The Office of Equity and Human Rights July Lens series “Disability and Fair Housing” will be presented by Kristin Watson, JD, the City’s Human Rights Investigator from noon to 1 p.m., on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

The Lens Webinar Series is a monthly complimentary program offered by the office that expands conversations on equity, inclusion, belonging, and access.

About the program

Fair housing remains a critical issue nationwide, particularly for individuals with disabilities who often face barriers to finding suitable housing that meets their unique needs. Discriminatory practices can include inaccessible buildings, unreasonable rental policies, or lack of reasonable accommodations, all of which can significantly impact the ability of persons with disabilities to secure safe and affordable housing.

This fair housing training will empower tenants with a disability to become more knowledgeable on Iowa City's Fair Housing Ordinance and how to file a fair housing complaint with the City's Office of Equity and Human Rights.

About the presenter

Kristin Watson is the Investigator for the Iowa City Department of Equity and Human Rights. She investigates complaints of discrimination and assists with programming and equity initiatives.

Kristin has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and History from the University of Wisconsin and a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School.

Kristin is a nomad, having lived in six U.S. states and one foreign country (Denmark); studied at University of Queensland School of Law in Brisbane, Australia; and visited 39 US states and 20 countries.

How to register

Register by visiting our event webpage, calling 319-356-5022, or emailing humanrights@iowa-city.org to reserve a spot. The event will be held in Emma J. Harvat Hall at City Hall. Registration is limited to the first 40 sign-ups. A lunch will be provided to attendees. The program will be recorded for future viewing.

Accommodations

If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this event, please call 319-356-5022 or email humanrights@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.