Universal Design
Sponsored by
Five Things You Should Know About Universal Design
Presented by:
Becky Wright, CAPS, Division Manager, Ponte Giulio USA
Carol Chiang, OTR, CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP, CEO, Evolving Homes
Heather Brooks, Co-Founder, Customized Aging
Janet Engel, Owner, Home Designs for Life, Ltd., Co.
CEUs: .1
What You Will Learn
Join Becky Wright, CAPS, Division Manager of Ponte Giulio USA, Carol Chiang, OTR/, CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP, CEO of Evolving Homes, Heather Brooks, Co-Founder and Content Creator of Customized Aging, and Janet Engel, Owner of Home Designs for Life, Ltd., Co. as we dive into Universal Design from new perspectives.
During panel discussion, which includes two Occupational Therapists, one Realtor and one Manufacturer of Bathroom Safety Products you will learn more as they offer their perspectives and guidance on why Universal Design is better for every project.
During this session, you will:
- Understand the role of color, contrast, and texture in home & bathroom safety.
- Understand why planning ahead for an accessible home is important for those wishing to Age in Place or with degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
- Learn why Realtors say Universal Design is great for resale value.
- Understand the need for more accessible housing nationwide and receive an update on federal legislation that may help pay for it.
Featured Presenter
Becky Wright, CAPS – Division Manager – Ponte Giulio
Becky Wright is a trusted industry expert for bathroom safety and accessibility product knowledge and recommendations. She earned her CAPS Certified Aging In Place Specialist from HAHB in 2019 and discusses safety and accessibility needs with designers, OTs, architects, contractors, and remodelers on a regular basis in her role as Division Manager at Ponte Giulio USA, a manufacturer of Bathroom Safety Products located in Waukesha, Wisconsin (and Orvieto, Italy).
Becky is part of the NAIPC / Homes Renewed Coalition working to promote the passage of federal legislation that would provide tax incentives for making home modifications. Through personal and family experiences, she has seen the importance of Universal Design first hand and believes accessible design is great design for everyone.
Carol Chiang, OTR/L,CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP – CEO – Evolving Homes
Carol Chiang is a 25 year Occupational Therapist, Realtor and Owner of Evolving Homes. Evolving Homes® provides “Age in Place or Find a New Space™” Consultations for caregivers and older adults looking for beautiful, accessible solutions to stay in the homes they love. Evolving Homes® also provides real estate consultation services on how to find a forever home that is more suited to their needs if the cost of renovation is significant.
Carol is a CAPS Certified Aging in Place Specialist and holds advanced home modification certifications in ECHM (Executive Certificate for Home Modification) and CHAMP (Certified Home Assessment and Modification Professional). She is a Parkinson’s Specialist and a certified Urban Poles instructor and Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery therapist.
Heather Brooks – Co-Founder & Content Creator – Customized Aging
Heather is a third generation Los Angeles native, now living in Fort Lauderdale and passionate about helping Seniors “Modify or Move” safely in their homes and communities as they age. She has a teaching background and almost 30 years’ experience in Real Estate, with extensive training in the Senior field, including the designations of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) and two National Association of Realtors Certifications (SRES® | SFR®)
Combining her love for education and Real Estate, she helped create and grow eXp Realty’s Seniors Network, one of the largest senior networks in the nation. She is co-founder of Customized Aging, offering home assessments, longevity lifestyle products & Aging-in-Place education. She also co-hosts online classes, educating and empowering Real Estate Agents from all brokerages Nationwide, long term homeowners & their families, and other professionals serving the longevity market.
Janet Engel – Owner – Home Designs for Life, Ltd., Co.
Janet is a licensed occupational therapist (OT) in the state of Georgia. Her career began with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2008. In 2020, Janet became a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, (CAPS), through the National Association of Home Builders. She is currently working on earning the credential of (ECHM) Executive Certificate in Home Modification Program, through the University of California Leonard School of Gerontology.
She is owner of Home Designs For Life consulting services to building professionals and homeowners and host of Home Designs For Life PODCAST.
Webinar Sponsor
Blum Inc.
The Blum name stands for quality, innovation and great customer service. We manufacture hardware that makes working in the kitchen easier. Each of our products has been designed carefully, with the customer experience in mind, and research to back them. We specialize in engineering and manufacturing concealed hinges, drawer systems and systems for lift-up doors. From our touch-to-open technology, to the soft-closing door or drawer, our hardware helps modernize the kitchen experience.