Remembering Bill Pelter

Last month, our community lost one of our most beloved members.

Bill Pelter was a life-long advocate for the civil rights of people with disabilities in the San Francisco Bay Area. He was wise, passionate, and tireless in his advocacy. He was also my friend. In recent years, he frequently spoke about how an aging society meant that many family members are “aging out” of their ability to care for loved ones who rely on their support and whom they have supported their whole lives.

I had the immense privilege of interviewing Bill for this podcast in 2021. It was a great discussion, and I wanted to share it with you again.

Please enjoy the conversation, and please consider Bill’s wise words…

[00:01 - 05:49] Opening Segment

• Bill shares how he became a disability advocate
• The Story of the Two Bills
• Something magical at the Ability Now Bay Area
• Why are we living in a fantastic moment?

[05:50 - 14:54] Advances in Assistive Technology 

• Four significant numbers that matter
• How technology is leveling the playing field for all
• How the senior community is affecting technology development
• The eye-blink control and eye-gaze readers

[14:55 - 29:29] Our Aging Society

• Why the general population has low expectations of people with disabilities
• How an aging society is considered a transformational change in society 
• Why a master plan for accessible housing is needed in the Ability Now Bay area

 [29:30 - 34:01] Closing Segment

• The State’s plan to provide care services
• All Hands on Deck: How You Can Help in Aging Initiatives

Resources Mentioned:

• AARP Report: Home Alone Revisited

Key Quotes:

“If you desire to learn, we will work with you. We’re going to help you; we’re going to be part of your learning process to accomplish what you want to accomplish in your life.” - Bill Pelter

“The biggest issue that people with disabilities face with the general population is low expectations.” - Bill Pelter

Please check out videos of many of the podcast episodes on my YouTube channel: Accessible Housing Matters,

To learn more, share feedback, or share guest ideas, please visit my website, or contact me on Facebook and Twitter.

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Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing and getting conversations going.

I’d love to learn more about what’s on your mind and get your feedback about the show.

Contact me directly at stephen@accessiblehousingmatters.com to share your thoughts or arrange a call.