The mission of the AIA Design for Aging (DFA) Knowledge Community is to foster design innovation and disseminate knowledge necessary to enhance the built environment and quality of life for an aging society. This includes relevant research on characteristics, planning and costs associated with innovative design for aging. In addition, DFA provides outcome data on the value of these design solutions and environments.
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Hosted by the Design for Aging Knowledge Community on July 17, 2023.
Most of us in the aging industry know that the standard ADA/A117.1 rules don’t work well for most elders, especially those in care settings. Research done by Maggie Calkins, Jon Sanford and others have proved what works well for the majority of elders as well as their caregivers. However, the model building codes haven’t allowed us to stray from the standard configuration…until now!A small but dedicated group of designers have been working to change the accessibility standards for elders, to match the evidence of what actually works. This session will review the research, the scoping language that has been adopted in the 2021 I-Codes and discuss proposed changes to the ICC/A117.1 accessibility code.
This session is intended for anyone designing long-term care settings (Assisted Living, Memory Support and Nursing Homes) and those who have a basic knowledge of building and accessibility codes.
Speaker
Amy Carpenter, AIA, LEED AP
Amy Carpenter is an architect and principal in the SFCS Philadelphia Office. She is an unabashed code geek and has been working hard to transform our nation’s model building codes to better serve elders and person-centered care. Amy recently chaired the Assisted Bathing and Toileting task force for the ICC/A117.1 Accessibility standards; proposing changes in the accessibility standard to address the different needs of frail elders and caregivers. She also serves on the ICC Committee on Healthcare. During working hours, Amy specializes in designing environments for aging; from Independent Living apartments and amenity spaces through Long-term Care. She has also developed a particular expertise in Memory Support settings.