(The above photo is an Accessible Bathroom-Changing Places U.K.)
Creating Equality Through Accessibility.
Our Mission,VIsion and Organizational Goals Statement
MISSION
Room 17, Inc’s mission is to improve the quality of life for disabled persons by providing dedicated changing places in public areas. We seek to create equality through accessibility, education, and awareness.
VISION
That all people regardless of disability will be able to engage freely in the community.
ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS
To provide changing places, Room 17, throughout the United States;
To educate local communities and businesses about the need for accessible accommodations;
To provide support to families and caregivers;
To advocate for the rights of accessible bathroom sand changing places
Our Memory Wall
Don't weep at my grave,
For I am not there,
I've a date with a butterfly
To dance in the air.
I'll be singing in the sunshine,
Wild and free,
Playing tag with the wind,
While I'm waiting for thee.
Our Board of Directors
Founder and Executive Director
Founder and Executive Director
Founder and Executive Director
Darla Carter holds a Masters degree in Nursing Administration and Leadership. She currently serves as the Director of Health Services for a college preparatory school in Maryland and formerly served as the director of nursing for a Maryland organization that serves over 250 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Darla Carter holds a Masters degree in Nursing Administration and Leadership. She currently serves as the Director of Health Services for a college preparatory school in Maryland and formerly served as the director of nursing for a Maryland organization that serves over 250 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is a proponent of mental health care and is currently completing a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.
Darla is passionate about making our communities more accessible for those living with disabilities through education, advocacy, and action.
Board Treasurer
Founder and Executive Director
Founder and Executive Director
Leah Raymond is a full time healthcare professional with 11 years of
experience working directly with individuals with disabilities throughout Maryland. She is passionate about advocacy within the community . Leah is also a mother of a child who is disabled. She has personally
experienced the impact caring for a child with special needs has on families and caretakers.
Board Secretary
Founder and Executive Director
Board Secretary
Dr. Deborah Williams is a psychologist who works with individuals with special needs. She has worked with special needs populations that include the severely mentally ill, individuals with developmental disabilities, and individuals with physical disabilities. Dr. Williams is currently Director of Psychology at Community Support Services
Dr. Deborah Williams is a psychologist who works with individuals with special needs. She has worked with special needs populations that include the severely mentally ill, individuals with developmental disabilities, and individuals with physical disabilities. Dr. Williams is currently Director of Psychology at Community Support Services, a community based organization that works with individuals with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities. She also works as a clinical psychologist at Quince Orchard Psychotherapy, providing outpatient therapy and psychological assessments to those in Montgomery County. She is thrilled to be on the board of Room 17.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Secretary
Sharan Koza is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. She has focused her energies for over 18 years in specialized education for the professionals and direct support staff who serve those with special needs. She has 45 years of diverse nursing experience with adults and children and has developed her business, Nursing
Sharan Koza is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. She has focused her energies for over 18 years in specialized education for the professionals and direct support staff who serve those with special needs. She has 45 years of diverse nursing experience with adults and children and has developed her business, Nursing Education & Delegation to support the needs of individuals, families and support personnel.
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Jasmine Berry currently serves as communications director for the Association of Immunization Managers. She has several years of experience working to promote healthy behaviors and has worked with federal clients such as the National Institute of Minority Health Disparities and for nonprofits such as EveryMind. Jasmine received a Bachelor
Jasmine Berry currently serves as communications director for the Association of Immunization Managers. She has several years of experience working to promote healthy behaviors and has worked with federal clients such as the National Institute of Minority Health Disparities and for nonprofits such as EveryMind. Jasmine received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Hampton University and a Master of Public Health in Health Education and Communication from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist. She enjoys volunteering, playing tennis, traveling, and spending time outdoors.