Karen Hamilton

ADA Network Administrator, NC Council on Developmental Disabilities

Karen Hamilton has more than 20 years of experience working together with the disability community to promote voluntary compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As coordinator of the NC ADA Network, an initiative of the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities, Karen supports advocates to learn about their rights and take action to improve access, for people with disabilities, in their local communities.

Karen was designated by the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities as a Southeast ADA Center State Partner in 1999. Ms. Hamilton has a background in working with grassroots advocacy groups promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities. Her work with various grant projects has provided her with the ability to lead the North Carolina ADA Network. She has successfully designed a statewide ADA network comprised primarily of grass roots disability-run organizations interested in facilitating voluntary compliance with the ADA.

To meet the unique needs of NC, a system of ADA Projects has been implemented. Currently, there are 24 ADA Projects across the state of NC addressing issues such as accessible parking, alternate dispute resolution, and training for building code officials. Ms. Hamilton’s leadership in NC has allowed her to provide mentoring to other states in the region regarding the unique approach to implement voluntary ADA compliance in the state.

Karen Hamilton (NC Council on Developmental Disabilities) coordinates the NC ADA Network involving disability-led grassroots groups that work with businesses to promote voluntary compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under Karen’s leadership, disability advocates are increasing their capacity to make tangible change in their local communities.

Episode 3: Accessible Meetings and Events
Episode 78: Living with a Disability: Four People Share their Stories