Salem for All Ages presentation: Universal Design for Salem's housing

120 Washington Street, Salem MA 01970
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Event Date: 
Tuesday, September 26, 2017 - 3:00pm

The City of Salem and the Salem for All Ages Task Force will welcome Valerie Fletcher, Executive Director of the Institute for Human Centered Design, for two public presentations on the topic of universal design on Tuesday, September 26.

"Housing is an important component of the Salem for All Ages action plan," said Mayor Kim Driscoll, "And a key piece of that is ensuring that our housing stock, whether it is being refurbished or constructed new, incorporates the elements of universal design. A universally designed home is one in which one can live and grow older with ease. It enables seniors who have lived in Salem all their lives, who grew up here, to be better able to stay in the community that they love."

The same presentation will be offered at 3pm and 6pm on September 26, and both take place in the third floor conference room at City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street. Please RSVP to dpangallo@salem.comif you plan to attend and identify which time you plan to attend. Both presentations are free and open to all.

Abstract: Universal Design, A Key to Age-Friendly Salem

Design is a process of imagining how existing conditions can be transformed into preferred ones. With the Age-Friendly City designation, the people of Salem have already demonstrated that they can imagine a Salem for all ages. In support of practical implementation of Salem’s vision, Fletcher will share the story of universal design globally with an emphasis on homes. The concept of universal design was born in 1997 in response to the same facts as the Age-Friendly City movement: in the 21st century, we live longer and survive more than at any time in history. Design is a necessary tool to tackle the practical tasks that make our good fortune work at the personal and community level. 

Valerie Fletcher Bio-Sketch

Valerie Fletcher has been Executive Director since 1998 of the Institute for Human Centered Design (IHCD) a design and education non-profit founded in 1978 that promotes design as a tool for social equity.  Fletcher writes, lectures and works internationally. She generates opportunities for IHCD and has broad oversight of all educational programs as well as consulting and design services. She is Councilor for the International Association for Universal Design (IAUD) in Japan. Fletcher has a master’s degree in ethics and public policy from Harvard University. The Boston Society of Architects awarded her the Women in Design award in 2005. She co-chairs the Design Industry Group of Massachusetts and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Boston Architectural College.