Jessica L. Hunt is the Attorney Advisor for the DC Office of Disability Rights, and is a licensed attorney in DC, KY, and VA. In her current position, Ms. Hunt processes complaints of disability discrimination and provides guidance and training to District of Columbia employees and residents on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act (FHA), the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and disability sensitivity and etiquette. She serves as part of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Leadership Network’s cadre of trainers, and her areas of expertise include service animals, housing and shelter situations, and reasonable accommodation. Additionally, Ms. Hunt acts as an Accessibility Officer during special events and state and local emergencies to provide technical assistance and training in the District’s Emergency Operations Command Center.

Prior to her employment with ODR, she spent four years at the U.S. Department of the Army Headquarters, Office of Civil Rights, as an Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist. She holds a JD from the University of Kentucky and a Masters in Secondary Special Education and Transition from The George Washington University.

DC Office of Disability Rights: https://odr.dc.gov/

Kali has been proud to encourage inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities initiatives in the cultural community of Washington, DC through building relationships and implementing creative ways to engage current and potential grantees. She spearheaded the creation of the District’s first audio-tactile rendering of a photograph from District’s fine art collection, coordinates monthly workshops aimed at improving business practices, and managed the agency’s Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment program, which was recognized as the most outstanding government host site.

In previous positions, Ms. Wasenko developed an international leadership and public-speaking training program for Best Buddies International. Additionally, she championed the creation of a Disability Sensitivity Training video for the DC Office of Disability Rights that is shown throughout DC training materials and has been utilized internationally.  She has been a guest lecturer at DRD Vietnam, Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, and University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka in areas of physical accessibility and advocacy.

Kali serves the District of Columbia as a member of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Leadership Network, DC Advocacy Partners, and the Mayoral-appointed DC Developmental Disabilities Council.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Michigan and master’s degree in clinical social work from Barry University. 

DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities: https://dcarts.dc.gov/

Twitter: @KaliWasenko