328: Deep Dive Series Episode 3: How to Design for I/DD

The Art of Construction

This is episode 3 of a 4 part series on constructing housing for I/DD adults!
If you hear any background noise or laughter - that’s because this podcast was recorded LIVE from the Nuts and Bolts Conference in Colorado Springs in November 2023!
“Many people don’t even know that this is a thing…so many of these folks live at home…we need more housing, we need policy to bring more money to allow for more affordable housing for this population. We need 100 of these buildings done tomorrow. The need is there.”

Beth Rodriguez is the secretary and treasurer of Trailhead Community – a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 with a mission to create a neuro-inclusive and intentional housing community. Beth has a passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)- specifically helping them gain independence in activities they value. She is a licensed occupational therapist and a certified aging in place specialist (CAPS.) Beth grew up in the home building industry and cultivated a love for building and design. She is especially interested in universal design and home modifications to allow individuals of all ages and abilities to live safely and independently in their environments. Beth worked closely consulting with the design and construction team for Trailhead’s first project in creating an 83 unit building that lives well, encourages community, and promotes health and wellness. Beth has many years of experience working with individuals with IDD in both a prevocational day program setting as well as providing direct care services in the homes of individuals helping them gain independence in daily living skills. She knows the desperate need for attainable housing in the Denver area for adults with IDD and appreciates the opportunity to be on Trailhead’s Board to create innovative housing solutions for this population. In her spare time, you can find Beth enjoying anything outdoors- skiing, hiking, camping and traveling!
Ken Wilkinson, the visionary founder and managing partner of Layer 10, has always been driven by a passion for pioneering the integration of technology in the built environment. His journey in technology consulting has led him to redefine the role of IT in construction and real estate, transforming everyday spaces into dynamic, user-centric environments. At Layer 10, Ken's leadership and innovative approach have been instrumental in setting new standards for how technology enhances our physical world. Under Ken's leadership, Layer 10 has become synonymous with a design-first, user-centric, product-agnostic approach to technology in the built environment. His vision has propelled the firm to the forefront of integrating technology into commercial real estate, setting new standards for how we experience our surroundings. Ken's expertise isn't confined to the boardroom. He's a dynamic speaker and thought leader, frequently invited to share his insights on the fusion of technology and physical spaces. His talks go beyond the informative, offering transformative perspectives that are reshaping the industry. For a glimpse into Ken's innovative thinking and to stay updated on the latest trends at the intersection of technology and the built environment, follow him on LinkedIn. Here, you'll also find his insightful and informative newsletter, "Building Tomorrow," which delves into the future of technology in construction and real estate. Join Ken and Layer 10 in advancing the conversation around building tomorrow, today.
Follow Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-gigliotti-rodriguez
Follow Ken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/layer-10-consulting/?viewAsMember=true
Join the "Building Tomorrow" Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7097365261124546560
Layer 10's website: www.layer10.com
Layer 10 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/layer-10-consulting
Layer 10 on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ken_LAYER_10
Layer 10 on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX_quncBaJCnLuXisR0osAA
Learn more about the Trailhead Community here: https://www.trailheadcommunity.org/