabilities [04:21 - 13:35] How Independent Living Centers Help People find Accessible and Affordable Housing What is a Housing Search Assistant? Homeless and Institutional Diversions Working with cities and planners to enhance designs for accessible housing Why You Should Be Involved From the Beginning April talks about Accessory Dwelling Units Assisting People for Fair Housing [13:36 - 28:57] A Disconnect between Disability Communities Addressing the Low Supply for Accessible and Affordable Housing April’s biggest frustration in housing Considering Everyone as a Person with Disabilities Redesigning housing using universal standards Political leaders and their actions toward people with disabilities April’s advice on making a difference in independent living, accessible and affordable housing The interesting story on how April got into her current career [28:58 - 30:49] Closing Segment You can connect with April Marie through [email protected] and 916-446-3074 or visit their website https://www.ril-sacramento.org/ and join hands with independent living centers in forwarding their advocacies. 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. Resources Mentioned: Project Sentinel Sacramento Ed Roberts Tweetable Quote/s: “Access, in order for it to work, has to be included at the front-end.” - April Marie Dawson “If you’re not thinking of people with disabilities in your homeless masterplan, then you’re leaving almost the majority of the people that are on the streets at any one given time out of those plans and it’s not going to work.” - April Marie Dawson “People with disabilities are everyone.” - April Marie Dawson