Universal Design Coalition

The Universal Design Coalition (UDC) advocates Universal Design concepts and use in our community and beyond.

Universal Design (often called inclusive design) refers to broad-spectrum ideas meant to produce buildings, products, and environments that are inherently more accessible, comfortable, convenient, healthier, and safer. The resultant living environments are of benefit to seniors, people with special needs, and even those who simply wish to live in improved circumstances.

At present, our primary focus has been to develop presentations, which are part of communication and education programs centered on identifying Universal Design initiatives that help to implement new Living Environment practices.

Some examples of our target audiences include buyers of Universal Design home features (either renovations or new homes), sellers of Universal Design concepts (realtors, hospitals, caretakers) and providers of Universal Design physical elements (licensed contractors, equipment installers).

The Universal Design Coalition meets on a monthly basis at the Center for Arts and Humanity in Sarasota. We welcome new attendees to join us in learning more about Universal Design. Please feel free to contact the UDC Chair, Larry Hale, should you wish to participate in one of our sessions.

Larry W. Hale
Chair of Universal Design Coalition (UDC)
Cornerstone LifeCare Advisor
RA, CSI, CDT, LEED AP, FGBC
Principal
Hale-Edwards Associates, P.A.

Contact Info:
(941) 376-2167
larryhalellc@gmail.com

We would also look forward to discussing the possibility of scheduling a presentation for you or your organization about the UDC and Universal Design in general. Feel free to inquire about having one of our representatives work with you in this capacity.

Click Here to view an educational PowerPoint Presentation
created by the Universal Design Coalition.

Click Here to go to Universal Design.

Click Here to Learn More About the June 15 UDC Forum.

Click Here to go to Universal Design Coaltion Website.

During These Unsettling Times We Bring Health & Wellness Services to Your Home!

Cornerstone LifeCare Clients
Our clients come from all walks of life and, during these uncertain times, most wish to stay in the comfort and safety of their home. They may have several people involved in their care plan. Our Consultants can help take the burden off these supporters.

The Initial Meeting
A Cornerstone LifeCare Consultant will meet with the client and supporters to gather information on their health, living environment, general financial situation, and current medical providers. Evaluated items include physical capabilities such as mobility and ability to function in the home, living environment safety and accessibility, and overall personal requirements.

The Recommendations and Report
Following the initial meeting, the Cornerstone LifeCare Consultant will process the information. A report is then written with specific recommendations including immediate action steps, such as a medical examination or more in-depth Living Environment review.

Follow-up Process
Along with the written report the Consultant will discuss specific recommendations with the client and supporters. We have high quality, vetted service providers and resources (the majority serve in your home). Living Environment recommendations may include Aging in Place modifications or Personal Services such as home health, legal, financial, and medical needs. When appropriate, we will also assist with placement outside the home in a senior living community of choice .

Ongoing Relationship
Our Cornerstone LifeCare Consultants often establish an an ongoing relationship to help oversee and manage the coordination of future service needs.

Click Here for More Information.

Nannies • Babysitters • Senior Companions

Special Program for On-Site Employee Child Care

Debra Fortosis and her team will design, manage, and oversee a program at your facility so that valued employees, volunteers, and supporters of your organization can have their children attended to while carrying out their responsibilities.

Click Here for More Information.

Home Modifications Sarasota

Aging in Place Remodeling and Modifications
• Starts with an in-home consultation
• Certified Aging in Place Specialists
• Focus on accessibility, comfort, convenience, safety, and visitability
• Incorporates principles of Universal Design

Click Here for More Information and to Schedule an In-Home Consultation.

“Aging in the Right Place” Forum

Participants recently met and heard area experts share vital keys to planning and implementing steps for Aging in Place.

They learned about adapting their current living environment to improve accessibility, convenience, levels of care, functionality, and safety while staying right where they are.

They also learned about the availability of services and resources to complement their living environment and support the goal of Aging in Place.

FORUM PRESENTERS

Barbara Cogswell
A Better Solution Home Care, Owner
Sarasota Senior Advisory Council, Chair

Chuck Vollmer
101 Mobility, Owner
Universal Design Coalition, Board Member

Kathleen Houseweart
Senior Aging Specialist
Stakeholders in Aging Consortium, Chair

Click Here for More Information.

Michael Moore Jr.
Staff Writer, Herald-Tribune

Aging in the Right Place Articles

“Sarasota is a great place to grow old”
Monday, January 20, 2020
Click Here for Article.

“What is universal design and can it work for you?”
Monday, January 13, 2020
Click Here for Article.

“Make a plan, but be ready to change it”
Monday, December 30, 2019
Click Here for Article.

“Creativity can set you free”
Monday, November 25, 2019
Click Here for More Info & Article.

“Doing your homework to find the perfect option for you”
Monday, August 19, 2019
Click Here for More Info & Article.

Placement in Senior Living Communities

Should a decision be made to explore a transition to one of many Senior Living Community options, we are here to help.

Our goal is to not only keep the needs and desires of the loved one in mind but fully consider the influence on family members, caregivers, friends, and other supporters.

Whether the choice is Independent Living, Assisted Living. Memory Care, Skilled Nursing or Rehab we have a dedicated group of trusted Partners that we feel are the best in the industry.

We look forward to hearing from you to begin discussions towards choosing the the right Senior Living Community for your particular situation.

Click Here for More Information.

Cornerstone LifeCare is a member of the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association (BIA). Click Here to access BIA website.

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