An Interview with Magda Mostafa: Pioneer in Autism Design
In 2002, Magda Mostafa, a then-PhD student at Cairo University, was given an exciting project: to design Egypt’s first educational centre for autism. The young architect set herself down to the task of researching into autism design, certain she’d soon find guidelines and accessibility codes to direct her through the process (after all, about one […]
Deep Accessibility and Autistic Space
Blog post on WordPress by Ian Ford Sept 3, 2013 Accessibility has historically been focused on creating more inclusive products and spaces for people with mobility disabilities. However in recent years there has been more of a focus on how to address sensory issues (i.e. Deaf Space.) We recently came across this fascinating blog post […]
Louis Tenenbaum
Louis Tenenbaum had no idea that a 1988 remodeling project helping a young paraplegic be independent in the bathroom would chart the direction of his life and career. When he focused his remodeling company on aging in place in the early 90’s he was surprised that in home supports are not delivered through an organized […]
Welcome to the Wellness Center: A New Breed of Recreation Design
Until recently, student health and counseling services have predominantly been offered independently of athletics and recreation. But as institutions contemplate a more unified approach to health and wellness, the boundaries of these traditionally separated campus services are becoming blurred. Many believe that unifying these various programs and services under one roof is in the best […]
Complete Streets Policy Adds to Momentum in Hamilton
On June 26, the SPRC hosted a policy event to gather feedback about a draft Complete Streets policy for Hamilton. The success of this event is one of many indicators of momentum for Complete Streets in Hamilton and beyond.
Life and Death in Assisted Living
More and more elderly Americans are choosing to spend their later years in assisted living facilities, which have sprung up as an alternative to nursing homes. But is this loosely regulated, multi-billion dollar industry putting seniors at risk? In a major investigation with ProPublica, FRONTLINE examines the operations of the nation’s largest assisted living company, […]
CAPABLE Study to Research Benefits of Aging in Place
Johns Hopkin’s CAPABLE study is reaching out to 800 low-income residents of Baltimore to gather data on whether simple interventions can allow people to remain in their homes longer. The CAPABLE project – which stands for Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders – was created by Sarah Szanton, a faculty member at […]
Right to Walk in Chennai, India
Universally Designed cities need to be walkable cities, where pedestrians can easily and safely access goods, services and social actives. Unfortunately, many cities were not designed this way. The Hindu, an Indian newspaper has launched a “Right to Walk” campaign in Chennai, a large city in the south of India, to address the city’s unsafe […]
Aging in Place Checklist
Remodeling Magazine ran a short article about Dan Bawden of Legal Eagle Contracting, and how he approaches working with clients wishing to age-in-place. Bawden helped write the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) course description 10 years ago for the National Association of Home Builders. Now, about 75% of his firm’s work involves some aspect of aging-in-place. Bawden’s […]
The City of New Orleans Drafting a Public Right-of-Way Transition Plan
The city of New Orleans is drafting a public right-of-way transition plan that will provide a blueprint for addressing accessibility needs for people with disabilities, and will establish priorities to enhance pedestrian access routes on city streets. The street enhancements will include curb ramps, accessible pedestrian signals and transit stops. The plan is being overseen […]