ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER

PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS     AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

I was speaking at a conference nearby.

The host hotel was too expensive.

I wanted something for under $150 --fully loaded (as in room, tax, parking) and Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando Convention Center fit the bill.

The room was large, super quiet and very clean.

The bed was very comfortable.

I emailed the property to place me far from the elevators, as that usually is a noisy area.

They complied, but I still had a view of International Drive.

The pool was large and nice, but it was rainy so I did not use it.

VENTANITAS

STORIES FROM AND ABOUT LITTLE HAVANA U.S.A.

Thrilled to attend the recent world premiere of trailer for Ventanitas -- Stories From and About Little Havana U.S.A.

Gratified that Joe Cardona featured me in this compelling documentary.

The film embraces diversity, cultural richness, compassion, equality and freedom. 

Ventanitas will premier in early 2026.

In final form, it may be a five-part series – broadcast nationwide.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c7X-RNvZ10So2FgozoeTshqA

WHAT HOMEBUYERS WITH DISABILITIES NEED BEYOND THE FRONT DOOR

AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE

Universal Design and Aging in Place resources:

·        The National Association of Home Builders has a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program that teaches contractors how to modify homes for disability accessibility and aging-in-place.

https://www.nahb.org/education-and-events/education/designations/certified-aging-in-place-specialist-caps/Additional-CAPS-Resources-Search#sort=relevancy

·        The National Council on Independent Living is a network of city and statewide nonprofits focused on people with disabilities living independently, not in institutions.

 ItIt has a wide range of resources, including the Visitability guidelines created by Eleanor Smith.

https://ncil.org/visitability/

 

 

 

 

WHAT HOMEBUYERS WITH DISABILITIES NEED BEYOND THE FRONT DOOR

AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE

Universal Design and Aging in Place resources:

The AARP is the largest nonprofit in the U.S., with 38 million members.

It developed the: Walk Audit Tool Kit “Learn how to assess and report on the safety and walkability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change.”

https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit-english/

 Understanding Aging in Place and Accessibility is a must to capture a growing market

·        Selling a high quality of life to people with disabilities includes the barrier-free accessibility of the community beyond the four walls of their residence

·        Soon, there will be more Americans age 65-plus than under 18. Nearly 40 percent of those older than 65 have some type of disability that impacts their daily lives.

WHAT HOMEBUYERS WITH DISABILITIES NEED BEYOND THE FRONT DOOR

AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE

Universal Design and Aging in Place resources:

The AARP is the largest nonprofit in the U.S., with 38 million members.

Not only has it partnered with the NAR on many livability issues, but it also is becoming the nation’s go-to resource for developing information that supports a high quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Some of its resources include:

HomeFit Guide “Smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe and a great fit for older adults — and people of all ages”

https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2020/homefit-guide-download.html

WHAT HOMEBUYERS WITH DISABILITIES NEED BEYOND THE FRONT DOOR

AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE

Simple tools to better serve the growing market for Aging in Place and People with Disabilities:

The bottom line is educating oneself DOES NOT require the expertise of a physical or occupational therapist, nor does it require personal or close family experience with a disability.

It simply requires being observant, asking a few questions and noting the downside of potential barriers and the upside of welcoming, accessible to all facilities.

REALTORS are already very good at this.

They are immersed in their communities.

They serve on municipal boards and committees with a higher frequency than many professions.

They already know how to sell community assets such as schools, parks, activities and transportation.

By simply raising awareness, digging deeper and taking a few notes – they can assemble a toolbox to capture the growing market of a graying America, many who benefit from barrier-free community design and facilities.

WHAT HOMEBUYERS WITH DISABILITIES NEED BEYOND THE FRONT DOOR

AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE

Simple tools to better serve the growing market for Aging in Place and People with Disabilities:

Many cities have adopted a Visitability code – which requires minimum access to the unit (32-inch wide, level door) and one accessible bathroom on the first floor.

Considering that the ADA Network has documented that virtually 40 percent of people 65 and older have a disability that impacts their daily lives, basic/comfortable/welcoming access can be marketed as a desirable amenity.