Homebuilder's Association of Louisville

I crafted the platform "Building Connections to Transform Perceptions" around the notion that its through networking and relationship building that true community change for the disabled is made possible. Since my reign began in November I've served as a catalyst for many conversations about equity issues in the education and employment arena, but the area where I believe the most change is needed is also the area where making connections has been a struggle.

Today I took a huge step toward facilitating education about visitability and easy access living reforms in the housing industry by meeting with Chuck Kavannah, president of the Home Builders Association of Louisville.

The Home Builders Association of Louisville includes more the 2,700 member companies, corporations and individuals involved in the greater housing industry. Its membership encompasses residential and light commercial construction, remodeling and home improvement in the Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Shelby, Trimble, Henry and Spencer county areas.

Kavannah and I discussed the challenges John and I have faced in searching for an existing home or the right builder. It is my hope the meeting is really the beginning of more conversations about how builders could capitalize on a large market of aging residents and disabled adults by adjustng the way they communicate about available plans and training builders and their sales staff about the difference between barrier free living and commercial ADA specification.

Bluegrass Bash Fundraiser Coming Up

Holy Family Catholic School

My Good Friday speech to the students at Holy Family Catholic School in New Albany, Indiana reminded me once again what a wonderful honor it is to serve as Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky. The families of Holy Family (particularly Ronda Stumler) will be instrumental in helping me execute a successful Bluegrass Bash fundraiser, and it was really important to me that I share my story with the students.

Holy Family educates nearly 325 students in Kindergarten to 8th grade. The curriculum is rich and spiritually guided. It was abundantly clear that students, parents, faculty and staff take great pride in their school. I toured several classrooms and presented. The final part of the assembly--the question and answer period is what blew me away. The entire student body was so attentive and polite, and they asked such insightful and engaging questions.

I am incredibly honored that Holy Family found in me, a light that reflected some of the values they instill as part of their curriculum. I may have been the one presenting to the students about accomplishing goals and believing in yourself, but they were the ones who taught me.

Jaime Blanton Day in the City of Louisville

You may have thought March 17, 2008 was St. Patrick's Day. Wrong. It's Jaime Blanton Day, at least officially, according to Louisville Metro Government. I received a proclaimation and a key to the city from Mayor Jerry Abramson at his monthly Mayors Community Conversation event at Butler High School.

John, Jenna, Jackson and my mother-in-law Kaye were on hand to help me celebrate the honor.

For those of you who are wondering neither the day nor the key (actually designed as a lapel pin) carry any specific priveleges, but the bragging rights are great.

Mayor Abramson joked that if I buy a calendar for 2009 and my day is not on it, I should take it back.