Event

Design for Life: Exploring Universal Design for All Ages and Stages

MARC is pleased to announce a 90-minute free, virtual forum exploring age-friendly and universal design for all ages and stages of life. 

The Kansas City area has a long history of diversity in age and ability. The 20th century witnessed a rise in the number of people with disabilities across all age groups, followed by this century's significant growth in the aging population. The region’s population of those over age 65 was 15.3% in 2020, or about 1 in 7 area residents. By 2050, this figure is projected to increase to 20.5%, or about 1 in 5 area residents. 

Many local jurisdictions are struggling with how to better accommodate their aging population in public facilities, housing, and transportation. This webinar will explore examples, models, and strategies for expanding universal access to all. 

• Updates on The Rocks project in Roeland Park, Kansas (71 accessible units classified as “universally designed” which will accommodate a wide range of residents regardless of age, ability or background, allowing renters to age in place)
• Improved ordinance and incentive models for local governments
• Implementation strategies for builders, developers and designers 

The target audience for this forum includes: 

• Local government elected officials and staff
• Planners
• Social service and community-based organizations
• Home builders, developers, architects, home designers, interior designers, remodelers
• Individuals interested in universal design