Idaho AHMA Presents LEP Training November 14th

Idaho Ahma logo.png Limited English Proficiency Webinar presented by Gwen Volk

SAVE THE DATE!
November 14, 2019
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Focus: HUD recently reminded us that failure to provide meaningful access to persons with Limited English Proficiency could be violation of the Fair Housing Act. Why? Because national origin is a protected class. HUD and RD properties are required to periodically look at the LEP profile of their residents and market area and update their plan to provide meaningful access. But even a tax credit or market rate property could be in trouble if LEP persons face barriers to applying. Come to this session and learn what to do about LEP.

Format: 90-minutes

Cost: $45 / IAHMA Members- $60 / Non-members

Register online: https://lep.eventzilla.net

You may register directly with IAHMA and save ticketing fees. Send registration list including names, business name, email address and phone number. it is especially important to have the email address of each registrant as that is used to provide the access code to the webinar.

Sponsored by Idaho Affordable Housing Management Association

About the Instructor: Since 1983, Gwen Volk has assisted developers, owners, agents, and on-site staff in navigating the complexities and challenges of the many programs that provide housing opportunities for low and moderate-income families.

Gwen served as vice president, president and chief executive officer of a Midwest affordable housing development and management company from 1983-1996 and as chief compliance officer for a Dallas-based firm with a national portfolio from 2001 – 2014. For the past twenty years, throughout her other pursuits, Gwen has provided training and consulting services in 36 states through GWEN VOLK INFOCUS, INC. She has extensive knowledge and experience in Section 42 low income housing tax credit, tax-exempt bond, HOME, Section 8, 236, 202 PAC, 202/811 PRAC and Rural Development program compliance.

Gwen is highly skilled and effective at teaching and coaching staff at every level, helping owners to navigate the complexities of the programs, advising agents on compliance and problem-solving, and working with the agencies that administer and monitor the programs. Her experience, knowledge, passion and commitment to the affordable housing industry makes her uniquely qualified to serve the training and consulting needs of the organizations, agencies, companies and individuals who make affordable housing a reality.

https://www.idahoahma.org/webinars

Poor Planning Creates Barriers

Beyond a focus on Fair Housing law, we all need to be aware of barriers to community mobility as well. During a 2019 access audit of a new subdivision in Boise’s Harris Ranch, planning and design barriers were evident throughout the ‘walk and roll’ event. From the absence of Greenbelt access indicators to steep connecting ramps, missing or misaligned curb cuts, and even surface materials, we encountered multiple opportunities for improved mobility and access.

Take the bridge decking in the photo at left. The openings are the perfect size to trap small front wheels on a manual chair or swallow the tip of a cane. It’s also a surface service dogs might perceive as unsafe. This is a perfect example of the need to include a range of voices in the planning process. Problems can be addressed before injury occurs.

Until you’ve tried to navigate your community without full vision, hearing or mobility, access is often an afterthought. And remember, construction can create life-threatening barriers and hazards, as in this 2018 story about ongoing problems with road construction in and around Boise.

Where the Sidewalk Ends: Boise construction zone tricky for people with disabilities

Highway signs in the path of travel can trip a pedestrian or force them into the roadway. This is not a mere incovenience; it can create a life-threatening situation. We all need to increase our access awareness and take an active role in creating barrier-free communities.

Navigating a maze of randomly placed construction barriers.

ACHD contractors place barricades and signs at random, creating seious hazards for pedestrians and cyclists.

Community Mobility: You can make a difference

A public service announcement on behalf of your neighbors with different abilities.

Morgan Romero was a reporter with Idaho’s KTVB News Group before relocating to the Portland market. Big thanks to folks like Morgan who help shed light on community access issues and solutions. Whether it’s garbage bins, construction signage, rental bikes or e-scooters, maintaining a clear path for pedestrians of all abilities is serious business and a shared responsibility. Whether or not we’re directly impacted, we can all be allies. When moving through your neighborhood, workplace or community, imagine doing so from a wheelchair, without hearing or vision, or with some other navigational challenge.

‘This impacts people’s independence’: Tigard dad raising awareness about dangers of blocking sidewalks

https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/dad-wants-roads-kept-clear/283-bc6d9b8c-09a8-4fef-bb1e-91efe4863e99

Lawsuit Alleges Disparate Impact in Hurricane Relief

Two Years After Hurricane Harvey, One Group Says It Has Been Overlooked: Renters

Renters affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas are criticizing the recovery effort, saying that state and federal officials cut them out of $5 billion in aid and focused instead on homeowners.

“The suit accuses officials with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and the state General Land Office of ignoring the needs of renters in the Harvey recovery, and of steering the $5 billion in recovery programs to homeowners, developers and landlords.”

Click here to view full story