Vol. 2, No. 10 -- October 2000

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IN THIS EDITION:
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CARM'S COMMENTS: Carmen Schacht

The theme for this month is Accessibility and Universal Design. It is rather ironic that accessibility should be the theme for this month as I just spent Sunday and Monday writing letters to the U.S. Department of Justice, The Attorney General, and the Governor of Iowa because I feel that contractors need to have universal regulations as guidelines.

Recently the U.S. Department of Justice required Pella to make some changes in some of their buildings. I have often wondered if anyone ever checked on how accessible places are for people with disabilities. I realize they can't be on top of everything, but I know that some places are NOT very accessible even when the builders think they are. I find it hardest to get into restrooms with my scooter.

One of our leaders of AgrAbility Friends and Family attended a Governor's Conference on Volunteerism in Des Moines. He ran into many problems of accessibility even though he had advised them ahead of time that he would be using a chair. His room was not very accessible; he had to go up and down a steep ramp. Breakfast was served in an area that was NOT accessible. The conference was held in a different location from where he stayed so he had asked for an accessible van. They weren't able to get one for him until an hour and a half after he needed it.

I went through the Iowa State University Housing website (www.extension.iastate.edu/housing) and found an interesting explanation on the difference between accessible and universal design. Accessible design means that products and buildings are accessible for people with disabilities. Universal design makes places usable by everyone including disabled people (www.arch.buffalo.edu/~idea/publications/free_pubs/pubs_ cud.html). Why not just make things universally designed and not worry about accessible design? (CS)

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They had just remodeled the family home about a year before the accident. No one expected this to happen!

When she came home from the hospital, her mother and Brandi, her eight-year-old daughter, were there to welcome her. Her husband, Dan, had to carry her up the front steps and through the door that was too narrow for her wheelchair. As she glanced around her home, she realized that she would probably never see her upstairs again but that was the least of her concerns. The major problem would be getting into and using the bathroom. She could get through the door but she wouldn't be able to turn around; she wouldn't be able to use the tub; and she knew she wouldn't be able to get onto the toilet by herself.

While she was in the hospital, she dreamed of being back home in her kitchen. She was surprised to find that she could not easily reach her counter tops; the top cupboards she could not reach at all, and she couldn't get her wheelchair under the sink. What to do?

"Accessible?" She remembered Betty, her neighbor, using that word one day over coffee. Betty's mother used a wheelchair and was complaining because the town's hardware store wasn't "accessible."

Betty came over the next day to see her. Betty knew an AgrAbility housing specialist who often talked about "Universal Design." In response to a phone call, the housing specialist came to her home.

She and Dan learned that Universal Design was the way to go! With some renovations, they made their home not just accessible but more usable by everyone--and it was still attractive. Brandi was now able to help with meals at the lowered kitchen counter and both she and Brandi could wash dishes with the single-lever control and shallower sink. The roll-in shower in the bathroom was great for her but everyone else was also delighted at how easy it was to use and keep clean. Dan finally had a bathroom mirror that he could use without bending. What she appreciated most was the beautiful path leading up to the front entrance that allowed Betty's mother to visit her.

She could now "live" in her home even when Dan was not there to help. Everyone who came to her home now knew that houses should be built with adaptability in mind - for example, bathroom walls should be reinforced under the drywall when a house is built so that grab bars can be installed IF they are ever needed! (LL)

Where can you go to learn about universal design? You can visit various websites (see information under resources below). In addition, you can now come to Iowa State University! October 21, 2000 was the Grand Opening of the Universal Design Learning Lab --in Room 78 of LeBaron Hall. The Lab includes the Home for All Ages--a three-room house including a bathroom, kitchen, and living/sleeping room full of universally designed furnishings, equipment, and assistive devices.

Before long there will be a second bathroom at the Lab. This bathroom is especially convenient for persons who use wheelchairs. Among other items, it has a roll-in shower and a lavatory that moves for people of different heights and reaching abilities.

You will also find information at the lab on The Welcoming Home---a no-step entrance into a house. And you can try out the chair lift in the Control Center. The Control Center shows how persons with limited mobility can create a nest from which to control their environment.

You may have seen components of the lab this past year as they were displayed at the Mall of America, the Franklin County Fair, the Senior Picnic in Des Moines, the Senior Fair in Guthrie County, and the Iowa State Fair. Or you may have been in a meeting where items from the Universal Design Gadget Kits were demonstrated. The kits are housed in suitcases and include two versions of the same "gadget" for comparison-one that is universally designed. Examples include vegetable peelers, rain gauges, telephones, measuring cups-and much more.

For information on how you may schedule one of the housing exhibits in your county, check out: www.extension.iastate.edu/housing/home-all- ages/overview.html or contact Lorrie Long (mvlong@iastate.edu, 515-294-8522).

You are welcome to schedule a time convenient for you and your family to visit the Universal Design Learning Lab. Call or email Mary Yearns (515-294-8520; yearns@iastate.edu). (LL)

FUN WITH THE HOME FOR ALL AGES: Carole Vancleave (A Leader of AgrAbility Friends and Family, Bristow, IA)

My summer highlight was helping with the "Home for All Ages" at the Franklin County Fair. It was such an enjoyable time and the day flew by. Carm Schacht and I worked in the bathroom. It has everything from a "soft touch" tub with a heat-controlled faucet to an electronic lift over the toilet to raise or lower you over a regular toilet seat. The small children liked to ride; even some older people took a turn! All through the house were objects-- from a fingernail trimmer to a touch light in the living room--to help anyone.

All three rooms were very busy that day. After we assured the visitors that we were not selling anything-only demonstrating items and handing out information- everyone was interested and went through all three rooms! The remarks we heard were, "Wow! Wish I would have had something like that for Mom, Dad (or grandparents)." "Even for children, it sure would be handy." Several people were interested in ideas for their own remodeling and building.

All in all, I met many new people, young and old, who were impressed with AgrAbility-many didn't know that it had been around for so long. You see, like so many other helpful organizations, AgrAbility is a "best kept secret." It grows by word of mouth. We have to be willing to go out and say, "Here we are; what can we do to help you?" There are a lot of people to meet and they are willing to listen. They may not need help now but we never know when we may need help.

I left with such a good feeling that day. Even if only one person remembers us, we got the word out. If you get a chance to go through this display, I highly recommend it. You'll be surprised how many things are available to use to make everyday life easier. (CS)

If you plan to build a home or want to remodel your current home using universal design, you can get some great information and talk to the "experts" by attending a one- day Home Planning/Remodeling Workshop at Iowa State University. The workshops are offered the second Friday of every month from October through June.

Workshop presentations cover everything from floor-plan design to installing energy-efficient windows to indoor air quality. The specialists plan time for individual consultations in case you have concerns about accessibility for special needs. You will end the day with a packet of useful reference materials. Registration cost is $100 for one individual or $120 for two individuals of the same household. Contact Lois Warme (515-294-8708) for information on program content, or Janet Gardner (515- 294-5366) for information on registration. The next workshop is scheduled for November 10th. (LL)

There are many good sources of information for universal design. Your search can begin at the Iowa AgrAbility website (www.extension.iastate.edu/agrability/). Click on Program Resources, and then on Fact Sheets and Publications where you will find Universal Design & Accessible Housing Resources. Options include books, free/low-cost publications, videos, and web site addresses.

Another great resource is located on the Iowa State University Housing web site: (www.extension.iastate.edu/housing/). Click on Aging and Disabled and then click on Universal Design & Home Accessibility. You will find at the top of the list, Universal Design. This link will provide you with a list of excellent resources for information on universal design. For example, how can you build/remodel your home so that it is visitable? You will discover information on creating a zero- step entrance into your home; examples of kitchens and bathrooms that are accessible as well as universally designed, and much more.

You will find a list of 12 tips for universal designed homes couched in a website that provides information on home modifications at www.homemods.org/library/univdesign.html Have fun! (LL)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is designed to help low-income families meet the cost of home heating. Applications are accepted on a first come/first serve basis from November 1 - April 15 Monday - Friday in each Community Action Agency across the state.

You will need to take proof of income shown on last year's income tax form or information identifying income received 13 weeks prior to application date. Also take a copy of your most recent heat bill and electric bill. Payment will be sent to your heat dealer with the exception of people whose heat is included in their rent.

If you are on fixed income such as Social Security, SSI, VA, pensions, ADC, or unemployment, take a copy of your most recent check or a bank statement showing the amount of income received. Thresholds (that is, you can't make more than this) for eligibility are as follows: one person household - $12,525, two person - $16,875, three person - $21,225, four - $25,575, five - $29,925, and six person household - $34,275. (CS)

The Strums and Michael at ISU!

--Sandy and Lon Strum and their foster son, Michael Rogers, from Randal were guest presenters in the Children, Families and Public Policy class at Iowa State University on Wednesday, October 11. Sandy and Lon talked about their 26 years of experience as foster caregivers. Michael has just recently returned to be part of their family. Sandy is one of the leaders of AgrAbility Friends and Family (www.extension.iastate.edu/Pages/agrability/friends-and- family.html).

Freewheelers

--November 11, 1:00 p.m
New Hampton Library West Spring Street,
New Hampton
We will share in the expense of lunch.

Southeast Iowa AgrAbility Friends and Family

--Next meeting November 11, 1:00 p.m. Pizza Hut, Tipton

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IOWA AGRABILITY - A joint effort of Iowa State University Extension and the Farm Family Rehabilitation Management (FaRM) Program of Easter Seals Iowa. The program can help farm family members with a disability stay in farming.

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This electronic newsletter from the Iowa AgrAbility Project will be sent monthly to AgrAbility families and other interested individuals. Please send comments and suggestions to:

E-mail: agrability@iastate.edu

Phone: Iowa State University Answerline at 1-800-262-3804

TDD: 1-800-854-1658.

Web site: www.extension.iastate.edu/agrability

...and justice for all. The Iowa Cooperative Extension Service's programs and policies are consistent with pertinent federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, and disability.