September 15, 2026 - Perspectives in Aging Community of Practice

Members - FREE

Non-Members - $20

Virtual Meeting 7:00 pm 

REGISTER HERE! 

Summary of Event: 

Title: Designing A Forever Home 

This presentation offers a personal and thought-provoking look at how architecture can shape independence, inclusion, and quality of life. Architect Jan Degenshein, whose own childhood experiences with illness, disability, wheelchairs, and crutches profoundly influenced his career, shares the story behind his commitment to accessible design. Through photographs of his own home and examples from his architectural work, Jan demonstrates how accessibility can be integrated into thoughtful, attractive design rather than treated as an afterthought or special accommodation. Wider doorways, accessible routes, reinforced walls, thoughtful transitions, and other features can be incorporated into the design vernacular in ways that benefit people with and without disabilities. For occupational therapists, this presentation offers an opportunity to look at the relationship between person, environment, occupation, and participation from a complementary architectural perspective. It invites us to consider how we can work collaboratively with architects and other design professionals to create environments that support independence, dignity, safety, and belonging. Most importantly, Jan's story reminds us that our personal experiences can shape our purpose—and that designing environments that remove barriers is ultimately about creating a world in which everyone can participate. Rather than asking people to adapt to their surroundings, thoughtful design can help surroundings adapt to people.

Speaker(s) Name and Credentials:

Facilitator: Susanne Giannitti OTR/L
Speaker: Jan Degenshein 

Jan Degenshein, Architect and Planner, brings 51 years of experience in architecture, planning, and accessible design. An AIA Emeritus member and Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners, Jan has worked extensively in aging-in-place, disability access, and barrier-free environments. A member of the Norwalk ADA Transition Committee, his commitment to accessibility is also deeply personal, shaped by his childhood experiences using wheelchairs and crutches. Jan will share photographs from his own home and demonstrate how accessibility can become a natural part of beautiful, thoughtful design.

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
1) Recognize how accessible design can eliminate physical and social barriers by integrating accessible routes and features into the standard design of homes and other environments.

2) Identify ways universal and accessible design principles can be incorporated into attractive, functional spaces so that features such as ramps, wider doorways, and other accommodations become thoughtful design choices rather than afterthoughts.

3) Describe practical strategies for anticipating future accessibility needs and incorporating adaptable features during new construction or renovation to minimize the cost and disruption of future modifications.