Rosenberg, Khan-Allen, Castro and Barone. Image courtesy of HPxD
Inspired by High Point becoming a Certified Autism Destination last year, High Point by Design will debut the Design Forward summit this November, a two-day event that will address how to accommodate individuals on the autism spectrum.
Scheduled for Nov. 12-13, Design Forward will focus on designing with neurodiversity in mind in tracks targeting three groups: interior designers and home furnishings professionals; Realtors; and the greater community of parents, teachers, small business owners and others interested in learning more.
“The first thing that went through my mind when I heard that High Point had become a Certified Autism Destination was, ‘There’s a major design angle here. Let’s do something!’” said Jane Dagmi, managing director of HPxD. Speakers include Dagmi’s longtime designer friends Shelly Rosenberg of Acorn & Oak and Lisa Kahn-Allen of Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs, both who have declared wellness a pillar of their business, as well as newer connections Kristin Bartone of Bartone Interiors, autism home specialist Natalie Castro and Greg Barrett of Savant. These speakers are parents or guardians of children diagnosed with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDDs).
The first day, Nov. 12, will focus on the trade, the business of designing for neurodiverse families, and the strategies, tools and materials needed to create sensory-inclusive spaces such as color, light and texture, Dagmi said. There will also be a panel devoted to marketing in this niche. It will begin at 9 a.m. at Universal Furniture (101 S. Hamilton St.) and concluding with a reception at Splashworks (515 W. English Rd.).
The second day will kick off at Congdon Yards and target the greater community and anyone who wants to learn more about how environments can safely support, nurture and empower children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as caregivers.
“Caregiver fatigue is very real,” said Kahn-Allen. “When you have a family member with special needs or abilities, it creates an imbalance in focus and attention, and we have to be sensitive in providing nurturing spaces designed for those giving the care.”
In the afternoon of Nov. 13, at Pandora’s Manor, Castro will present “The Realtor’s Guide to Autism,” to equip Realtors and others in the building industry with best practices for servicing autistic families and sensory-diverse individuals looking to buy or rent homes, followed by a designer panel discussing the designer-Realtor relationships. A reception at Pandora’s will follow.
Tickets for Design Forward are on sale on Eventbrite. This event is partially funded by grants from Visit High Point and the IFDA Educational Foundation. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For more information, contact Jane Dagmi at [email protected].
See also:
How designers can impact health in their spaces, no prescription needed
How can home design become an alternative health resource? An IDS session details how
How the right light can promote good health
This article was originally published by a www.designerstoday.com . Read the Original article here. .