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Able Tales Newsletter
SILC hosts "Neighborhood Chat" about Universal Design
On Wednesday, November 5th, the SILC held a "Neighborhood Chat" in Burlington to discuss universal design and accessibility issues. More than 20 people participated
On behalf of the SILC, Council Member Peter Grassadonia presents a plaque to the presenter, architect Tom O'Brien of Northern Architects in Burlington, Vermont.
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in the event, including SILC council members, members of the independent living community, and interested members of the public.
Tom O'Brien of Northern Architects in Burlington was the event's featured guest speaker. O'Brien shared his thoughts on universal design, based on 25 years of experience designing public buildings including schools, libraries, colleges and state office buildings. He shared that making a new building accessible can be easy
and cost-effective. "If a building is done right the first time, it doesn't cost much more to put in a wider door," he said. Because retrofitting older buildings can be more costly, O'Brien emphasized the importance of planning ahead, especially since buildings may be used in many different capacities over time.
The greatest barrier to universal design, O'Brien shared, is a lack of education and awareness. He noted that while most architects and builders are aware of accessibility issues, their work is dictated by clients whose priorities vary. Additionally, regulations found in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are sometimes unclear, and can be interpreted differently by different people. O'Brien told SILC council members and other participants that greater outreach and education of the public would be helpful in improving accessibility around the state.
Following O'Brien's presentation there was a question and answer period during which the group discussed a number of issues including accessibility of residences, chemical sensitivity issues, and how to balance accessibility and aesthetics when designing a building.
SILC Executive Director Lynne Goodson poses with Tom O'Brien at the conclusion of the Neighborhood Chat.
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The afternoon concluded with the SILC's presentation of a plaque to Tom O'Brien in honor of his dedication to universal design and accessibility.
This is the second year that the Vermont Statewide Independent Living Council has hosted "Neighborhood Chats", which were formerly called "Speak-Outs". "Neighborhood Chats" are part of the SILC's ongoing outreach efforts, and provide an opportunity to gain valuable community feedback regarding independent living issues.
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