Tsunamis, First Aid, and Imagination - III
But some of do work in the travel industry of the tsunami-affected region or have responsibility for planning and development in the region. Here are a few stimulants to the imagination that might prove vauable in the coming weeks:
Keep in mind that the 42 million Americans with disabilities are only one national market and a tiny portion of the global market of aging Boomers who are experiencing diminishing capacities and who are positively disposed to returning to this region as tourists.
Build a 21st century infrastructure that meets and exceeds the comforts your market increasingly builds into their own homes through such design concepts as Visitability (US), Guestability (Australia), Trans-generational housing, Lifespan housing, and Aging-in-place.
Examine both the spirit and the specifications of legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as minimal specifications for reconstruction.
Adopt Universal Design principles in order to make inclusion of all invisible – even stylish.
Consult with experts in these fields early in the design and reconstruction process by contacting international organizations such as Adaptive Environments, Keroul, and the World Institute on Disability. Rely as well on the local expertise of disability groups in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Posted by rollingrains at January 11, 2005 08:56 PM
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