Universal Design Myths Busted: Facts that Foster Inclusion
Busting Myths, Building Inclusion!
Think you’ve got Universal Design all figured out?
Sure, you’ve heard of Universal Design. The motivation is good, but it’s expensive…and gives major hospital vibes…and it’s a lot of extra work to improve the space for a handful of people.
Think again!
Join us for “Universal Design Myths Busted: Facts that Foster Inclusion” – a free, virtual workshop where we debunk the biggest UD myths with a panel of experts and uncover the real facts that make spaces better for everyone!
April 10, 2025
11:00 AM CT
Live on Zoom
Get ready to challenge what you thought you knew and leave with game-changing insights!
Meet the UD Experts
Tiffany Dill, OTD, CAPS
Accessibility and Universal Design Consultant
Meaghan Walls
CEO
Center for Disability Inclusion
Meaghan Walls is the CEO for the Center for Disability Inclusion, as well as the founder of Assistology, LLC. In all her roles she has endeavored to break down barriers for people with disabilities to participate in life’s activities using her expertise as a Rehab Engineer, Universal Design specialist, Assistive Technology Professional and certified ADA Coordinator. She is driven by a core believe that all people deserve to be able to do the things they want, where they want and how they want. Meaghan holds a Master of Science in Bioengineering with an emphasis on Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology from the University of Illinois-Chicago and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana.
Steve Wright
Universal Design Expert Planner and Professor
Urban Travel, Sustainability and Accessibility (blog)
Steve Wright has four decades of experience in Universal Design, mobility, urban design, planning and architecture. He has presented on Universal Design issues and solutions at the national conference of the American Planning Association and at the International Making Cities Livable forum in Paris. Wright is a passionate keynote speaker and workshop leader. His award-winning reporting on inclusive cities frequently appears in Planning magazine.
Wright created a groundbreaking Universal Design course for a major school of architecture. He is featured the nation’s preeminent expert in design and public policy to increase quality of life for people who use wheelchairs for mobility in “Mark – A Call to Action.” The 90-minute disability positive documentary by an Emmy-winning producer-director premiered in Tokyo to a host of U.S. State Department Officials, renowned Japanese disability advocates and academics.
Wright has published more than 2,000 professional articles on best practices for creating inclusive places. He has made daily blog entries and social media posts on Universal Design and disability advocacy for more than a decade.
Gretchen Kingma, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, REALTOR
Founder and CEO
Gretchen Kingma, an occupational therapist, and founder of Empowered Homes powered by Keller Williams Realty and has a deep love for the city of St. Louis offering unmatched dedication and professionalism to each of her clients.
As a registered Occupational Therapist, Gretchen adds unique value to the field. She completed her Masters in Occupational Therapy at Saint Louis University and specializes in aging-in-place services, home modification, and community transitions assisting older adults and persons with disabilities making their spaces fit their needs while promoting independence, comfort, and personal choice.
Gretchen has an array of unique, self-made, experiences that have equipped her with communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills. Most importantly, she values helping people achieve real estate and lifestyle goals.
