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Accessible Design: Capitalizing on the Benefits of Nature

4:30 - 5:30 pm
Location: Lynnwood Convention Center - Room 1BC
Speaker: Audrey West, PLA, ASLA; Ann Dinthongsai, ASLA

Description:

The session will address the question: From an accessibility standpoint, how can we ensure that people with diverse accessibility needs, including people with visual, hearing, mobility, and cognitive impairments, have a quality user experience that maximizes their benefits from nature? HSW-Yes

During the presentation we will:

  • Clarify the difference between ADA compliance, Universal Design and Inclusive Design. 
  • Explain the importance of exceeding the minimum requirements of the ADA Act.
  • Discuss our role as landscape architects in providing quality experiences that maximizing the benefits of nature; to make sure that the experiences we design are inclusive of everyone, regardless of age, cognitive or physical ability, state of health, etc.
  • Conduct an Ability Box exercise with the group to help us think outside our own box. 
  • Give tips on how to approach design for inclusiveness. 
  • Give examples of design for inclusive experiences that promote a sense of control, independence, inclusion, safety, and respect. HSW-Yes
Learning Objectives:
  • Clarify the difference between ADA compliance, Universal Design and Inclusive Design.
  • Learn why it’s important to go beyond the minimum requires of the ADA Act.
  • Acquire an understanding of the benefits of nature within various environments.
Speaker Bios:

Audrey West, PLA, ASLA
Principal, The West Studio
Audrey’s background in education and landscape architecture combined with her cumulative life experiences has honed her understanding and expertise in design for supportive environments and her passion for creating sustainable, culturally vibrant communities. She uses evidence-based design practices to achieve the greatest positive outcomes for clients desiring supportive environments that maximize benefits to their organizations, employees, residents, clients and communities.

Ann Dinthongsai, ASLA
Associate, The West Studio
Ann is a landscape designer and Associate at The West Studio. She believes strongly in purposeful, functional design that weaves a story about stewardship of both communities and the environment. Ann has been recognized with several awards from ASLA and WASLA for projects involving research and design of therapeutic landscapes. Her experience, enthusiasm and passion for evidence-based design makes her a vital member of The West Studio’s design team.