UD SUMMIT 4

Creating Livable Homes and Communities

As North America's only recurring conference exclusively focused on universal housing and neighborhoods, the conference goal is to bring about community integration and participation while enhancing the independence of all people at home and throughout their daily lives. Universal Design Summit 4 will continue the tradition of providing exceptional content in universal design features in housing, sustainability, community design, green design and affordability to create communities usable by all.

Universal Design is transparent, inclusive, and attractive; it integrates features that improve function and usability for everyone. It is a superior approach to design and construction and can be achieved in all house sizes and at all price points.

Color photograph of medium density housing in downtown Portland, Oregon. The buildings are five stories high and surround a courtyard that has a flush connection to the public sidewalk. Color photograph of a dishwasher raised six inches higher than conventionally installed. The appliance door is open, baskets pulled out and is being loaded by an older woman. Though she is leaning forward at the waist, she appears to be filling the appliance effortlessly. Elevated dishwashers raise the racks to be within reach of people who use wheelchairs and those who may find it difficult to bend down to a lower appliance.
 
                              
 
 
 

The Starkloff Disability Institute  The R.L. Mace Universal Design Institute