With support from AWS Foundation, The Inclusion Institute of The League and Indiana University Fort Wayne invite community members to attend a symposium from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on March 22 focused on housing availability, affordability, accessibility and visitability for people living with disabilities. People with disabilities represent 15% of the global population, and a significant need exists for accessible housing and neighborhoods. The symposium will address several aspects affecting housing in our community, including availability and affordability of home modifications, applying modifications and repairs to existing homes, and applying visitable design principles to newly constructed homes.

The symposium will take place in the International Ballroom on the Purdue Fort Wayne and IU Fort Wayne campus. The event will include remarks from Mayor Tom Henry as well as presentations from two national experts in the areas of disability awareness, housing and accessibility, Ronald Duchovic and Kimberly Paarlberg. Lunch will be provided for all attendees, catered by GiGi’s Genesis Health Bar. Finally, a panel of experts will share information on home modifications, related funding resources and the building of visitable homes. Registration is free for attendees, and organizers will close registration on March 15.

Members of the public and the media are encouraged to attend this event, which begins at 10 a.m. Media interviews with key leaders and presenters will be available throughout the event.