Contractors conference to focus on accessibility and mobility.The whys and hows of installing new home designs and devices that help people with mobility or dexterity challenges continue to live independently will be the major topics of discussion at an Ability Beyond Disability breakfast scheduled for 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, at The Leir Pavilion in Bethel, Conn. Free to builders and contractors throughout Connecticut and New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , the presentation will explore the reasons why Universal Design--the concept of designing homes and home products for people regardless of ability and age--is so important given today's demographics. It also will review the different ways new designs can be incorporated into both new homes and the remodeling remodeling /re·mod·el·ing/ (re-mod´el-ing) reorganization or renovation of an old structure. bone remodeling of existing structures. The presentation will be conducted by Mary Jo Peterson, president of Mary Jo Peterson, Inc., a Brookfield, Conn.-based design firm certified kitchen, bath and aging-in-place designer, Peterson has authored numerous books and articles about accessibility and design, and has received awards from the National Association of Home Builders The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is one of the largest trade associations in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the association organizes one of the largest conventions in North America, The International Builders' Show, which draws more than Senior Housing Council (since re-named the 50+ Housing Council), American Institute of Architects The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Organized in 1857, the Institute conducts various activities and programs to support the profession and enhance its public image, including periodically awarding the AIA , National Kitchen & Bath Association, Century 21, Easter Seals Easter Seals is an international charitable organization devoted to providing opportunities for children with physical disabilities. See
Independent agency of the U.S. government that supports the creation, dissemination, and performance of the arts. It was created by the U.S. and the Building Sciences Museum for her work. "This topic is especially timely because of the increasing number of people with disabilities, the aging boom, the number of new assistive devices that are coming on stream and the rising costs of placing people into institutions because their homes aren't sufficiently equipped," said Tom Fanning, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Ability Beyond Disability. "If we can increase awareness of the benefits of Universal Design and show how many of the needed changes are neither costly nor difficult to implement we will make it possible for more people with disabilities, as well as older adults, to live independently in their own homes. "Moreover, we've seen how our consumers in independent living facilities have benefited from bedroom, bathroom or kitchen design changes in their own homes. They have much more positive outlooks and they feel better physically." Interested builders and contractors can register for the event by calling Greg Bastek at 203-826-3171. |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion