Beyond the Blueprint: Universal Design Case Studies in Action

Universal design sounds great in theory. This webinar shows what it looks like when people put it into practice. Join speakers from the University at Buffalo, The Kelsey, and LS Adaptive as they walk through real projects:

a children’s museum in Pittsburgh built to work for every visitor,
residential homes designed for disabled and non-disabled family members to live together comfortably, and
adaptive clothing that makes getting dressed easier and more independent.

Each speaker brings a different field and a different set of lessons, but the same core question: how do you design for everyone from the start, instead of retrofitting later?

Whether you work in architecture, housing, product design, or disability services, you’ll leave with concrete examples you can point to and ideas you can carry into your own work.

Guest experts (bios down below): Emily Gerhardstein • Danise Levine • Kyle Seem

Ready to design for everyone?

This webinar is free and open to all. ASL interpretation will be provided.

Event Details

Time and Date:

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

1:00 – 2:30 pm CDT

Location:

Zoom webinar

ASL:

This event will have ASL interpretation.

Meet the Experts

Emily Gerhardstein

CEO & Co-Founder • LS Adaptive

As CEO and co-founder of LS Adaptive, Emily is leading a mission-driven, Asian female-founded bootstrapping startup dedicated to redefining adaptive apparel inspired by lived experience. At LS Adaptive, they are designing smarter, more inclusive clothing through our patent-pending Hana Fasteners™—magnetic technology that makes dressing effortless, one-handed, and more accessible. Their discreet, stylish solutions are built to empower confidence and independence, reflecting their core belief that thoughtful design should serve everyone. With nearly 20 years of experience spanning merchandising, product development, go-to-market strategy, sourcing, art, design, licensing, and strategic collaborations, Emily brings a unique blend of creative vision and data-driven strategy to every project.

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn.

Danise Levine, AIA

Architect and Assistant Director • University at Buffalo

Danise is the ultimate multi-tasker. She’s an effective leader, problem-solver, and supermom. On any given day she is designing innovative home environments, overseeing the Center’s finances, supervising staff, and maintaining the balancing act that accompanies being a mom to an active, energetic boy. She is passionate about all things creative and takes a methodical and well-organized approach to everything she does. She’s strong yet incredibly approachable. Her direct delivery, imparted by her New York City roots, is balanced by kindness, empathy, and humor. As a registered architect, her impressive contribution to the fields of accessible and universal design are numerous. She aspires to be a change-maker, actively working to change peoples’ lives and alter the way they interact with their environments. With over 1500 successful home modification projects and a dozen new single-family homes completed, she has enabled many individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes and community. She also understands the importance of forging relationships with her clients. Working successfully for over 30 years with families, contractors, and care coordinators, this rewarding work has resulted in valuable connections with clients and partners that have flourished over the years into positive working relationships and friendships. Danise thrives on the variety that makes life interesting and worthwhile and is motivated each day by new challenges.

Connect with Danise on LinkedIn.

Kyle Seem

Inclusive Design Manager • The Kelsey

Kyle Seem is The Kelsey’s Inclusive Design Manager and is proud to be a part of their mission to create a disability-forward housing future. Prior to her time at The Kelsey, Kyle worked as an architectural designer specializing in Inclusive Design, and is committed to creating inclusive spaces for everyone to share and enjoy. Kyle has a varied background and previously worked as a software engineer and a data analyst in Upstate New York. Kyle currently lives in Bellingham, WA, with her partner, their cat and dog, and their many houseplants. In her spare time, she likes to kayak, crochet, and play video games.

Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn.