Technical Assistance
Jennifer Emerling / There Is More Work To Be Done
Jennifer Emerling / There Is More Work To Be Done
Now Accepting Applications – Transform Your Housing Programs with Accessible and Universal Design
The Cohort is now full. Thank you to everyone who applied, we are currently reviewing applications and will be notifying selected participants in the coming days.
Is your organization aiming to develop housing programs that cater to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or life circumstances? Do you want to build or renovate affordable housing that is accessible to most people and allows them to age in place?
The Housing Assistance Council’s (HAC) Accessible and Universal Design Workshop Series offers a unique opportunity for housing professionals to learn how to address accessibility, mobility, and design needs in their programs. This series equips 30 participants with the knowledge, skills, and real-world examples needed to reimagine housing programs that support clients at every stage of life.
Testimonial:
“The Accessibility and Universal Design training program was incredibly informative. It gave me a better understanding of how to help homeowners make their homes more visitable and modify them to better age in place. The instructors were great, and the connections I made were priceless!”
— 2023 Program Participant
As a Graduate of This Workshop Series, You Will:
- Learn the principles of universal design.
- Understand how to integrate accessible and universal design features into your housing design and construction activities.
- Gain tools to create or revise housing programs that address accessibility and universal design, from intake through construction/rehabilitation.
- Become a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders.
- Explore simple and complex solutions that demonstrate how accessible and universal design features can be attractive and affordable.
- Receive reimbursement for travel and training expenses to attend two required in-person training events.
Who Should Participate?
- Affordable housing professionals overseeing single-family new construction or rehabilitation programs.
- Nonprofit construction team members involved in designing and building affordable housing.
- Housing nonprofit CEOs and leaders looking to implement universal design across their programs and services.
Program Commitments: Participants must commit to:
- Viewing approximately five hours of virtual workshop content.
- Attending the entire Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) program on October 28-30, 2024, in Chicago, IL.
- Attending a three-day in-person training session on Accessible and Universal Design, including site visits, on February 19-21, 2025, in Knoxville, TN.
- Providing future feedback to HAC on how accessible and universal design features were incorporated into their housing programs.
Testimonial:
“Networking was AWESOME! We developed a partnership with another attendee for a veteran’s home project. This is a huge benefit for our agency and the client receiving the help. Who thinks about partnering with out-of-state agencies?”
— 2023 Program Participant
Benefits: Participants in the workshop will gain a deep understanding of universal design principles and learn how to incorporate accessible and universal design features into their housing activities. They will acquire tools to refine housing programs, ensuring accessibility is addressed from intake through construction. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to earn the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) certification and witness firsthand demonstrations of design solutions that are both attractive and cost-effective. To support their learning experience, attendees will also receive reimbursement for travel and training expenses.
Timeline:
- View virtual workshop content in September and October 2024.
- Attend the CAPS program in Chicago, IL, on October 28-30, 2024.
- Attend in-person training in Knoxville, TN, on February 19-21, 2025.
- Provide feedback on how accessible and universal design features were integrated into your programs.
Scholarship Information: To support your participation, HAC offers travel scholarships. Organizations may receive up to $4,000 in reimbursement, with a $2,000 cap per individual. For groups outside the contiguous U.S., the limits are higher—up to $2,500 per person and $5,000 per organization. Reimbursements cover actual costs, including transportation and lodging, and are processed after the event, following federal reimbursement limits.
Requirements & Selection Criteria: To participate, you must:
- Be located in or serve a non-urbanized or rural community.
- Represent a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or local municipality.
- Be eligible to participate in HUD’s Rural Capacity Building Program.
- Commit to attending the two in-person training events.
Application Deadline: September 6, 2024. Qualified organizations will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join Us on This Journey! Create inclusive communities through accessible and universal design principles and make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families in need of affordable, accessible housing.
