Universal Design and Age in Place

May 15 2009 8:27AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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By Patricia Nunan

This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate as an exhibitor at a Disabilities Resource Expo sponsored by two local PA state representatives. (State Representative Thomas Murt, 152nd Legislative District, Bernie O’Neill 29th Legislative District). The event was free and open to the entire community. Vendors from local, state and federal agencies as well as disability advocacy groups were on hand to answer questions about the health, safety and welfare of those with disabilities. Persons from all walks of life attended. Young and old, some with disabilities, others gathering information for their families or clients. I and a colleague represented the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).

We were bombarded with questions. Most event attendees as well as the other vendors had no idea there were people out there that actually could help them create a better environment at home that met the needs of their disability or age. As I walked around and talked to other vendors, all with different supportive information, none were aware of the NKBA, NARI, or any other the other groups we had listed on our resources guide. They didn’t know there were people that knew how to design & build to meet specific needs of someone with a disability, that the people were qualified and trustworthy and they didn’t know it could be very affordable.

We became the educators not only to the attendees but to the other participants. It was a golden opportunity to let others know what resources are available. That there are (local) trained reliable contractors and designers to help them stay in their home and products and services that help make it all possible. Over the years I have compiled information resources on Universal Design and Aging in Place and on products and services that help meet the needs of persons with a the disability and the aging. People were appreciative of the information; many non profit organizations wanted to use it on their web sites. The point of all this is - get out in your communities. Network with non profits and support services groups. Information they can provide is invaluable in helping you better serve your clients too. Let them know there are qualified remodelers that have the experience and understanding to help the person with the disability or the senior to age in place. And if you’re not the person that can fill that need you probably know someone that is. Pass on the referral. You’ll help make someone else’s life a little easier and there’s nothing better than that.