WHO WE ARE - WHAT WE STAND FOR

COMMITMENT

I am the one who will have every American know about universal design by 2010. We will have opportunities of joy, security and comfort through environments of expanding opportunities and a language of inclusion.

2006 marks the launching of UniversalDesignResource.com as a website resource for those wishing to build or adapt their products and environments to include universal design.

2007 builds on the success of the website by it's continued growth and expansion. As the awareness of universal design grows, we will reach out to create a national team of experts to further promote the dissemination of information and provide consultation services. UniversalDesignResource.com will promote and support the training and certification of architects and builders through CAPS training, Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist. A means of annually surveying awareness is developed to begin to track the national awareness of universal design.

In 2008, UniversalDesignResource.com furthers its growth through public relations, marketing and media attention. The commitment remains to raise national awareness, however, opportunities for profit are developed through commissions earned through sourcing a trained pool of universal design professionals. There is a target of 20% national awareness by year-end.

2009 begins the final phases of public awareness. Media attention will focus on specific building projects and geographical areas. Whole communities will be targeted for universal design as UniversalDesignResource.com focuses on political and legislative support. By year end, homeowners, architects, builders, politicians, developers, trade associations, activists and corporations know about universal design and see clearly both the personal, societal and financial benefit.

2010 marks the achievement of national awareness of universal design. There is an overwhelming demand for it in all aspects of life with industry is racing to develop new products with the universal design principles applied.

Konrad Kaletsch earned a Bachelor of Fine Art at State University of New York, Purchase, NY. He continued further training at an atelier-style apprenticeship with figurative sculptor Philip Grausman. In 1987 he opened his first Brooklyn studio. During the 1990's he exhibited sculpture throughout New York's SoHo gallery scene, and was represented by the Kim Foster Gallery.

In 1996, Mr. Kaletsch shifted focus to an emerging design world. For the next ten years he created unique, residential custom light sculptures using polyester resin as a primary material. By 2006 he saw a new opportunities to apply his skills in art and design.

During a similar in trajectory over time, universal design was born, evolved into a set of seven principals, and supported creation of the American with Disabilities Act. Today, however, universal design remains largely unknown, even among the communities of architects and builders, aging and handicapped.

Mr. Kaletsch is presently launching a project which, by the year 2010, will make universal design a household term known to every American. This endeavor will cause a shift in attitude and in building; the result will be an overall increase in the usability of our homes and consumer products. People will have the joy, security and comfort that comes with an expanding opportunity to live independently.

UniversalDesignResource.com provides services designed to promote and support the awareness and inclusion of universal design in the United States of America. This is achieved through the support of educational environments, a growth in the number of trained professionals, through dissemination of information to trade associations, and the use of media opportunities.

As UniversalDesignResource.com grows, we will provide professional consultation services designed to support and build universal design environments. We will begin a division designed to help you promote and develop it in your communities. We will expand to include services for businesses to both adapt their environments and the products and services they sell.

-Konrad Kaletsch, 2006