Universal Design/Build Course 

Member Fee - $365.00
Non-Member Fee - $390.00

*Includes continental breakfast & lunch

Universal Design/Build presents a shift in the approach to residential design and construction. Comfort and convenience regardless of age, stature or ability is the hallmark of inclusive design. Designers suppliers, builders, remodelers, social and health service providers will benefit from the creative design concepts and practices presented to develop market-driven projects that have broad aesthetic appeal as well as the necessary functional attributes. Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) courses are not a pre-requisite and CAPS will find benefit by expanding into the broader spectrum of universal design that offers a much wider target audience. As a graduate of this course, you will be able to: 

  • Describe the significance of integrating UD concepts in residential construction 
  • Distinguish between accessibility solutions and UD solutions 
  • Describe ways that design can be both functional and attractive 
  • Identify and implement solutions for simple and complex scenarios that address various household compositions, budgets and changing needs of clients 
  • Use effective marketing and communication strategies throughout the process 
  • Locate resources, products, materials and services 

Continuing Education Hours: 12.0

Designations: CGA,CGB,GMB,GMR,Master CSP

Continuing Education Credits: CAPS, CGA, CGB, CGR, GMB, CSP, Master CSP, CMP, MIRM

About the instructor:

Debra Young, M.Ed., OTR/L, SCEM, ATP, CAPS, owner of EmpowerAbility^® LLC, is a certified specialist in environmental modifications, aging in place, and assistive technology.  She is a registered and licensed occupational therapist with a Master’s in Education degree with specialization in Assistive Technology (AT) from Bowling Green State University, a graduate certificate in AT from Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Elizabethtown College. A Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America certified Assistive Technology Professional and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).  Debra is the recipient of the 2013 NAHB CAPS of the Year Award.  Debra has earned the Specialty Certification in Environmental Modifications from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)—A distinction accomplished by less than 1% of occupational therapists nationally.  She is the 2014 recipient of the AOTA Recognition of Achievement Award for notable contributions to the profession and its consumers in environmental modifications specialty practice.

Currently, Debra is an NAHB State Associate Director, 50+ Housing Council Trustee, Consultant Governor to the CAPS Board of Governors and an NAHB approved instructor for the CAPS and Universal Design/Build courses.   Locally, she is the Associate Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Delaware (HBADE) Executive Board and is the President of the HBADE Associates Council.