--- title: "Spotlight: Design Innovation in Disability Housing by The Kelsey" description: The Kelsey is a revolutionary advocacy organization that helps design and create affordable, accessible, inclusive housing for adults with disabilities. image: https://neuronav.org/hubfs/18.png --- [Skip to content](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/design-innovation-disability-housing-the-kelsey#main-content) [![nn\_logo\_wide\_white](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_white.png?width=2641&height=640&name=nn_logo_wide_white.png "nn_logo_wide_white")](https://www.neuronav.org/) - [For Individuals](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - Knowledge - [Self-Determination Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - About Us - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) - [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), - [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living), - [Representation](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/representation) # Spotlight: Design Innovation in Disability Housing by The Kelsey ![A man stands behind a white picket fence and smiles](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/18.png) Accessible, comfortable, affordable housing for adults with disabilities is something that people have fought for for many years. [The Kelsey](https://thekelsey.org/) is an organization that works with housing development companies to create multi-income, multi-ability communities. Join us as we learn more about their history, mission, and notable projects! ## Where it All Began: Kelsey’s Story Kelsey Flynn O’Connor was a disabled woman who advocated relentlessly for accessibility and community. She communicated by using modified American Sign Language (ASL) and loved to make people laugh.  Kelsey inspired countless people with her passion for life. It’s often said that her favorite sign was “more” — **more** of the good things in life, **more** possibilities, and **more** opportunities.  [**The Kelsey**](https://thekelsey.org/) is an organization that she co-founded before she passed away in 2018. They carry on her legacy through advocacy and collaboration with housing developers to create more accessible, affordable disability housing. ## Introducing The Kelsey: Unprecedented Advocacy The Kelsey serves as a co-developer for housing projects designed to meet the needs of various incomes and ability levels. The communities they help create offer middle and low-income housing. They’re also a safe and inclusive option for those who need disability housing assistance. People with disabilities often have limited options when it comes to housing. Accessible, comfortable, affordable housing isn’t commonplace. The Kelsey hopes to change that. By supporting the development of housing that prioritizes the needs of diverse communities, The Kelsey helps set an example for what a more inclusive world could look like.  ### Inclusive Design Standards The Kelsey has established inclusive design standards that make their communities ideal for those with and without disabilities. Individuals with various ability levels can move and exist comfortably in these spaces thanks to thoughtful planning and organization.  Their design standards don’t focus on specific diagnoses. Instead, they consider the physical and cognitive impact that a person’s condition might have.  Designing communal and private living areas with things like visibility, acoustics, and degrees of mobility in mind, The Kelsey is setting a new, higher bar for what inclusive spaces should be. ## Redefining Housing for Adults with Disabilities The Kelsey’s collaborative efforts with developers have resulted in great strides for adult disability housing, with even more projects in the works. Below are some of the notable projects that The Kelsey has helped bring to life. ### [Ayer Station](https://thekelsey.org/projects/ayer-station/) ![An image of an apartment designed for adults with disabilities](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdqEb9s0jZnrCmS5Un_PQM1wlAlCgq-qv7rNAAKxQTv1dxbC5umvfjoE-3xir7xMgd7vwSc1fKOaJ4xPTV2YACenzLLHawlDKb1VyTKDy2D0FJ7C7mW09w3_OKSEoQCYFFszUaM?key=AY_jF2T2mIGyyowMGOObKG5L) ***Image Credit:***[*The Kelsey*](https://thekelsey.org/projects/ayer-station/) Located in San Jose, California, this community has 115 units to suit various incomes and needs.  ![A woman in a wheelchair sits in a gym at a housing community for adults with disabilities](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeUESRgrRub65AMmkkG80M4nlPz9iV5U0Tys_YImyOOqXTEck7BXbYFa1SPLR8L-AUNvDVwAjKImTNIUlkv9nT94E1L7oJrIrizwgegcyfWihseqMBweksvjvFmu6MTDdiLylHsCg?key=AY_jF2T2mIGyyowMGOObKG5L) ***Image Credit:***[*The Kelsey*](https://thekelsey.org/projects/ayer-station/) With amenities, outdoor spaces, and an Inclusion Concierge, the housing development serves as an example of what can be achieved through thoughtful, welcoming design. ### [Civic Center](https://thekelsey.org/projects/civic-center/) ![A picture of a courtyard in a housing community full of people sitting at tables and walking around](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfv6q86j-HAc7cYXxhGFdvkBQ1FCGi5TC7Mi0ahV8dBd3qFQgnKoMSlIdL5rSGT3xtT7pCFdxAOPdQWzhgA-yR33FCsBN9PmsMdghkgcsHTRchgAamAvN0lFdMeMLDlrv081NSi?key=AY_jF2T2mIGyyowMGOObKG5L) ***Image Credit:***[*The Kelsey*](https://thekelsey.org/projects/civic-center/) Opening in 2025, this 112-home complex will stand just across from City Hall in San Francisco. The building provides the services of Inclusivity Concierge staff and prioritizes sustainability in its construction and operation. ### [Avondale](https://thekelsey.org/projects/birmingham/) The Kelsey is partnering with community organizations in Birmingham, Alabama, to create Avondale’s first disability-forward housing project. Set to open in 2027, it will embody The Kelsey’s core accessibility values.  ## How to Get Involved If you want to learn more about the important work being done by The Kelsey, or find ways to get involved, they have [resources](https://thekelsey.org/build/) for those who want to help them in their mission to make inclusive housing the norm. There is still a long way to go in making our communities and homes more diverse and inclusive. Creating spaces where non-disabled people and those with physical or cognitive disabilities can exist together fosters better understanding, compassion, and cohesive communities.  The Kelsey’s work in this space is a promising look at what the future holds for accessibility and inclusion. ## Learn More About Disability News, Resources & Support If you want to learn more about housing for adults with disabilities and how you can take advantage of services in your community, NeuroNav provides [independent facilitation services for the Self-Determination Program](https://neuronav.org/services).  Eligible residents living in California can access support networks and resources to help them make important decisions about their goals, livelihood, and living conditions. [Schedule a free consultation](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) to learn more and find out how NeuroNav can help you advocate for your needs. ## Related Articles Dive into more topics and stories that resonate with your interests. Our handpicked articles offer a deeper look into the world of Self-Determination and beyond. 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[Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/self-determination-activities-adults-intellectual-disabilities) [![A hard of hearing adult with a hearing aid smiling at a cell phone](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/51.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-ideas-deaf-plus-community) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living), [Representation](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/representation) ### [4 Things SDP Can Pay For: Ideas for the Deaf Plus Community](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-ideas-deaf-plus-community) May 13, 2025 When it comes to navigating the world with a disability, services and supports are never one-size-fits-all. Hard of... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/sdp-ideas-deaf-plus-community) [![An adult with a disability smiling and taking a selfie outdoors](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/30.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/who-is-the-self-determination-program-best-for) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living) ### [Who is the Self-Determination Program Best For?](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/who-is-the-self-determination-program-best-for) February 6, 2025 Since 2013, California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) has been an option for individuals looking to exercise more... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/who-is-the-self-determination-program-best-for) Check all articles ### Ready to Navigate Life with Us? Embark on your Self-Determination journey with confidence. 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If you have questions or concerns about NeuroNav services funded by your regional center, please visit the Department of Developmental Services website or call (916) 654-1987 for guidance on the process. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "NeuroNav Self-Determination Specialist", "url" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/author/neuronav-self-determination-specialist" }, "dateModified" : "2025-08-15T21:27:28.911Z", "datePublished" : "2024-12-17T14:15:00.000Z", "headline" : "Spotlight: Design Innovation in Disability Housing by The Kelsey", "image" : [ "https://neuronav.org/hubfs/18.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/design-innovation-disability-housing-the-kelsey", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Neurodiversity PBC" } } ```