What we do
In a nutshell
We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that’s working on part of the systemic problem of inaccessibility in America through collaboratively creating design solutions and then sharing them for use in any community. Our current focus area is housing.
The foundation for our work is universal design, which is about usability for everyone.
Our mission & vision
Mission: to provide the easiest way for communities to implement universal design in areas not regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Vision: for every community across the USA to have a surplus of homes and opportunities for social participation that are universally and financially accessible.
Who we are
Sarah Pruett
Program Director, Occupational Therapist – Harrisonburg, Virginia
Sarah is a co-founder of The Universal Design Project, has a BS in Allied Health, and a Masters in Occupational Therapy.
As an occupational therapist who specializes in adult physical rehabilitation and environmental design, Sarah has extensive knowledge about how the design of spaces impacts everyday life. Clinical experience, marriage with a husband who has a spinal cord injury, a seat on Virginia’s Assistive Technology Advisory Council, and leadership in serving people with a wide range of disabilities have given her a passion for better, more functional design throughout homes and communities.
Tiffany Dill
Occupational Therapist – St. Louis, Missouri
Tiffany is the owner of Blue Day 2 Designs, has a BA in Communications, a Masters of Public Health, and is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy.
Living with a hearing impairment throughout life has challenged Tiffany to seek new routes and adventures within her environments, particularly in large social settings. Her passion lies deep in helping others discover new ways to face their challenges. She has experience in various clinical settings and personally understands the need to live safely and independently for work, home, and play.
Nichole Kain
Occupational Therapist, Environmental Gerontologist – Longmont, Colorado
Nicole is the owner of The Home and Place Project, has a BSc in Occupational Therapy, an MA in Gerontology, and a graduate certificate in Community Planning.
Using cross-disciplinary skills and a deep appreciation for the power of place and the importance of personal choice, Nichole helps create communities that enable people to stay in the home of their choice as they age. Combined with her deep passion for beautiful and thoughtful home design, she is a powerful advocate for cohesive places that promote healthy aging, intergenerational connection, and a thriving community.
Meaghan Walls
Rehabilitation Engineer, Assistive Technology Professional – Omaha, Nebraska
Meaghan is the president & CEO of Assistology, has a BS in Mathematics, an MS in Bioengineering, and is a certified Assistive Technology Professional.
As an engineer, Meaghan is especially passionate about creating ways to help individuals increase their participation in activities that improve functional abilities for daily living and obtain access to environments and activities that improve their quality of life. She works to take design beyond minimum requirements to incorporate the human experience throughout design processes.
Scott Pruett
Executive Director, President – Harrisonburg, Virginia
Scott is our other co-founder, has a BS in Technical & Scientific Communication, and an MS in Parks & Rec Management with a focus on Adaptive Recreation.
Living with a spinal cord injury for over half of his life, Scott has experienced the impact of the lack of accessibility and design that rarely accommodates disability in optimal ways. He has developed problem-solving skills that he uses in harmony with his wife (Sarah) to help explore how to design more functional home environments and other things that result in better community participation for their family and many others.
Design Advisors
The identities of our Design Advisors are private.
We have around 70 as of January 2020. Learn more here.
Board of Directors
Anthony Gregoria
Vice President
Jonathan Sutton
Treasurer
Rebecca Klein
Secretary
Josh Lookabill