UD Today: Live & Learn conference overview

Where should people go who are impatient for more thoughtfully designed homes, schools, communities, products and services? Where they do more than talk about design equity and innovation-driven action that makes life and learning better for everyone?

No more preaching to the choir. It's time to broaden the conversation. Engage new people, explore new ideas at the Universal Design Today: Live & Learn Conference in Charleston, West Virginia, May 15-17, 2017.

We'll also be announcing a mobile schedule app that will allow you even more flexibility in planning your conference experience with us. View a detailed agenda that includes course descriptions HERE or see the printed program agenda by clicking on the graphic below.

REGISTER TODAY for the NAHB UNIVERSAL DESIGN/BUILD
TWO-DAY COURSE
According to ProBuilder.com, today's home buyers are exchanging
lavish extras for stylish practicality that supports a lifetime of
changing needs and preferences.

They may not know to ask for Universal Design features by name.
That's why they need you.

Regardless of style, size or budget, Universal Design makes homes
and communities more livable and marketable.

Master builder Bill Owens helps designers, builders and
remodelers integrate the hottest residential trends driving the
building and remodeling industries.

Learn how to integrate inclusive design features consumers of all
ages want, such as:
-Thoughtful design/layout that supports multigenerational, modern lifestyles
-Multifunctional design for flexible use of live/work space,
kitchens and baths;
-Options to accommodate aging parents, shifting family dynamics;
-Transitional design for style;
-Smart, accessible shelving;
-Higher resale value, broader market appeal. and much more.

Exhibitors

From 10:00 - 11:00 ish, some dynamic pre-conference workshops will whet your appetite for what's to come.

-Smart Home Trends for 2017
-How to Avoid Accidentally Messing Up Education for Nearly Everyone
-Dirty Little Secrets that Builders Don’t Want You to Know About Universal Design
-Choosing the Right Tool for the Job: Using the Business Model Canvas and Lean Startup
Methods for Small Business Development in Rural and Urban Communities

Design. Innovation. Applied Research. These short talks set the stage and the pace for the entire conference.

Carefully curated short talks by inspiring industry experts bring it all together in what we're calling the FUTURE SESSIONS. These short talks focus on how leadership, advocacy and innovation in human-centered design of places, products and programs support expanded human ability and potential. FUTURE SESSIONS explore design driven innovation in education, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, policy, placemaking, workforce and civic participation, tourism and hospitality, research and development and more.

Been wondering how rural communities can benefit from all this talk? The FUTURE SESSIONS are for you. We guarantee you'll be inspired, informed and motivated by what you see, hear and experience. And you'll be able to put these ideas and connects to work for you in your community.

Listen, learn, celebrate, connect and touch the future of UD-driven innovation and expanded human potential.

AARP is graciously welcoming conferees, special guests and the public to join this exciting, big vision reception. RSVP information will be circulated soon, and will be required. (Please see registration page .)

Design and planning headliners will join a diverse group of visionaries will continue to enlighten us on topics related to quality of place and design-driven innovation for all the things by which we live and learn.

Local musicians and artists are planning a signature "welcome" to attendees.

8:30 - 10:00+ Open Jam Session with Footmad and Friends (Create WV & friends love fun!)

Some folks love the magic that happens as the madding crowd retreats. If you are looking for a jam session, we're pretty sure you'll find willing and able players.

8:00 A Meet up for breakfast hour "listening salons" and choose from various listening sessions focused on a variety of community-chosen topics of discussion.

Carol Smith is a research driven UX evangelist who motivates teams to design products and services to meet the needs of their intended users. Carol has led projects for the US government, non-profits and corporations in a variety of industries. Her efforts have improved users' experiences of mobile apps, websites, software, consumer goods and services. Carol has a Masters degree in Human-Computer Interaction from DePaul University. She currently manages a design team for IBM Watson in Pittsburgh, PA. She enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering with UX organizations and in her community. She has presented at more than 70 UX design and technical meetups, conferences and events around the world.

10:10 - 11:00 A & 11:10 - Noon

Breakout Session 1 10:10-11:00 A

UD Hack Session for K-16 and Home Schooling Educators

Global Universal Design Innovations - John O’Meara, HEWI

Universal Design for Technologists and the Generally Curious: Future Technologies NOW - Marshall University & Friends

Introducing the Deaf Arts Museum Center & Its Lessons - Robert Nichols, AIA, Nichols Design Associates, Inc.

A Review of Food eCommerce and Opportunities for Rural Food Start-Ups - Mark Gagnon, Ph.D. Harbaugh Entrepreneurship Scholar, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program, College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State

Stronger Economies Together (SET) Impacts of Comm/Econ Planning in NC & Rural Foods - Becky Bowen, J.D. Program Manager, CultivateNC, North Carolina Cooperative Extension; Susan A. Kelly, County Extension Director, NC Cooperative Extension, Richmond County Center; Dr. Susan S. Jakes, Associate State Program Leader, CRD for NC State Extension

Breakout Session 2 11:10-12:00 A

Universal Design for Learning: Boots on the Ground Session - PANEL: John Barton, Home School; Rebecca Recco, Apple Distinguished Teacher/Kanawha County Schools; Lee Ann Brammer, WVDE; Dr. Brian Ellison, Marshall University; Jessi Wright WVATS Program Manager

Next Generation: Future of Creative Placemaking in Rural America - Jennifer Hughes, Community Solutions Specialist, National Endowment for the Arts; Farah Ahmad, Community and Economic Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Savannah Barrett, Program Director, Art of the Rural

UD Renovations - Dave Brown, Home Matters

Driving Policy & Incentives to Reach Our Goals - Louis Tenenbaum, Homes Renewed

The Future of Homes - How Smart & Efficient Could Your Home Be in the Future? - Thom Worlledge, AIA

UD/UX Coaching Session for Entrepreneurs - Carol Smith, Senior Design Manager, IBM Watson; Das Menon, Industrial Designer