MERIL is teaming up with area business and agencies to address the issue of the availability of safe and affordable universally designed housing in the region.

“There are more and more people every day having difficulty navigating their homes. Getting in and out of their homes, in and out of the bathroom, for whatever reason that might be. Mobility issues typically,” said Paul Bergonzoni, Director of Community Access with MERIL. “There’s a need not just for people with disabilities but really for everybody as they age, to try and get it started where when people are building homes where people don’t have to move just because they can’t get around anymore.”

MERIL is hosting a conference called ‘A Home For Everyone,’ Monday, Oct. 26 at Missouri Western State University to address the issue.  Bergonzoni said there’s a big call for universally designed housing in the region.

“There are a whole lot of folks that are having a hard time finding a good place to live,” Bergonzoni. “They may find a place to live but they’re having a difficult time being able to afford it.”

Examples of universally designed homes include things like 36″ wide doors, five-foot diameter clearance in kitchens and bathrooms, and adjustable closet and pantry shelving. Bergonzoni said the upcoming conference will try to tackle the issues and find a way to get more builders to think of universal design plans.

“This is a problem everywhere,” Bergonzoni said. “We’re trying to get our region going, follow a model that somebody else has started, develop our own model and maybe develop it for people in other areas.”

The conference is free but seating is limited. Interested participants can register online at www.meril.org/ahomeforeveryone. Registration is required by Oct. 9.