During episode 4, season 3 of Accessibility Is Home podcast, Angela Fox introduced two trailblazing professionals in the field of accessible real estate—Gretchen Kingman and Tiffany Dill. Together, these two experts are shaping the future of disability homeownership by offering holistic, accessible design and construction solutions.
The Journey to Real Estate and Design
Gretchen’s journey into real estate began when her father when he was diagnosed with stage four cancer and the family quickly realized that his home didn't meet his needs. But helping her father implement universal design elements into his home, he was able to spend his final days comfortably in a space that was easy to navigate and functional, surrounded by loved ones. As an occupational therapist, she sought to develop environments for her clients that would catered their abilities. Tiffany, with her early passion for home design, understood the value of universal design while searching for her own home. Their partnership has since revolutionized accessible housing solutions. By combining there two sister companies they Redefining Real Estate for Inclusivity they could provide end-to-end solution with real estate and construction.
Universal Design and Functionality
One of the major takeaways from Gretchen’s philosophy is that universal design benefits not only individuals with disabilities but everyone. Key elements of this approach include:
Zero-Step Entry: Essential for wheelchair accessibility and easy movement.
Wider Doorways and Hallways: Standard doorways of 36 inches accommodate various mobility aids.
Functional Layouts: Features such as kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms all located on the main level ensure ease of use for people with limited mobility.
Real Estate Investment and Accessibility
Tiffany highlighted a critical point: integrating accessibility into homes shouldn’t always come with the label of “ADA-compliant” or “universal design.” When pitching to real estate investors, framing these homes as an attractive investment opportunity is key. The statistics are revealing: although 26% of Americans live with a disability, only 0.15% of homes are truly accessible, showing an untapped market with significant potential.
The Importance of Proactive Planning
Both experts stress the importance of proactive planning in home design. Misconceptions—such as assuming that ADA compliance is sufficient for residential properties—can lead to mistakes. Proper education and forward-thinking are critical to ensuring homes meet the diverse needs of their occupants. They offer Conceptual Design plans, which they put together basically like a recipe book to hand off to contractors if a client already has a contractor that they want to work with
Breaking Down Barriers: Educating Contractors and Realtors
Tiffany and Gretchen are on a mission to educate contractors and realtors about modern accessibility standards. Many in the industry still cling to outdated beliefs, viewing accessible design as unattractive or unnecessary. However, by moving beyond minimal ADA compliance, homes can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By designing homes that are inclusive, families and communities can also thrive in environments that promote participation and independence for all.
Final Thoughts
The expertise shared by Gretchen Kingman and Tiffany Dill highlights the transformative power of universal design. It’s not just about creating homes that comply with accessibility laws—it’s about crafting spaces where individuals of all abilities can live comfortably and safely. Through proactive planning, compelling data, and continuous education, they are paving the way for a future where accessible homes are the norm, not the exception.
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For more insights or to consult with Gretchen and Tiffany, visit [Custom Joy STL](http://www.customjoystl.com). They offer services both locally and nationally. To explore more about disability homeownership and listen to the episode of Accesssibility Is Home podcast, visit [Horizontal Houses](http://horizontalhouses.com).
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