Universal Design

Sustainability and Aging in Place

June 11, 2010

Sustainability is pretty good buzz now. What is it? “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”image and definition from Wikipedia How does that relate to Aging in Place? In terms of homes, Aging in Place is about updating and… Continue Reading Sustainability and Aging in Place

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NCOA/ASA Annual Conference #1

March 22, 2010

I had a good time seeing many friends and colleagues in my three days at the annual National Council on Aging (NCOA)/American Society on Aging (ASA) conference: Aging in America in Chicago. For some reason I was acutely aware this time that I attended my first ASA conference in 1993 in San Francisco. I can… Continue Reading NCOA/ASA Annual Conference #1

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Aging in Place -always another way

February 14, 2010

I have become friends with a lot of clients over the years. One who inspired me continuously, Karen Pitelka, helped me see that “there is always another way”. Karen said this as part of an amazing attitude toward her disabilities. About another client who was pretty depressed Karen once said “You mean he doesn’t see… Continue Reading Aging in Place -always another way

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Universal Design in Clothing

February 4, 2010

I am very impressed with SOFT Clothing for All Children. It exemplifies the process and result of Universal Design. A need is recognized in a smaller part of the population and the solution is a benefit to all. No extra cost, just great ideas that advance the way things can be. My hat is off… Continue Reading Universal Design in Clothing

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Where do I get…What I need to Age in Place?

February 2, 2010

Frank Zappa poked fun at valley girls in 1972’s Just Another Band from LA with lyrics like“Where do I go to get my speaker’s fixed?,…..” Where to get the things we want and need is always a question. Even with google. Currently, homeowners, designers, contractors and others who are preparing for Aging in Place want… Continue Reading Where do I get…What I need to Age in Place?

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Aging in Place, Entitlement, The Trigger

January 27, 2010
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Heading into the Post Office yesterday I saw a woman taking the time to steady herself after climbing from the car. I offered to take her letters into the box. She gathered strength and concentration for a smile and declined. “I have to check the postage at the desk.” On my way out I traded… Continue Reading Aging in Place, Entitlement, The Trigger

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Universal Design – Do You Believe in Magic?

December 23, 2009

…from the Lovin’ Spoonful to: And you know something is happeningBut you don’t know what it is.. Bob Dylan The wonderful magic of Universal Design is unanticipated corollary benefits. Closed captioning is a really clear example. Including those with hearing difficulties to mainstream media was the intended outcome. Reading TV in bars and airport waiting… Continue Reading Universal Design – Do You Believe in Magic?

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‘Optional’ = ‘Never’

October 5, 2009

The word ‘optional‘ is kind of funny in Universal Design. In fact, it really doesn’t work. Almost no one chooses the accessibility items we advocate. Especially if there is an associated cost. Universal Design must be required, standard or strongly incentivized. NOT optional. Two points. One is that over time we find that Universal Design… Continue Reading ‘Optional’ = ‘Never’

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Report: ASHRA conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia

June 24, 2009

I am so glad I was honored with an invitation to speak at the Atlantic Seniors Housing Research Alliance conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada last month. This conference was the culmination of a five years study of the situation and conditions of senior hosuing and services in this part of Canada. Don Shiner, a… Continue Reading Report: ASHRA conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Aging in Place Remodeling #3 – Entries

June 22, 2009

Of course you need an entry that works to get in and out. But, like a cigar, the entry is never just an entry. You need to know that you can get in and out, that you are not a prisoner or shut in, that you don’t have to ask favors or hire people to… Continue Reading Aging in Place Remodeling #3 – Entries

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