Accessible Housing Matters

By: Stephen Beard
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  • Summary

  • There is a lot of talk out there about the housing affordability crisis. Often lost or forgotten in those dialogues is that for people with disabilities, most of the housing in the country is not accessible. For people with disabilities, and their families, finding suitable housing can often be one of THE major sources of anxiety and stress in their lives. And this subject is, for the most part, ignored by the mainstream media. This podcast is designed to raise awareness about all matters in the intersection of housing and accessibility. We will speak with knowledgeable experts about the challenges and issues associated with accessible housing. We will hear some success stories. We will share insights and knowledge. We will raise the level of awareness about the importance of accessibility in housing. Our goal? To share and spark new insights into creative ways to solve housing problems. And to improve the quality of the debate about housing in this country.
    2021
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Economics
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Episodes
  • Making Homes More Accessible for Disabled Children in Tennessee – How Tucker’s House transforms Houses into Homes

    Making Homes More Accessible for Disabled Children in Tennessee – How Tucker’s House transforms Houses into Homes
    Dec 18 2023
    How can the design of a home transform the daily life of a child with disabilities and have a lasting impact throughout their lifetime? How does this transformation affect their family and caregivers?   This episode features Marcel Hernandez Development Director of Tucker's House, a nonprofit in Tennessee that customizes homes for disabled children. They focus on creating accessible spaces that cater to each child's needs, considering their future growth and independence. Marcel emphasizes the importance of a holistic and therapy-informed approach, not only making physical adjustments but also alleviating emotional stress for caregivers, acknowledging their critical yet often unnoticed role. He also discusses the "House to Home" video series, which illustrates the profound impact of these home transformations on families.    Tune in to hear firsthand how compassionate home designs and builds are breaking barriers and bringing joy to families in need.      [00:01 - 04:29] Opening Segment Tucker's House is a Tennessee-based nonprofit that specializes in home modifications for families with children who have disabilities The organization, active since 2009, estimates its impact on approximately 1200 to 1500 individuals, working annually with about 100 to 120 individuals Tucker's House is fully funded through private donations, including grants from foundations, corporate partners, and individual community champions, covering all costs for their core AIM program The AIM program involves a comprehensive process with a program manager, occupational and physical therapists, architects, and construction partners, to create personalized, practical modifications in homes     [04:30 - 08:11] Building for a Lifetime: A Lasting Solution for Families and Caregivers Tucker’s House focuses on long-term, sustainable home modifications for children with disabilities, considering their growth and evolving needs to provide lifetime solutions The organization's approach includes not just physical modifications but also aims to provide emotional relief and support for caregivers, recognizing their crucial role Their high client satisfaction and attention to detail in modifications underscore their commitment to delivering quality solutions without the need for major re-installations   [08:12 - 13:40] Inspiring Stories Behind Accessible Homes Tucker’s House not only modifies homes but also assists with ordering and installing durable medical equipment (DME), ensuring a perfect fit for each family's unique needs Their therapy-informed approach goes beyond typical remodeling, prioritizing the family's voice and choice throughout the process for personalized solutions The "House to Home" series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges faced by families with disabilities and how accessible modifications alleviate these struggles This series also highlights the crucial role of caregivers and the physical and emotional toll of caregiving, underscoring the importance of ergonomic home design Tucker’s House collaborates with financial partners who are also featured in the series and play a significant role in supporting and facilitating their initiatives   [13:41 - 20:48] Navigating the Demand for Accessibility  The organization is primarily referral-based, receiving clients through healthcare providers and gaining increased exposure through media and their House to Home series Their service criteria focus mainly on children but are flexible, considering each family’s unique situation, including financial constraints and healthcare needs Marcel also talks about similar organizations that serve people of all ages    [20:49 - 28:46] Closing Segment Marcel is deeply committed to setting a strong psychological foundation for his children, emphasizing the importance of a stable, nurturing home environment His nonprofit work, including founding Be About Change, reflects his dedication to elevating young people's trajectories, paralleling his role in Tucker’s House to support children physically and psychologically Marcel finds inspiration in the resilience and positivity of those facing mental and physical challenges, which is evident in the impactful stories shared in the House to Home series     Want to connect with Marcel? Reach out directly through marcel.hernandez@tuckershouse.org or contact 615 953 9572. Visit https://tuckershouse.org/ to learn more about their work and watch Episode 1 of House to Home: Zola’s House Transformation on YouTube.   Key Quotes:   “We really focus on providing that lifetime solution. While some are looking for kind of a day-to-day impact, we really focus on going perhaps just an inch wide, but a mile deep in terms of the impact that we make with each household.” - Marcel Hernandez   “We do everything to preserve the family's voice and choice through the entire process so that it is really their plan and we're facilitating the realization ...
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    29 mins
  • Here’s an idea: Make homes more accessible in an affordable way AND create jobs for marginalized groups at the same time!

    Here’s an idea: Make homes more accessible in an affordable way AND create jobs for marginalized groups at the same time!
    Nov 13 2023
    What if we could bridge the gap between accessible housing for the aging population and job creation for marginalized communities?   Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kat Kabat, Director of Construction Operations at Hope Renovations, a non-profit organization transforming lives through accessible home renovations and construction training for women and genderqueer individuals. Discover how Hope Renovations is breaking down barriers, building safe living spaces, and creating a more inclusive world, one home and one career at a time.   Learn how to support initiatives that address accessibility and job creation together for an equitable future. Tune in and take action!     [00:01 - 03:24] Opening Segment Hope Renovations is a non-profit organization and its dual mission is to train women and genderqueer individuals in skilled construction trades and provide aging in place renovations and repairs to homeowners They aim to make simple home modifications to meet the needs of an aging population, considering the strong desire of 95% of Americans to stay in their home They acknowledge the societal failure to adequately prepare for the challenges of an aging population and are committed to making a positive impact in this area   [03:25 - 12:33] Designing Safe, Accessible, and Affordable Homes Kat emphasizes the need to make homes suitable for people as they get older and have different physical needs They have Certified Aging in Place Specialists who are trained to assess homes and make them safer for long-term living Their focus is on tub to shower conversions, as the bathroom is one of the most dangerous areas for individuals with mobility issues, and using innovative technologies to create solutions The organization's sliding scale model allows them to provide affordable renovations for individuals with limited expendable income They prioritize inclusivity and provide a sense of security for homeowners, especially for single women who may feel more comfortable with their crews   [12:34 - 16:02] Offering Opportunities for Folks of All Abilities Kat talks about how they are providing employment opportunities for underemployed individuals Participants in their training program are paid, enabling them to support their families while fully committing to their education After the program, there are also endless career possibilities because of the  big demand in the industry  Regardless of abilities or differences, they recognize the potential of individuals and provide a supportive environment where they can thrive [16:03 - 21:23] The Importance of Collaboration in Strengthening Communities The organization is funded primarily through grants, both from the government and private foundations The key to their success has been building connections and finding supportive individuals and organizations in the community Kat also shares what’s next for Hope Renovations   [21:24 - 27:05] Closing Segment Kat discusses the importance of equal access to opportunities in the construction field They feel honored to be able to create a supportive community that brings joy and fulfillment to both workers and homeowners     Want to connect with Kat? Check out Hope Renovations on Instagram and Facebook. Visit their website at hoperenovations.org. Key Quotes:   “What a privilege it is for us to be able to be some of the first folks to help them navigate, like one of the most important and scary parts, which is making a home more accessible and the financial burden of that sometimes.” - Kat Kabat   “It shouldn't take having a handy dad for me to have found my way here. There should be other pathways.” - Kat Kabat   “The first step is probably taking the temperature of your community and finding those folks who are going to help you make it happen.” - Kat Kabat Please check out videos of many of the podcast episodes on my YouTube channel: Accessible Housing Matters.   To learn more, share feedback, or share guest ideas, please visit my website or contact me on Facebook and Twitter.   Like what you've heard? Please review us! That helps let other people know about the podcast.   Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing and getting conversations going.   I'd love to learn more about what's on your mind and get your feedback about the show.   Contact me directly at stephen@accessiblehousingmatters.com to share your thoughts or arrange a call.  
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    27 mins
  • Living Safely in Your Home – Making Your Space More Accessible and Aging in Place

    Living Safely in Your Home – Making Your Space More Accessible and Aging in Place
    Sep 18 2023
    Why is early and effective planning crucial for long-term home safety and independence?   In this episode, Stephen interviews Janet Engel - an occupational therapist, certified aging-in-place specialist, and an executive certificate in home modification holder - to share her expertise and help people understand the importance of making their living space more accessible and safer for them to navigate. She explains how universal design features can help make life easier and stresses the importance of automation systems for those who don't do well with technology. Stephen and Janet discuss the challenges of aging in place and how to overcome them while emphasizing the importance of proper planning so people can live safely and independently at home for longer.   Tune in for helpful tips on creating a safe space for aging in place!     [00:01 - 09:53] Opening Segment • Less than 5% of the housing stock in the US has features that would make it universally designed • How Janet helps people live safely in their homes and teaches about this • Simple modifications to increase safety and independence The importance of automation systems   [09:54 - 19:04] How Technology Can Help Women Age in Place Safely and Comfortably • Women are more at risk of being victims of criminal acts, so security in the home is important • How you can use Alexa to tie into home features like lighting and security systems • Arthritis is the number one disability that Americans have Impacting mobility and making everyday tasks difficult   [19:05 - 28:06] Debunking Misconceptions & Understanding the Benefits of Aging in Place • Universal design features can make a home more functional • Better design for primary bathrooms should include counter space and storage to reduce fall risk • Accessible design is not ugly or institutional-looking   [28:07 - 34:23] Closing Segment • You can beautifully design wheelchair ramps with safety features • What you need to create the best modifications for people with disabilities/progressive conditions/traumatic events     Want to connect with Janet? Follow her on LinkedIn. Visit Home Designs for Life to encompass all stages of life and abilities!     Key Quotes:     “There needs to be a happy medium where people with unlimited funds and people with limited funds can change their environment, not just their bathroom.” - Janet Engel   “Ramps are one of the accessible features that is most often done incorrectly.” - Janet Engel       Please check out videos of many of the podcast episodes on my YouTube channel: Accessible Housing Matters,   To learn more, share feedback, or share guest ideas, please visit my website or contact me on Facebook and Twitter.   Like what you've heard? Please review us! That helps let other people know about the podcast.   Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing and getting conversations going.   I'd love to learn more about what's on your mind and get your feedback about the show.   Contact me directly at stephen@accessiblehousingmatters.com to share your thoughts or arrange a call.
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    34 mins

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