Another “Universal Design/Build class instructed by Steve Hoffacker, CAPS, was just held at the Citrus County Builders Association in Lecanto, Florida.
Several such classes have already been offered this year, and many more are scheduled. This 2-day course is a great complement to the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (“CAPS”) designation program, and it satisfies the 12-hour continuing education requirement for a three-year period.
Taking the CAPS training prior to enrolling in the Universal Design/Build class is not a requirement or prerequisite. Many people take the CAPS classes first and then do the Universal Design course, but other take just the Universal Design class or take it first.
The CAPS and the Universal Design classes are related but totally separate. The CAPS training deals with mobility, sensory, and cognitive issues that people may experience as they move through various stages of life and addresses people with no physical needs that require any modifications to meet, and those with progressive or traumatic conditions where home modifications are required.
The Universal Design classes focus on elements of the home – exterior, passageways, lighting and other aspects of interior environmental quality, doors and windows, kitchen, bathroom, technology, and other important rooms and areas in the home – and how they can be designed, created, and implemented to serve the widest possible audiences. Aging-in-place is not ignored, but it is not the main emphasis – rather meeting all needs and accommodating the various ranges of ability and disability.
Attendees at the “Universal Design/Build” class in Lecanto, Florida discuss how to apply some of the concepts that have been presented
Best practices, good design, innovative methods and materials, and the latest treatments and solutions are illustrated along with specific guidelines and standards to use in equipping a home that provides general safety, access, comfort, and convenience to its occupants and visitors.
Steve has several more of these two-day classes scheduled this year in West Palm Beach and other areas. Check his website for classes already scheduled. Contact him to discuss attending one in the future or offering one in your specific area.
Anyone in new construction, real estate, healthcare delivery, residential design, the trades, or building materials, and anyone with a CAPS designation, should consider attending this program.