Let’s talk about housing for young adults with disabilities

Denise is the founder and CEO of First Place AZ (2012) and DRA Collective (1986) and co-founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC, 1997). An Arizona native and autism advocate, Denise has led the way making Phoenix “the most autism-friendly city in the world.” (PBS NewsHour). Through SARRC and First Place, a residential and community developer, Denise has led the development of First Place-Phoenix and two multi-generational properties and advanced several housing-related research initiatives including the 2009 Opening Doors: A Discussion of Residential Options for Adults, identifying 10 design goals and guidelines; 2020 A Place in the World: Fueling Housing and Community Options for Adults with Autism and Other Neurodiversities, setting forth a new narrative for housing development; and, starting in 2022, a collection of Housing Market Analyses, involving local leaders and stakeholders across the U.S. Denise graduated cum laude from ASU with a BS in Business Administration. Her work is inspired by her family, including her adult son Matt, who has autism.

Doren Cummings is a dedicated advocate with over 30 years of experience improving the lives of children, teens, adults, and seniors with disabilities. Her career has been defined by a commitment to creating innovative programs in housing, day services, and family supports that empower individuals and foster independence. As the CEO of Planning A Life (planningalife.com), Doreen specializes in helping families navigate the complexities of Turning 22 supports and services, providing them with the tools and resources needed to plan for meaningful, independent futures. Her expertise and compassionate approach have made her a trusted leader during this critical transition period. Appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disabilities, Doreen has been instrumental in influencing policy on affordable housing, peer-based living models, and workforce sustainability for people with disabilities. Her work reflects a passion for equity, inclusion, and long-term solutions that address the needs of individuals and their families. Doreen’s expertise and vision continue to drive impactful change, making her a leader in creating opportunities for those often left on the margins.

Desiree Kameka Galloway, a recognized expert in disability housing, founded Neuro-Inclusive Housing Solutions, LLC to promote neuro-inclusive community development. She previously served as Director of the Autism Housing Network at the Madison House Autism Foundation, dedicating over a decade to researching barriers and uncovering opportunities to expand residential options for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During this time, she led national advocacy efforts on autism in adulthood, influenced policy development at state and national levels, and visited over 120 residential communities and social enterprises across the U.S. She also managed a network of more than 250 organizations. Desiree is the proud co-author and co-editor of the groundbreaking report A Place in the World: Fueling Housing and Community Options for Adults with Autism and Other Neurodiversities. Through her work, she provides data-driven housing solutions to developers nationwide.

During Lesley’s ten years living and providing care at our residential program, High Spirit Community Farm, she helped it grow from one house with a garden to three homes, a whole bunch of animals, an Agency, a Community Building, and a Day Program. Lesley now works with the High Spirit Advisory Program, helping others to create communities like High Spirit.

Visions For Creative Housing Solutions, on campuses in Hanover, Lebanon, and Enfield New Hampshire, provides permanent supported housing, services and supports to meet the needs of adults with developmental disabilities, including individuals who also have significant physical disabilities. Visions is dedicated to fostering growth, independence, long-term friendships and a sense of well-being and self-worth through vocational, social, and recreational opportunities. Ben has served in a variety of operational roles with Visions since 2022. He is the author of the Toolkit for Supportive Housing, supported by a grant from the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. Ben previously served as Legal Director of New Hampshire’s Disability Rights Center and was a commercial and civil rights litigator in New York City. He is the parent of a deaf-blind adult child with mobility and severe cognitive impairments.