About Us
We are a 501(c)(3) organization that works to improve accessibility for the disabled. Based in Richmond, VA, we’re currently focusing on making our hometown the most livable city on the map. Our long-term goal is to expand our efforts to the wider world.
Whether through an accident, illness, genetics, or age, we all face accessibility issues at some point in our lives. We believe everyone has the right to move freely through the world – to be an active participant in society regardless of age or ability.
What Is Livability?
Livability is a measurement of how accessible public and private environments are to everyone. It’s grounded on a fundamental truth – access to society is a basic human right.
Our Mission
The Livability Initiative is dedicated to leading the development of public and private spaces in the Metro Richmond area with the needs of all people with disabilities, adaptive needs, the aging, and their caretakers prioritized. Making every space more accessible, safer, and livable; giving us ALL fuller lives, no matter our disability.
Our Vision
We envision a community where accessibility is a fundamental consideration in every public and private space, fostering inclusivity and improving the quality of life for all.
Why Livability Matters
Embracing livability isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity. It’s about removing obstacles and opening doors, not just for people with disabilities but for everyone. As our world ages, disability becomes more prevalent. Livability is the catalyst for innovation, the path to well-being, and the key to independence. It’s not just a goal; it’s a movement to create a brighter, more inclusive world.
25%
Percentage of American adults living with a disability.1
2034
Year when adults 65+ will outnumber children under 18 in the United States.2
42.5 Million
Americans with disabilities, 13% of the civilian noninstitutionalized population.3
- CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Aug 17, 2018
- Census Bureau estimates
- https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/06/disability-rates-higher-in-rural-areas-than-urban-areas.html
Meet our team!
Bill Sweeney
Founder & CEO | bill@teamlivability.org
“When you design for the greatest need, everyone is lifted up.”
Bill Sweeney is the founder of Livability Initiative. With 20+ years of experience working in real estate in the Richmond area, Bill has always been passionate about helping people with their housing needs. But it wasn’t until he experienced a catastrophic health event that Bill realized there was a serious gap when it came to accommodating the adaptive-needs community.
In 2012, Bill suffered a spinal cord infraction – a stroke in the spine. The prognosis was grim; at one point he was even pronounced dead on an MRI table. He was revived, but severe brain damage seemed likely. The doctors agreed: he would probably not survive.
One decade and countless operations later, Bill is doing more than surviving. He’s thriving. He returned to work in the real estate industry, but his experiences as a T4 paraplegic have opened his eyes to the struggles of the disabled. Bill founded the Livability Initiative to confront these problems head-on. His goal? To create a community where all individuals can experience a safer, fuller, longer life.
Morgan Whitehead
Director of Development
morgan@teamlivability.org
Lorenna Rodriguez
Director of Operations and Assessment
lorenna@teamlivability.org
Margarita Prokofyeva
Executive Director
margarita@teamlivability.org
Jessie Faillace
Director of Programs
jessie@teamlivability.org