Impact Data

Community Workshops

• Ohio State University faculty and Extension agents in partnership with community practitioners designed a workshop on Universal Design and home modification.
• Extension agents were trained to present the workshop to community groups around the state.
• An undergrad/grad service learning course “Universal Design: Teaching the Benefits” was designed. Students co-taught community workshops with agents.

Results

• In 2002-03, 20 community workshops were offered at health fairs, senior centers, and at 8 home improvement stores
• 650 persons attended
• Participants learned of the workshops through flyers, newspaper, community groups, and word of mouth
• At local stores, consumers reported their pleasure in seeing products and learning more about product cost and installation

Workshop Evaluation

Workshop evaluations showed:

• 91% of consumers had a better understanding of Universal Design concepts
• 73% intended to use Universal Design products or concepts in a new or existing home environment
• 86% could identify resources to find more information about obtaining and implementing Universal Design products

Home Assessments

Service learning students conducted 21 home assessments for interested consumers. A report with recommendations was submitted to each homeowner.

Suggestions were included:

• Universal Design products
• The retail cost of products
• Where products were sold
• Installation requirements

Follow-up

In summer 2003, 21 homeowners were contacted to see whether or not they had followed recommendations included in the home assessments and/or made suggested changes.

• All reported being pleased with the modification reports
• Six had made suggested changes
• 15 were planning to make the changes “when needed”

Next Steps

• Work with retailers to get products into general market stores rather than specialty stores.
• Train retail store employees to understand principles of Universal Design and educate consumers about the Universal Design philosophy.
• Continue educating the public in community workshops.
• Offer workshops in retail settings at times convenient for consumers.
• Locate products in stores where workshop participants can find and purchase them

Conclusion

• With increasing numbers of aging baby boomers and the desire of seniors to age in place, there is a growing market for Universal Design products and environments.
• The gap between professionals and consumers still needs to be bridged.
• The challenge is convincing consumers to plan ahead instead of making changes due to a crisis.
• Increasing awareness and educating the public about Universal Design is the first step towards making a difference.