IOD Says Farewell to Jay Klein
After 18 years, Jay Klein is moving on to an exciting new position at Arizona State University (ASU). There, as Director of the Initiative on Inclusive Communities at ASU's Mary Lou Fulton College of Education, he will have the opportunity to use his talents and abilities to advance an agenda for which he is so passionate. The mission of the Initiative on Inclusive Communities is to assist communities to become more inclusive by combining cross-disciplinary ASU assets, education, research, and best practices for people with disabilities so that they experience full economic, political, social, cultural, community, and educational inclusion. Aside from his position as Initiative Director, Jay will also serve as an Associate Research Professor. "Jay's intellect, personal and social skills, ambition, understanding, and drive put him in a category I reserve for only a few," said IOD Director Jan Nisbet at Jay's farewell luncheon. "He is the complete package and as sad as I am to have him move to ASU, I am happy that another university recognizes who and what I have always known and deeply respected." While with the IOD, Jay was most noted for his work as director of the Center for Housing and New Community Economics (CHANCE). Established in March 2001 to improve and increase access to integrated, affordable, and accessible housing coordinated with, but separate from, personal assistance and supportive services, CHANCE incorporated the work of several other housing initiatives, including the Project Access, the Community Living Exchange Collaborative, the Strategies, Barriers, and Outcomes of Home Ownership for People with Severe Disabilities research project, and the National Home of Your Own Alliance Clearinghouse. "The IOD has always been a safe place for me to challenge preconceived notions and stereotypes," says Klein. "I will never forget the unique opportunity and crucial growth experience I have had to be a member of team of dedicated and committed individuals who never questioned every person's right to be included in community. As a result of the IOD team effort, thousands of people and their families have been able to take back their lives and become part of their communities. I will be forever grateful to Jan and all my colleagues at the IOD for providing this haven for me to learn what is possible and to contribute to this movement. Now I feel equipped to truly be part of changing the world." For more information on CHANCE and its initiatives, visit http://chance.unh.edu. |
In July, the IOD said farewell to one of its most dedicated staff members.