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Universal Design for Better Living

Situation:
Most people want to live in a home and/or work in an office environment that is convenient, comfortable, and attractive. Adaptable home and office features as well as new tools and gadgets on the market can make a home and office usable and appealing for people of all ages and abilities.

Response:
Utilizing Universal Design resources developed by State Specialists Mary Yearns and Lois Warme, Families Field Specialists in SW Iowa initially shared the information with CEEDs in August 2004, and then with Office Assistants in September 2004. All professional staff in SW Iowa also became aware of the Universal Design program and gadgets during a presentation at an area staff meeting in April 2005. Following these initial staff trainings two program kits were made available in a 10 county area.

Impact:
The program and gadgets have been shared with over 200 participants (excluding staff) in SW Iowa at Bank Sr. Clubs, Sr. Apartment dwellings, Public Health training, Sr. Meal Sites, Sr. Centers, Adult Children-Aging Parents Programs, and Retirement Planning programs.

An end of meeting evaluation completed by 76 participants at a public health professionals training in Red Oak in January 2005 and Bank Sr. Club programs in Audubon, Harlan, and Missouri Valley in May/June 2005 indicated the following:

63 participants thought the information was very good
44 participants indicated the information learned will be very useful
71 would recommend the program to a friend

New learning’s from the program included:

- The number of gadgets available that I am not aware of
- There is usually a gadget for every need
- The new mouse trap, rain gauge, vegetable peeler, long duster, versatile garden step stool, coil garden hose, etc ---and where they can be purchased.
- There are many things to help aging people if we have enough money
- Universal Design terminology (not handicapped)
- Outside ramps that are hidden and more attractive
- Ideas for building a home without steps

As a result of attending the program, participants planned to:

- Replace my spatula and measuring cups and spoons so I can read them.
- Ask my family to give me some of the items shown for gifts.
- Buy a new staple puller, self coiling garden hose, mouse trap.
- Work on making my home safer.
- Look for some of the gadgets and purchase them to make things easier.
- I would like to see the ISU trailers with Universal Design home ideas.

Contact:
Mary Beth Kaufman
ISU Extension Family Resource Mgt. Specialist
906 6th Street, Harlan, Iowa 51537
Phone 712-755-3104
E-mail mbkaufma@iastate.edu

..........more stories....................!

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Last update: June 21, 2006  
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