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Disability is often overlooked in planning equity conversations or treated solely as an ADA compliance issue.

Join Mithun partner Erin Christensen Ishizaki for the panel presentation “Planning Beyond the Norm: Cross-Sector Approaches to Disability-Centered Engagement and Inclusive Design,” to hear leaders from planning, architecture, education and the public sector share practical strategies for disability-centered engagement and inclusive design. Through case studies including Washington School for the Deaf Divine Academic and Hunter Gymnasium, work with the Northwest Universal Design Council, and City of Redmond’s Inclusive Design initiative, speakers will discuss how planners can build stronger relationships with disability communities, improve public participation practices and move beyond traditional accessibility frameworks. The session will also explore distinctions between disability-centered planning and culturally specific community perspectives, including Deaf community experiences and identity.

Erin’s co-presenters include Studio Pacifica founding partner Karen L. Braitmayer, Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth executive director Shauna Bilyeu and City of Redmond principal planner Beckye Frey.

Date Posted: 10.08.2026