Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This course introduces the principles and practices of Zero-Step Guidelines and Universal Design, an approach to creating homes and environments that are accessible, safe, and usable by people of all ages and abilities—without the need for steps or barriers. Learners will explore how zero-step entrances and universal design features support aging in place, disability inclusion, and long-term usability. The course covers design concepts, accessibility standards, real-world applications, and the social, economic, and health benefits of barrier-free living spaces. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies for integrating zero-step universal design into residential construction, renovation, and community planning.
How does this tie into residential green building certification and LEED residential certification credits?
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) / LEED ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL HOMES (APH)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) WholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)**
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• GHI Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Materials, Health
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
**State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
Speakers
Judi Siegert manages the Occupational Therapy program at Disability Advocates. An Occupational Therapist herself with over 35 years of experience, she is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and draws upon decades of home health care experience to assess individuals in their homes and ensure that recommendations for modifications are tailored to their physical and psychosocial needs.
A graduate of WMU’s department of Occupational Therapy, Judi is fulfilled by leading a strong team of OT professionals who amaze her every day with their creative solutions to the most complex situations. She is excited about what home automation/technology will bring to aging in place. Outside of work, she is a fiber artist, gardener, and cooking enthusiast.
Nicholette Driggs is a passionate Accessibility Consultant and Business Development Coordinator at Disability Advocates of Kent County, where she collaborates with cities, businesses, and organizations to create barrier-free spaces and champion inclusive design. With a background in child and family development, advocacy, and community engagement, Nicholette works to connect accessibility, innovation, and community in impactful ways.
Her career spans leadership roles in nonprofit development, marketing, and advocacy, showcasing her expertise in fundraising, business growth, and inclusive education. A dynamic speaker and educator, Nicholette has delivered engaging presentations at a variety of prestigious events, including the American Institute of Architects Women’s Leadership Summit and the Michigan Association of Planning’s annual conferences. She has also guest lectured at esteemed institutions like Kendall College of Art & Design at Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, and Michigan State University, where she has shared her knowledge on topics ranging from accessibility and universal design to advocacy and inclusive community development.
With a passion for empowering others through education, Nicholette works with professionals, students, and community leaders to create spaces for meaningful dialogue and impactful learning. As a Certified Family Life Educator and Certified Aging in Place Specialist, she brings a unique perspective to her work—ensuring accessibility is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental aspect of human-centered design.
Lessons Learned
1. Understand that incorporating zero-step design significantly enhances health outcomes by fostering environments that accommodate individuals' diverse physical needs, promoting overall well-being and quality of life.
2. Analyze the safety implications of universal design, which minimizes barriers and hazards in living spaces, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and injuries for all users and connecting with LEED BD+C: Homesv4 Pilot Credit: Design for Accessibility
3. Introduce zero-step guidelines in community planning to ensure that residential environments support the welfare of all individuals, particularly aging populations and those with disabilities, allowing them to live independently aligning with LEED BD+C: Homesv4 Pilot Credit: Design for Accessibility
4. Articulate the social and economic benefits of barrier-free living spaces, emphasizing how universal design contributes to inclusive communities that support diverse mobility needs and enhance the overall quality of life tying in with LEED BD+C: Homesv4 Pilot Credit: Design for Accessibility
This course introduces the principles and practices of Zero-Step Guidelines and Universal Design, an approach to creating homes and environments that are accessible, safe, and usable by people of all ages and abilities—without the need for steps or barriers. Learners will explore how zero-step entrances and universal design features support aging in place, disability inclusion, and long-term usability. The course covers design concepts, accessibility standards, real-world applications, and the social, economic, and health benefits of barrier-free living spaces. Emphasis is placed on practical strategies for integrating zero-step universal design into residential construction, renovation, and community planning.
How does this tie into residential green building certification and LEED residential certification credits?
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) / LEED ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL HOMES (APH)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) WholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)**
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• GHI Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Materials, Health
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
**State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
Speakers
Judi Siegert manages the Occupational Therapy program at Disability Advocates. An Occupational Therapist herself with over 35 years of experience, she is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) and draws upon decades of home health care experience to assess individuals in their homes and ensure that recommendations for modifications are tailored to their physical and psychosocial needs.
A graduate of WMU’s department of Occupational Therapy, Judi is fulfilled by leading a strong team of OT professionals who amaze her every day with their creative solutions to the most complex situations. She is excited about what home automation/technology will bring to aging in place. Outside of work, she is a fiber artist, gardener, and cooking enthusiast.
Nicholette Driggs is a passionate Accessibility Consultant and Business Development Coordinator at Disability Advocates of Kent County, where she collaborates with cities, businesses, and organizations to create barrier-free spaces and champion inclusive design. With a background in child and family development, advocacy, and community engagement, Nicholette works to connect accessibility, innovation, and community in impactful ways.
Her career spans leadership roles in nonprofit development, marketing, and advocacy, showcasing her expertise in fundraising, business growth, and inclusive education. A dynamic speaker and educator, Nicholette has delivered engaging presentations at a variety of prestigious events, including the American Institute of Architects Women’s Leadership Summit and the Michigan Association of Planning’s annual conferences. She has also guest lectured at esteemed institutions like Kendall College of Art & Design at Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, and Michigan State University, where she has shared her knowledge on topics ranging from accessibility and universal design to advocacy and inclusive community development.
With a passion for empowering others through education, Nicholette works with professionals, students, and community leaders to create spaces for meaningful dialogue and impactful learning. As a Certified Family Life Educator and Certified Aging in Place Specialist, she brings a unique perspective to her work—ensuring accessibility is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental aspect of human-centered design.
Lessons Learned
1. Understand that incorporating zero-step design significantly enhances health outcomes by fostering environments that accommodate individuals' diverse physical needs, promoting overall well-being and quality of life.
2. Analyze the safety implications of universal design, which minimizes barriers and hazards in living spaces, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and injuries for all users and connecting with LEED BD+C: Homesv4 Pilot Credit: Design for Accessibility
3. Introduce zero-step guidelines in community planning to ensure that residential environments support the welfare of all individuals, particularly aging populations and those with disabilities, allowing them to live independently aligning with LEED BD+C: Homesv4 Pilot Credit: Design for Accessibility
4. Articulate the social and economic benefits of barrier-free living spaces, emphasizing how universal design contributes to inclusive communities that support diverse mobility needs and enhance the overall quality of life tying in with LEED BD+C: Homesv4 Pilot Credit: Design for Accessibility
