MaxHousing

STEVE HANSLER ANNOUNCES HIS PLANNED RETIREMENT IN 2027 AFTER MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP

The MaxHousing Board of Directors announced today that Steve Hansler, the organization's first and only President, will retire in early Spring 2027 after more than 40 years of leadership.

"Steve's leadership has positioned MaxHousing for continued success," said Board Chair Jordan Batch. "His vision, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to accessibility and independence have strengthened the organization and expanded its impact throughout our community. We look forward to building on the strong foundation he has created."

As part of a thoughtful succession planning process, the board will soon launch a comprehensive executive search. MaxHousing remains financially strong, mission-focused, and fully committed to expanding accessibility, independence, and housing opportunities for people with mobility disabilities.

Read the full announcement here: https://www.maxhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/Final-Press-Release-SPH-planned-retirement-7_28_26-1.pdf

It's been 36 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act became law! It's worth celebrating how much has changed, disability rights advocate Stephanie Thomas points out, but we must also remember how much work remains.

The ADA opened new doors, but it didn't automatically create accessible housing, inclusive communities, or equal opportunity. Those things still require advocacy, innovation, and people willing to keep pushing forward.

At MaxHousing, we're reminded every day that accessibility isn't just about compliance with building standards, it's about creating independence, dignity and equal access for all people.

The ADA gave us an incredible tool, but it's not enough. We must ensure that EVERYONE has the opportunity to choose where and how they live.

New Mobility Newsletter - July 15, 2026 “There were no community services. If your family couldn’t help you, and you didn’t have extraordinary friends, you couldn’t make it — if you needed help getting out of bed, or eating, or bathing…

Join MaxHousing at Two Community Events This Week!

We're looking forward to spending some time in the community at two great events this week! We'd love to see you there!

Wade Oval Wednesday: Disability Pride Night
Wednesday, July 15, 5:30–8:30 PM

This free, family-friendly community event features live music, local organizations, interactive activities, and opportunities to connect with others while recognizing the contributions and experiences of people with disabilities.

Come visit MaxHousing’s booth where we will be sharing information about our programs, sharing accessible housing design ideas with the community, and demonstrating accessible housing features.



Accessibility First Demonstration Unit Open House
Thursday, July 16, 4:00–6:00 PM
📍1725 E. 115th Street, Cleveland

The Accessibility First Demonstration Unit open house is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Over one thousand people have visited this unit to see how low-cost, easy-to-implement ideas can make a home safer and more accessible. Many come looking for ideas for a parent or grandparent aging in place. Others come to see what accessible design looks like before they build or renovate.

When you arrive, come from Euclid Ave. We are the first driveway on the right. Parking is in the back lot. Follow the signs to the main entryway.

| Call 216-231-7221 for more information |

Earlier this month, MaxHousing had the honor of presenting the 2026 Stephen P. Hansler Award to Beth Glas, a truly deserving recipient. Established in 2014 the award recognizes those who share the vision and values of MaxHousing and its longtime President Steve Hansler.

Beth joined MaxHousing in 2007 and ultimately served as Executive Vice President until 2023. Her impact on the organization cannot be overstated. From helping make Cotman Vistas a reality to leading the Anderson Center program for 9 years, Beth made sure that the work of MaxHousing always remained centered on the people with disabilities that we serve and helped shape MaxHousing's reputation for listening, creativity, and advocacy.

Two tenants joined in presenting the award to her. Derrick Moss, a resident for nearly 40 years, spoke about the profound impact Beth had on his life and the lives of many other residents of the Vistas Apartments. Antoine Robinson shared about how much Beth truly cares about people with disabilities and her commitment to making sure their voices are heard in the community. Their stories were a reminder that accessibility is not about features or checklists. It's about people.

In accepting the award, Beth reflected on the power of stories. That accessibility becomes real when we understand how something as simple as doing laundry independently, can transform a person's world. She reminded us that the best advocacy begins with listening.

Today Beth continues this work as Executive Director of LEAP (Linking Employment, Abilities, and Potential), where she is carrying that same compassion and wisdom, into a larger sphere.

In presenting the Award to Beth, MaxHousing President Steve Hansler said it best when he remarked that “working with Beth felt like being one of the people who loved a band before everyone else discovered how fantastic they were.” He encouraged others to pay attention to what Beth is doing because she is truly a leader, making a difference for people with disabilities.

We thank Beth Glas for the countless lives she has touched, and for helping people live better, fuller, and more independent lives.

27 years of Olmstead

This week we honor the landmark Supreme Court decision that affirmed the right of
people with disabilities to live in the communities, not institutions.

Swipe through to learn how Olmstead continues to shape accessible, independent, and inclusive housing at MaxHousing.

Access Tip:

Install pull-out shelves and drawers with full extension tracks in kitchen cabinets and pantry spaces to make everyday items easier to see, reach, and use. Traditional cabinets often require people to bend, kneel, or reach deep into dark spaces to access items stored in the back. Pull-out shelves bring the contents of the cabinet out to the user. For people who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices, pull-out shelving can significantly improve independence by reducing the need to reach into inaccessible spaces.

Head to our website to learn more about accessible housing and find additional tips to make your home more accessible for everyone: https://www.maxhousing.org/

⭐️OPEN HOUSE⭐️

Our Accessibility First Demonstration Unit Open House is a hands-on opportunity to explore ways to make housing safer and more accessible.

Thursdays | 4–6 PM
June 11
July 16
August 13

MaxHousing wants people to see for themselves how low-cost and easy-to-implement ideas can make everyday living easier, safer, and more supportive of aging in place.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information call 216-231-7221

Location: 1725 E 115th St (Cotman Vistas) Cleveland OH 44106. Coming from Euclid, we are the first driveway on the right. Parking is available in the back lot. After you park, come to the main entryway and follow the signs.

Congratulations to our former Executive Vice President Beth Glas on this well deserved recognition of her leadership.

We are so excited to announce that Beth Glas, LEAP’s Executive Director, has been recognized as a Cleveland 230 honoree “Coalition Builder.” It is so well deserved!

The Cleveland 230 celebrates the individuals whose leadership, impact, and contributions have helped shape Cleveland’s story and continue moving our city forward. This is part of One Cleveland, the Cleveland Public Library’s citywide civic pride campaign.

To read Beth’s profile and see other honorees, click this link: https://cpl.org/onecle/230/beth-glas/

To watch a video featuring the Coalition Builders, click this link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hw_XyQgczE

To learn more about One Cleveland, click this link: https://cpl.org/onecle/

Debbie has lived at MaxHousing’s Meadow Vistas in Avon Lake for six years. Sitting in her cozy, apartment decorated with wolf collectibles and Cleveland Guardians memorabilia, she described the everyday things that make accessible housing meaningful to her. “Everything is at a level where I can reach,” she explained. “I can stand up, hold onto my chair, and get what I need out of the cupboard.”

Debbie spent years relying on others for basic daily life. She had to wait a while for an accessible unit to open, but when she finally moved in, it changed everything. “I feel more independent and more free,” she said. “I can come and go, don’t have to answer to nobody.”

One of Debbie’s favorite things about living at MaxHousing is spending time outside in the community garden boxes during the spring and summer. She grows tomatoes, beans, peppers, and melons, and enjoys sharing vegetables with family members and neighbors. She also appreciates the quieter atmosphere of the building, visiting with neighbors, and watching baseball with a friend across the hall.

Debbie spoke very positively about the maintenance team and wanted Jessie included in her spotlight story. “Especially Jessie,” she said. “She’s just a cool person and nice to have around.” Debbie appreciates the way Jessie helps residents, keeps the building in top shape, and “does more than what’s expected.” For Debbie, accessible housing is about having a home where she can move through her day more comfortably, maintain her routines, enjoy her hobbies, and live with greater independence.

Keep up the great Advocacy work AAPD! MaxHousing supports you!

Today kicks off our 3rd annual Disability Power on the Hill! Disability Power on the Hill is a time when disability advocates from around the country gather together on Capitol Hill to discuss important issues facing disabled Americans with their representatives in Congress. These issues include fully funding IDEA and increasing the asset limit for people who receive SSI. It’s one of our most ambitious events of the year, and we’re so excited to give a platform to so many amazing activists.

ID: An outline of the US Capitol. AAPD. The words Disability Power on the Hill framed by the colors of the disability pride flag. Beneath that, the words "Disabled, Powerful, Proud. Third Annual Disability Power on The Hill"