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PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

On location at the endless miles of wheelchair accessible boardwalks at Algar Seco near Carvoeiro in Portugal's Algarve

In the space of little more than a month, I have:

Headlined as a speaker on Universal Design and Sustainability at the Florida REALTORS statewide conference in Orlando.

Served as a key speaker at the American Planning Association’s statewide conference in Tampa.

Participated in the launch of the Saudades book, which features my fine art photography, which also is on display in the gallery section of Books & Books in Coral Gables.

Been featured as an on screen global expert on creating a better built environment for people with disabilities in the documentary film “Mark – A Call to Action” which released globally online, streaming and on DVD this month.

Traveled the Algarve and beyond in Portugal as a Universal Design expert consultant.

This coming week, I turn 60. 

I will weigh less than I did at age 16. 

Which means I was overweight for four decades, but finally figured things out and shed way more than 100 pounds.

AGING IN PLACE

UNIVERSAL ACCESS DESIGNS

I was gratified to join David Haight and Laura Streed this week to open the 2024 Florida Planning Conference in Tampa.

More than 1,000 professional planners attended the American Planning Association’s statewide event.

Our Aging in Place: Universal Access Designs presentation drew a standing room only crowd and much applause.

Florida’s population is aging.

By 2050, Florida is forecasted to grow by 5.4 million persons.

Federal studies show that one in four people will experience disability in their lifetime.

When neighborhoods are welcoming and comfortable for a wheelchair user, they function for people of all ages.

Ninety percent of retirees want to age in place, however less than one percent of all housing contains any universal design elements.

Over a million disabled people over 65 live in inaccessible homes.

We presented examples of neighborhood and housing designs that ensure people of all ages and abilities can thrive in their community.