We identified local organizations connected to the target audiences for the workshop: people living with disabilities, over the age of 55, and those who have experienced homelessness. We engaged these organizations to learn from their expertise and request their assistance recruiting workshop participants, including people with relevant lived experience, advocates and service providers.

To ensure the workshop itself would be as accessible and inclusive as possible, we revisited best practices from The Kelsey, interviewed service providers, and conducted additional desk research on accessible workshop standards. Some of the measures we took included:

• Shared the meeting agenda, topics, and prompts in advance of the meeting
• Allowed the option for one-tap phone call-in as well as online Zoom participation
• Reviewed Zoom controls at the start of the meeting, including closed captions
• Shared accessibility measures being taken and asking for feedback at the start of the meeting
• Verbally described any images shown on the screen and verbally stated names before speaking
• Invited comments verbally or via chat, and read comments shared via chat

The virtual workshop aimed to enhance accessibility and inclusivity beyond ADA standards through building design, amenities, programs, and services. Community members provided feedback on features to improve mobility for future Hawthorn Senior Apartment residents. We learned from the community on how to make workshops more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities, limited mobility, or other barriers.

From trash chutes to wellness programs, we gained an in-depth understanding of needs, preferences and ideas for onsite accessibility measures. For example, we learned how important it is to offer a wide variety of chairs, gardening beds, tables, and other furniture and amenities to ensure there are accessible options for people with different types of disabilities. The participants also provided their expertise on how important it is for their caregivers to be considered when designing apartment buildings for seniors and people with disabilities.

After the workshop we produced a summary report detailing participant feedback and highlighting key themes and recommendations. Most importantly, we worked closely with Paulett Taggart Architects and the Santa Clara County Housing Authority to identify which ideas could be incorporated into the development, as well as which ones were already reflected in existing draft plans. Our priority throughout the project was to make the experience trauma-informed, accessible, and to ensure the contributions would be incorporated in a meaningful way.