By Southwester Staff
The Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA) and its Emergency Preparedness Task Force, commonly known as Southwest Strong! is known for working to build a disaster resilient community. Task Force Co-Chair Regina Blye is stepping back after dedicated service.
Blye is a dynamic advocate committed to high-impact systems change. She targets
public policy reform to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by removing
barriers to education, employment, healthcare, transportation, and housing. For ten years, she served as the Executive Director of a statewide nonprofit that promotes the independence and integration of Texans with disabilities into a community of their choice.
Her advocacy led to President Barack Obama appointing her to serve on the United States Access Board for more than six years. As a board member, she was responsible for developing accessibility guidelines and standards for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).
During her time in DC, Blye gave back to the Southwest community not only by serving as Co-Chair Southwest Strong! but also as an ambassador for the Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund, Chair of the Southwest DC Community Center and board member of the DC State Fair.
In her spare time, Blye stays active playing wheelchair rugby, teaching people to play Boccia, teaching Zumba, and playing music at community events.
SWNA and the Emergency Preparedness Task Force wish to wish Blye well and thank her for all her contributions to make Southwest Strong!