1. L. Dara Baldwin, MPA Senior Public Policy Analyst May 10, 2017
NDRN – Federal Housing and Homelessness Policy Update – WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness
L. Dara Baldwin, MPA
Senior Public Policy Analyst
May 10, 2017

2. Federal Housing Policy Update
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) -
The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, the Network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States
Civil Rights lawyers for people with disabilities (PWD) & enforcement agency in the sates
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

3. Federal Housing Policy Update
Federally funded program – Labor/HHS – DHHS - Administration on Community Living (ACL)
57 P&A’s – 1 in every state = 50; 1 in every territory = 6; and 1 specifically for the Native American community
Eight programs – to assist with civil and human rights of PWD – PADDS; CAP; PAIMI; PAIR; PAAT; PABBS; PATBI & PAVAhttp://
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

4. Federal Housing Policy Update
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) –This is a wide-ranging civil rights law that is intended to protect against discrimination based on disability; amended in (ADAA)
There are Five Titles to the ADA – there are no specific statutes on Transportation or Housing as there were laws implemented prior to ADA that covered discrimination (Fair Housing Act)
Civil Rights Act of 1964 – did not include disability in the list of protected classes – like age, pregnancy - disability was added later
Premise of the ADA – Community Integration – the inclusion of PWD in every aspect of life
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

5. Federal Housing Policy Update
Disability Rights – History – fascinating (see resources slide for readings etc.)
Two “avenues” to this work
1. Paternalistic – we have to take care of PWD
2. Civil and Human Rights - PWD can and should live in the community provided with supports and give opportunities to decent employment, housing and all aspects of life
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

6. Federal Housing Policy Update
History:
Architectural Barrier Act of 1968 – this created ramps, curb cuts & accessibility. PWD could get into the restaurant but could still be denied service
Rehabilitation Act of 1974 – Section 504 – any entity receiving federal funding can not discriminate against PWD
Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 – guaranteed PWD would receive consistent and nondiscriminatory when traveling by air
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

7. Federal Housing Policy Update
ADA Title II and Title III in addition to the civil rights act
Title II: This title prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by “public entities,” which  are programs, services and activities operated by state and local governments. The public entity must make sure its  programs, services and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Title III: This title prohibits private places of public accommodation from discriminating against individuals with disabilities.
ADA National Network:
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

8. Federal Housing Policy Update
NDRN & P&A network use intersectionality in their work
People with disabilities are ALL parts of life and so we use this in our work
P&A serve all as long as they have a disability – not CJ lawyers but Civil Rights
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

9. Federal Housing Policy Update
The FAIR HOUSING ACT
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act) prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
Title VIII was amended in 1988 (effective March 12, 1989) by the Fair Housing Amendments Act, which: expanded the coverage of the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on disability or on familial status (presence of child under age of 18, and pregnant women)
HUD - website
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

10. Federal Housing Policy Update
FHA Cont’d
established new administrative enforcement mechanisms with HUD attorneys bringing actions before administrative law judges on behalf of victims of housing discrimination; and  
revised and expanded Justice Department jurisdiction to bring suit on behalf of victims in Federal district courts.
In connection with prohibitions on discrimination against individuals with disabilities, the Act contains design and construction accessibility provisions for certain new multifamily dwellings developed for first occupancy on or after March 13
HUD - website
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

11. Federal Housing Policy Update
ADA
Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in all services, programs, and activities made available by State and local governments. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has coordination authority for the ADA in accordance with Executive Order
HUD is the designated agency for all programs, services and regulatory activities relating to State and local public housing, and housing assistance and referrals. In addition, HUD has jurisdiction over a State or local government activity when HUD has jurisdiction under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
HUD - website
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

12. Federal Housing Policy Update
ABA
The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) requires buildings and facilities that are constructed by or on behalf of, or leased by the United States, or buildings financed, in whole or in part, by a grant or loan made by the United States to be accessible to persons with mobility impairments. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Board (ATBCB) has coordination authority for the ABA.
HUD – website
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

13. Federal Housing Policy Update
Working with 45th Administration & 115th Congress
Marathon – things take time & things change
Goals – Protect what we have
45th Administration & 115 Congress
Focus on Regulations (CRA process) Business importance
Civil Rights/Housing Rights – are important to us
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

14. Federal Housing Policy Update
Message Legislation – why do this
American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA) H.R.1628 – Summary of bill: onto - now onto Senate
Immigrant community – protection and rights
Visitability Bill – universal design for housing
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

15. Federal Housing Policy Update
Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017 – H.R passed now in Senate S would make it difficult if not impossible for new rules to take effect
This bill would make it difficult if not impossible for new rules to take effect
The bill would give those who oppose new rules tools to block them at agencies and in the courts
The ability of the federal government to enact and enforce regulations is integral to the civil rights protections and services and supports that enable people with disabilities to live independently and learn and work in the community. (Would effect all)
This bill, if enacted, would cripple the government's ability to enact future regulations and potentially put existing regulations we have fought so hard to get enacted at risk for repeal through judicial review (by changing the standard of review).
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

16. Federal Housing Policy Update
Resources:
ADA training: ADA Network: ADA Basics Building Blocks – series:
No Pity by Joe Shapiro (Book on the history of the disability rights movement)
“Lives Worth Living” Movie about the disability rights movement - worth-living/
NDRN –Our history: history.html
Words matter – People First Language
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017

17. Federal Housing Policy Update
Contact information:
L. Dara Baldwin, MPA
Senior Public Policy Analyst
National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
Phone: ext. 102
Website:
Facebook: NDRNAdvocates
NDRN - WA 2017 Conference on Ending Homelessness - Federal Policy - LDB May 2017