DesignABLE Environments Logo
  • Home
  • Services
  • Work
  • Team
  • Contact
  • Latest News
  • Resources

Latest News

What's new with DesignABLE Environments Inc?

Quick Search

Example of individual tags include: DE, Accessibility, Articles, Conferences, Documents, Events, News, Standards...
Tags Article
Thea Kurdi monthly segment interview podcast NOW Dave Brown AMI audio accessible media inc

Upcoming: Thea Kurdi's April 6, 2021 Segment on the NOW with Dave Brown Show

Posted on March 10, 2021

Photo of Dave Brown beside a photo of Thea Kurdi. Logos for AMI and NOW with Dave Brown are below, on a bright yellow background. A coming soon sticker is in the top left corner.
About:
Stay tuned for our Thea Kurdi's sixth installment on the NOW with Dave Brown Show. Thea and Dave will discuss inclusion and accessibility in all parts of life and the built environment.

Tune in on a special Monday each month live on the AMI website and on AMI TV at 9:25 am EDT. Let us know what other topics you’re interested in learning more about!
Click here to listen to the NOW with Dave Brown show →

Velanie Interview

Velanie George Interviewed By PointA

Posted on March 31, 2021

Photo from article showing a tactile indicator installed on a transit platform. The header says Creating Accessible Journeys: Interview with Velanie George, Des
About:
DE's Velanie George was interviewed by PointA a sustainable and evolution focused transportation organization. Velanie shared DE's experience with accessibility, universal design, and equity in the built environment. The interview also provides insight into Velanie's background and her involvement with the StopGap Foundation as a volunteer and now board member. An incredible quote from the interview, “Transportation and accessibility go hand in hand. For [public] transportation to be successful, it must be accessible and usable by all people."

Read more from the interview here →

Bob Topping article

Bob Topping Featured Article For UNESCO-UIA's World Capital of Architecture

Posted on March 31, 2021

Photo from article showing a ramp in front of a bright yellow and blue glass walled building, with a headshot of Bob Topping in the bottom right corner.
About:
"A friendly design is one that feels comfortable, providing users with a sense of ease, contentment, and belonging. It’s architecture that speaks to the needs of everyone in a manner that is inclusive. It does not segregate or create conditions of ‘us’ versus ‘them’." - President, Bob Topping.

DE's Bob Topping is published in UNESCO-UIA's World Capital of Architecture's e-book series intended to share knowledge and insights from architects around the globe. Bob's article is a part of the series' second edition and addresses the theme of Foresight. The article states that the built environment must be friendly and part of being friendly is ensuring that anyone and everyone is welcome everywhere.

Read the e-book and the article here →

Thea Kurdi monthly segment interview podcast NOW Dave Brown AMI audio accessible media inc

Thea Kurdi's March 1, 2021 Segment on the NOW with Dave Brown Show

Posted on March 10, 2021

Photo of Dave Brown beside a photo of Thea Kurdi. Logos for AMI and NOW with Dave Brown are below, on a bright yellow background.
About:
As spring break rolls in, our Thea Kurdi's fifth installment on NOW with Dave Brown discusses how to include accessibility in recreational activites. Sharing specific examples in Canada of inclusive activities for families like skiing and skating. Thea and Dave discuss the importance of safe and inclusive family activities where everyone enjoys themselves together.

Tune in on a special Monday each month live on the AMI website and on AMI TV at 9:25 am EDT. Let us know what other topics you’re interested in learning more about!

Click here to listen to the episode from Monday, March 1 →

Thea Kurdi monthly segment interview podcast NOW Dave Brown AMI audio accessible media inc

Thea Kurdi's January 4, 2021 Segment on the NOW with Dave Brown Show

Posted on January 12, 2021

Photo of Dave Brown beside a photo of Thea Kurdi. Logos for AMI and NOW with Dave Brown are below, on a bright yellow background.
About:
To welcome the winter season our Thea Kurdi's fourth installment on the NOW with Dave Brown addresses the impacts of winter maintenance on accessibility in parking lots, sidewalks, transit, and businesses. Including how to accommodate COVID-19 guidelines and preserve accessible outdoor space and paths.

Tune in on a special Monday each month live on the AMI website and on AMI TV at 9:25 am EDT. Let us know what other topics you’re interested in learning more about!

Click here to listen to the episode from Monday, January 4 →

Thea Kurdi monthly segment interview podcast NOW Dave Brown AMI audio accessible media inc

Thea Kurdi's December Segment on the NOW with Dave Brown Show

Posted on December 8, 2020

Photo of Dave Brown beside a photo of Thea Kurdi. Logos for AMI and NOW with Dave Brown are below, on a bright yellow background.
About:
For the holiday season, our Thea Kurdi discussed accessibility and retail in her third episode of the monthly segment on AMI's TV and radio show NOW with Dave Brown. This episode highlights the diverse accessibility measures needed in shops, malls, and customer service. Addressing how accessibility, like automatic doors with overhead sensors, can also reduce germ transmission in a post-COVID world.

Tune in on a special Monday each month live on the AMI website and on AMI TV at 9:25 am EDT. Let us know what other topics you’re interested in learning more about!

Click here to listen to the episode from Monday, November 30th →

Thea Kurdi Site Plans in an Urban Landscape webinar

Free RAIC Webinars: Site Plans in an Urban Landscape

Posted on November 25, 2020

Banner for Site Plans in an Urban Landscape webinar. Text says free webinar on December 11, 2020, 1pm ET. There is an image of a crosswork with a curb ramp on the bottom right corner.

About:
Join our Thea Kurdi for the second free RAIC webinar about Site Plans In An Urban Landscape on December 11th, 1pm (ET). This webinar is an expansion of the Accessibility in Urban Planning webinar. It provides an overview of site plan accessibility regulations and addresses the consequences of establishing an accessibility compliance boundary between private developments and the public.

Click here to register for free before the December 9, 2020 deadline →

Thea Kurdi Accessibility in Urban Planning webinar

Free RAIC Webinars: Accessibility in Urban Planning

Posted on November 25, 2020

Banner for Accessibility in Urban Planning webinar. Text says free webinar on December 4, 2020, 1pm ET. There is an image of a site plan with DesignABLE Environmets logo in the top left corner.

About:
If you’re interested in learning more about Accessibility in Urban Planning, be sure to join the free RAIC webinar presented by our Thea Kurdi on December 4th, 1pm (ET). The webinar will discuss common accessibility issues in urban planning and their impact on the social and economic opportunities of people. Thea will also provide an overview of disability, accessibility legislation, and the built environment.

Click here to register for free before the December 2, 2020 deadline →

Thea Kurdi monthly segment interview podcast NOW Dave Brown AMI audio accessible media inc

Thea Kurdi's November Segment on the NOW with Dave Brown Show

Posted on November 20, 2020

Photo of Dave Brown beside a photo of Thea Kurdi. Logos for AMI and NOW with Dave Brown are below, on a bright yellow background.
About:
In case you missed it, our Thea Kurdi discussed accessibility and universal design in urban planning in her second episode of the monthly segment on AMI's TV and radio show NOW with Dave Brown. This episode highlights how urban centres big and small need to confront inaccessibility and where they fall short in including persons with disabilities.

Tune in on a special Monday each month live on the AMI website and on AMI TV at 9:25 am EDT. Let us know what other topics you’re interested in learning more about!

Click here to listen to the episode from Monday, November 9th →

Thea Kurdi livable canada accessibility conference environment

LivABLE Environment Conference: October 28-30, 2020

Posted on October 19, 2020

Banner for LivABLE Environment Conference. Text says Virtual trade event October 28 to 30. There is an image of a person holding a scale model of a house.
About:
If you’re interested in learning more about accessible and universal design in practice and theory, be sure to join the LivABLE Environment Conference from October 28 to 30, 2020. Our Thea Kurdi will be presenting on October 28th about the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Introduction to Successful Accessible Design course available for Continuing Education credits. Thea will share excerpts from the course and opportunities for professional growth and learning.

Get tickets to the LivABLE Environment Conference here →

Thea Kurdi a11yto a11yIRL toronto accessibility conference built environment

#a11yIRL - Accessibility In Real Life

Posted on October 19, 2020

Banner with a headshot of Thea Kurdi at the top. The background is purple. White text says THEA KURDI, Mississauga. The logo for #a11yIRL is at the bottom.
About:
On October 22, 2020, Thea Kurdi will be returning to #a11yIRL – Accessibility In Real Life, part of the #a11yTO conference! The conference will be held virtually for the week of October 19 to 23, 2020, featuring incredible speakers and experts from the accessibility community. Thea’s presentation will provide an overview of accessibility in the built environment and conduct a deep dive into accessible design considerations for multiple design features.

Register here for free admission to the #a11yIRL conference →

Thea Kurdi Access 2 Accessibility presentation legislation housing

Access 2 Accessibility webinar featuring Thea Kurdi

Posted on October 19, 2020

About:
In case you missed it, our Thea Kurdi presented to accessibility advocacy group Access 2 Accessibility about Canadian Legislative Accessibility History and the Built Environment. The webinar focused on the impacts of Canadian legislation on accessible housing and possible solutions proposed by housing advocates.

Click here to watch the video on YouTube →

Thea Kurdi monthly segment interview podcast NOW Dave Brown AMI audio accessible media inc

Thea Kurdi's New Monthly Segment on the NOW with Dave Brown Show

Posted on September 14, 2020

Photo of Dave Brown beside a photo of Thea Kurdi. Logos for AMI and NOW with Dave Brown are below, on a bright yellow background.
About:
We're excited to announce that Thea Kurdi is starting a new monthly segment on AMI's TV and radio show NOW with Dave Brown! Tune in on a special Monday each month live on the AMI website and on AMI TV at 9:25 am EDT.

Thea will discuss accessible design, universal design, and related current topics including the built environment and legislation for housing, education, employment, and healthcare. Let us know what other topics you’re interested in learning more about!

Click here to listen to the first episode from Monday, September 14th →

Thea Kurdi interview podcast NOW Dave Brown AMI audio accessible media inc covid patio

NOW with Dave Brown Show: How to Create Accessible Patios

Posted on July 9, 2020

Logo of Now with Dave Brown and a photo of Dave Brown with a saturated filter on a bright yellow background.
About:
As COVID-19 lockdown restrictions ease up, and businesses and public spaces begin to reopen, it's important that accessibility guidelines are being implemented along with physical distancing measures. Thea Kurdi was a guest speaker on the NOW with Dave Brown show to discuss how accessible patios can be created, sharing DesignABLE's design guidelines for accessible patio spaces.

Click here to listen to the podcast →

Thea Kurdi AXSChat interview DE Antonio Santos Debra Ruh Neil Milliken

#AXSChat Interview with Thea Kurdi

Posted on July 9, 2020
Logo of #AXSChat with orange curved lines in a red speech bubble, tagline says, Inclusion Matters. An image of the four participants from the interview is on the right.
About:
Earlier this week, our Thea Kurdi was very excited to take part in an interview for #AXSChat with hosts Antonio Santos, Debra Ruh and Neil Milliken. Thea shared how her interest and advocacy for accessibility began and how her role at DesignABLE Environments allows her to continue this important work in a very unique and special way. Check out and join the conversation with #AXSChat.

Click here to watch the interview →

Webday Wednesday Through other eyes how people with vision loss see your buildings Bob Topping DE David Leposfsky Accessible Canada a11y design education meeting consultation AODA Blind

Webday Wednesday - Through other eyes: how people with vision loss see your buildings

Posted on April 9, 2020

About:
Our Bob Topping alongside David Lepofsky, a lawyer visiting professor (part-time) at the Osgoode Hall Law School and an adjunct member of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, will explore how persons with vision loss interact with buildings and landscapes. Through case studies and stories of lived experience, the presenters will identify successful design strategies for enhancing the accessibility of the built environment for persons who are blind or have other types of vision loss. Issues to be addressed from the user's perspective include: How do I find the front door? How do I navigate my way to a room or element within a building? How do I use illumination-, textural- and luminance-contrast to assist with wayfinding? What contributes to my enjoyment of buildings and landscapes?

Date and Time:
April 15, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST
Event Fees $ 75.00 + tax
Click here buy tickets →

Webday Wednesday How to Hold Accessible Meetings and Consultations Thea Kurdi DE Accessible Canada a11y design education meeting consultation AODA

Webday Wednesday - How to Hold Accessible Meetings and Consultations

Posted on April 3, 2020

About:
Our Thea Kurdi will be discussing how to hold an accessible meeting and get productive feedback which are new skills for many people in the architecture and design industry. This presentation that will improve outcomes and cover many details including appropriate language, accessible invitations, accessible meeting location requirements, how to find representatives from the disabled community to participate, what accessible accommodations might be requested, along with how to make your presentations as accessible as possible.This presentation covers topics that will improve outcomes and successful outcomes including appropriate language, accessible invitations, accessible meeting location requirements, how to find representatives from the disabled community to participate, what accessible accommodations might be requested, along with how to make your presentations as accessible as possible.

Date and Time:
April 8, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EST
Event Fees $ 75.00 + tax
Click here buy tickets →

Bob Topping TSA Technical Series Evolving from Barrier-Free to Universal Design IBI Group Multipurpose Room BArch MRAIC OAA

Toronto Society of Architects Technical Series | Evolving from Barrier-Free to Universal Design

Posted on February 10, 2020

About:
***Tickets are now officially sold out***
Our Bob Topping will be kicking off the 2020 Toronto Society of Architects technical lecture series with a presentation on the changing environment of accessibility and inclusive design. This presentation will document the demise of the concept of barrier-free design and its replacement with the more progressive strategy of inclusive/universal design. The difference between the old and new systems will be explored through design examples and case studies. The presentation will also address how codes and standards are evolving to reflect the changing environment of accessibility and inclusive design. Participants will learn how to incorporate design strategies into their projects, resulting in the creation of built environments that are more inclusive for everyone.

Date and Time:
February 11, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
$20 General Admisson
Click here buy tickets →

Thea Kurdi on The Agenda with Steven Paikin David Lepofsky AODA OBC Onley Report Accessibility TVO education TV DE 2019

Thea Kurdi on The Agenda with Steven Paikin

Posted on November 27, 2019
The Agenda with Steve Paikin television program logo. Weekdays at 8 and 11 pm. A photo of Nam Kiwanuka and Steven Paikin below. To the right a photo of Steve Paikin, Thea Kurdi, and David Lepofsky seated together.
About:
Thea Kurdi will be on The Agenda on TVO with Steve Paikin along with David Lepofsky from the AODA Alliance talking about Accessibility, the AODA, the OBC, education, and the Onley AODA Report.

Date and Time:
November 28, 2019 from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Click here to watch the segment →
Click here to read the transcript →

How We Live-In-Place Live In Place Creating Communities with Universal Design in Housing Accessibility Thea Kurdi Older Women Women's Network OWN Toronto Public Library DE 2019

How We Live-In-Place! Creating Communities with Universal Design in Housing

Posted on November 12, 2019
Thea Kurdi next to symbols representing a number of different disabilities. The logo for the Toronto Public library, with the information: How We Live-In-Place! Creating Communities with Universal Design in Housing. Tuesday, November 26, 2019. From 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Location: Queen/Saulter: Toronto Public Library.
About:
Join the Older Women's Network of Ontario (OWN), Thea Kurdi, and the Toronto chapter of the Open Architecture Collaborative (OACTo) in learning about universal design in housing, living-in-place, and how we can advocate for all housing to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Drop in. No registration required.

Location:
Queen/Saulter, Program Room - Ralph Thornton Centre
1 Harbour Square
Toronto, Ontario M5J 1A6

Date and Time:
November 26, 2019 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Click here to visit the Event Page →

Festival of Architecture RAIC Royal Architecture Insitute of Canada Through Other Eyes How People with Vision Loss Blind See Your Buildings Accessibility David Lepofsky Bob Topping DE 2019

2019 Festival of Architecture - Through Other Eyes: How People with Vision Loss See Your Buildings

Posted on August 23, 2019
Bob Topping with text showing logo: Festival of Architecture, Toronto, 2019. The Future of Architecture, Save the Date! October 26 to 30, 2019.
About:
Bob Topping will be co-presenting with David Lepofsky, LLB, Lawyer, Professor and Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, at the 2019 Festival of Architecture in Toronto during a speaking Session, CE07 – Through Other Eyes: How People with Vision Loss See Your Buildings on Tuesday, October 29. The session will explore how persons with vision loss interact with buildings and landscapes. Through case studies and stories of lived experience, the presenters will identify successful design strategies for enhancing the accessibility of the built environment for persons who are blind or have other types of vision loss.

Location:
Westin Harbour Castle, Frontenac Ballroom
1 Harbour Square
Toronto, Ontario M5J 1A6

Date and Time:
October 29, 2019 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Click here to Register →

a11y Accessibility Toronto Conference In Real Life Thea Kurdi DE 2019

#a11yIRL - Accessibility in Real Life

Posted on August 23, 2019
Thea Kurdi with the text hashtag, A-eleven-Y-I-R-L, Accessibility In Real Life
About:
Thea Kurdi will be speaking at the Accessibility In Real Life, Conference, a one-day event focused specifically on the built environment, hosted by #a11yTO.

Location:
TELUS Digital
25 York Street, 3rd Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2V5

Date and Time:
October 23, 2019 from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Click here purchase tickets →

Abilities Expo Why Universal Desgin in Housing Ontario Canada Human Rights Accessible Accessibility Thea Kurdi DE 2019

Abilities Expo - Why Universal Design in Housing?

Posted on April 4, 2019
Thea Kurdi with Logo of Abilities Expo with tagline, The event for the disability community
About:
Thea Kurdi will be presenting in a workshop called Why Universal Design in Housing?, discussing accessible homes, give an overview of Ontario law for housing (and how it relates to Human rights), and discuss what Universal design is and how it can be used to make the world more accessible.

Location:
International Centre, Hall 5
6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8

Date and Time:
April 5, 2019 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Click here to register to the Abilities Expo for free →

Thea Kurdi DE Mohawk College graduate students alumni faculty 2019 Hamilton Ontario #a11yHAM Inclusive Design Meetup Group

#a11yHAM Meetup - Inclusive Design Meetup Group

Posted on January 23, 2019
Banner with hashtag A 11 Y H A M. logo of Mohawk College's Accessible Media Production.
About:
Thea Kurdi is heading out again! This time to Hamilton for the first #a11yHAM Meetup - Inclusive Design meetup group on Thursday January 24th at the Arnie, Hosted by Mohawk College's Accessible Media Production graduate certificate's students, alumni, and faculty.

Location:
The Arnie Mohawk College Fennell Campus Pub
135 Fennel Avenue West, Hamilton, ON L9C 0E5

Date and Time: January 24, 2019 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Creative Campus Design Talk Thea Kurdi DE Sheridan College Hazzel McCallion Campus Gallery Mississauga Ontario 2019 Accessibility Architecture and Interior Design students

Creative Campus Design Talk - Thea Kurdi

Posted on January 23, 2019
Thea Kurdi. Text: Please join us for our first Creative Campus Design Talk. A new guest speaker series on topics relevant to design, creativity, and building science. Thursday January 24th from 12 to 1 at H-M-C Creative Campus Gallery. Bring your lunch and learn something new, with our special guest: Thea Kurdi.
About:
Come see our Thea Kurdi who's also presenting this Thurs Jan 24th at noon Sheridan College in Mississauga, Ontario speaking to Architecture and Interior Design students about getting accessibility right for smarter design and a lifetime of changing needs and abilities.

Location:
Sheridan College - Hazel McCallion Campus Gallery
4180 Duke of York Blvd, Mississauga, ON L5B 0G5

Date and Time: January 24, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Thea Kurdi The Pulse AMI Accessible Media Inc Podcast Radio DesignABLE Environments

The Pulse - The Future of Universal Design

Posted on January 18, 2019

About:
Our own Thea Kurdi appeared as a guest on the AMI-audio national program called The Pulse hosted by Dave Brown, discussing the future of Universal Design on January 7th. The podcast is now available on podcasts services around the globe and can be accessed directly through TuneIn below:
Click here to listen to the Podcast on TuneIn →

Thea Kurdi Vice President 2018 Management DesignABLE Environments (DE) announces a New Leadership Structure to support its Vision for Future Success

DesignABLE Environments (DE) announces a New Leadership Structure to support its Vision for Future Success

Posted on December 7, 2018
Showing text of DesignABLE Environments with the Designable Alternative People Logo and a photo of Thea Kurdi
About:
DE Inc., Canada's leading accessibility and universal design consultants, is pleased to announce the promotion of Thea Kurdi to Vice President, supporting the firm’s continued growth across Canada and internationally. This evolution of the DE management team comes as part of the long-term planning for the future for company.

Building on her 18 years of industry experience, Thea's expanded responsibilities will include organizational management and business development, with a focus on expanding into new markets. She will continue to lead DE’s accessibility and universal design teams for project reviews, building audits, accessibility standards development and accessibility training.

For over 30 years DE has been widely respected for its thoughtful and thorough knowledge of inclusive design and its service-oriented approach, contributing to many prominent projects across Canada and around the world. DE President Bob Topping notes, “Thea's sustained commitment to this company has opened up many avenues for us as a firm. She has been a key part of our recent achievements, and her transition to Vice President gives us even greater capacity to accommodate growth, expand our operational knowledge, and amplify our firm’s strengths. This is an exciting time for our firm.”

Accessibility is our business . . .

Interior Design Show Designing for the Future: Accessibility in Urban Planning Accessibility and Design Thea Kurdi Sarah Libera DE IDS 2019

Interior Design Show 2019 - Designing for the Future: Accessibility in Urban Planning / Accessibility and Design

Posted on November 1, 2018
Interior Design Show begins January 17 to January 20 in Toronto, Photos of the Presenters, Thea Kurdi and Sarah Libera
About:
Thea Kurdi and Sarah Libera will be co-presenting as a part of the panel for Designing for the Future: Accessibility in Urban Planning on January 18th 2019 at the Metro Toronto Concention Centre. Thea will be part of a panel discussion on Accessibility and Design on January 18th 2019 at the Metro Toronto Concention Centre.

Location:
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
255 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2W6

Date and Time:

Designing for the Future: Accessibility in Urban Planning
Thea Kurdi and Sarah Libera
January 18, 2019 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Accessibility and Design

Thea Kurdi
January 18, 2019 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Click here to purchase tickets from Interior Design Show website →
Click here to visit the official Interior Design Show 2019 website →

Toronto Buildings Show Canada National Housing Strategy Leading Sustainable Accessible Bob Topping DE 2018

The Buildings Show - Canada’s National Housing Strategy: Leading to a New Generation of Sustainable and Accessible Housing

Posted on October 26, 2018
Header image of the The Buildings Show logo dated for 28 November to 30 November 2018 located at the Metro Convention Centre. A photo of Bob Topping is also shown.
About:
Bob Topping will be presenting as a part of the panel for Canada’s National Housing Strategy: Leading to a New Generation of Sustainable and Accessible Housing discussing Accessible and Universal Design Housing on November 28th 2018 at the Metro Toronto Concention Centre. Gain valuable insights into the latest codes, innovative bylaws and advances across Canada and close to home.

Location:
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
255 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2W6

Date and Time:
November 28, 2018 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Click here to purchase tickets from The Buildings Show website →

Thea Kurdi DE South Korea 2018 6th Seoul Universal Design International Seminar

2018 6th Seoul Universal Design International Seminar

Posted on August 27, 2018
Header image of the UD Logo overlayed over a cityscape on a colourful background
About:
Our Thea Kurdi will be speaking at the 2018 6th Seoul Universal Design International Seminar on September 14th 2018 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, South Korea.

Location:
Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza
281 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 7(chil)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Date and Time:
September 14, 2018 from 1:00PM to 6:00PM

2018 DE Thea Kurdi Seminars Universal Design Conferences Canada TEDx tedx tedX Mississauga TEDxMississauga (de)mystify demystify mystify

TEDxMississauga 2019: (de)mystify

Posted on August 08, 2018
Header image of the TEDx Logo overlayed over a photograph of Thea Kurdi beside a photograph of the universe.
About:
Our Thea Kurdi will be speaking at the 2018 TEDxMississauga (de)mystify event on January 19th of 2019 at the Mississauga Convention Centre, Canada. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection.

Theme: (de)mystify
In an ever-changing world of technology, cryptocurrencies, evolving notions of human rights and equality, the limits of human understanding continue to grow. How do we take difficult or esoteric concepts, and make them clearer and easier to understand? The theme for the 2019 conference is (de)mystify, and that's what we aim to do at the next conference.

Location: Mississauga Convention Centre
75 Derry Road West, Mississauga, ON L5W1G3, Canada

Date and Time:
January 19, 2019 from 10:00AM to 4:00PM
Click here to purchase tickets on EventBrite →
Click here to visit the official TEDx Mississauga website →
Click here to visit Thea Kurdi's TEDxMississauga profile page →

2018 DE Thea Kurdi Meetups BierMarkt Canada TEDx tedx tedX Mississauga TEDxMississauga

2018 TEDxMississauga Meetup at the BierMarkt

Posted on August 08, 2018
Header image of the TEDx Logo and BierMarkt Logo overlayed over a photograph of the event location.
About:
DE's Thea Kurdi will be attending the 2018 TEDxMississauga Meetup on August 11th of 2018 at the BierMarkt, Mississauga Canada (near Square One). Members of the TEDxMississauga Meetup Group receive invitations to exclusive events with the organisers, priority consideration for volunteer positions, opportunities to become a speaker and connect with current TEDx speakers. This is a casual networking and social event. Admission is free, but all guests are encouraged to support our generous hosts by ordering an item from the a la carte menu or purchasing a drink from the bar. New members are welcome.

Location: Mississauga BierMarkt (near Square One)
55 City Centre Drive, Mississauga ON, Canada

Date and Time:
August 11, 2018 from 7:00AM to 11:00PM
Click here to visit their meetup webpage to book your appointment →

2018 DE Thea Kurdi Seminars Universal Design Conferences New Zealand NZ

Thea is Speaking at the 2018 Universal Design Conference in New Zealand

Posted on August 07, 2018
Header image of 2018 New Zealand Universal Design logo (Te Ao Tongata: Inclusive by Design) overlayed over a photograph of the event location.
About:
Thea Kurdi will be speaking and presenting at the 2018 Universal Design Conference on September 6th of 2018 at the Victory Convention Centre in New Zealand. Te Ao Tangata - the 3rd Universal Design Conference is all about inclusion by design. By attending this conference you will engage in presentations and workshops around innovative practice in universal design locally and internationally, and shape the way that Aotearoa is designed and experienced into the future.

She is presenting the "Living in Place - Housing for Our Aging Populations using Universal Design Strategies" session.

Location: Victory Convention Centre (VCC)
98 Beaumont St, Freemans Bay, Auckland, New Zealand

Date and Time:
September 6, 2018 from 11:30AM to 12:30PM
Click here to visit their official webpage and learn more →

2018 DE Thea Kurdi Seminars Universal Design Conferences Australia

Thea is Presenting at the 2018 Universal Design Conference in Australia

Posted on August 07, 2018
Header image of 2018 Australian Universal Design logo overlayed over a photograph of the event location.
About:
Thea Kurdi will be speaking and presenting at the 2018 Universal Design Conference on September 4th of 2018 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia. She is presenting the "Living in Place: Who are we designing for?" session. Getting accessibility right is often an uphill struggle in projects. The application of accessible design requirements often happens as an afterthought. It is time to challenge the design industry to reconsider the question, “Who are we designing for?”.

Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC)
Merivale Street and Glenelg Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia

Date and Time:
September 4, 2018 starting at 11:00AM
Click here to visit their official webpage and learn more →

2018 DE Thea Kurdi Bob Topping Sarah Libera Seminars Conferences RAIC Festival

Thea Kurdi and Bob Topping Attended the RAIC Festival of Architecture 2018

Posted on July 15, 2018
Header image of 2018 RAIC Festival's logo overlayed over a photograph of the Thea Kurdi speaking for the event.
About:
Both Thea Kurdi and Bob Topping attended the 2018 Festival of Architecture on May 30th until June 2nd of 2018 in Saint John, New Burnswick.

Bob Topping presented the "International Union of Architects (UIA) Work Program: Architecture for All" session. This session provided an overview of the concept of Architecture for All and introduce the UIA work program on Architecture for All.

Thea Kurdi presented the "What Designing For the Future Looks Like" session and "Accessibility Bootcamp" session. The first session gave learners the opportunity to discover the recent demographic changes our society is facing, how design and policy will impact our future, and see concrete examples of visionary design from across the country. And the second session invites learners to interact with the built environment, while building awareness of architectural barriers to accessibility and inclusion.
Click here to learn more →

2018 DE Thea Kurdi Seminars Conferences Architect@Work

How Colour and Lighting Affects Accessibility in Building Environments

Posted on April 10, 2018
Header image of Architect@Work's logo overlayed over a photograph of the 2017 conference
About:
The significance and impact of colour and lighting on accessibility in building environments will be discussed from various perspectives. Thea Kurdi will be attending this seminar on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 5:00PM until 6:00PM at XPO Canada, 181, Bay Street, Suite 1800. TORONTO ON M5J 2T9. The event is hosted by Architect@Work.

She will be presenting along with Vivian Lo (Vice-President of the Colour Research Society of Canada), Valerie Gow (Partner and Interior Design Principal of Gow Hastings Architects), and Yvonne Felix (Ambassador of Foundation Fighting Blindness).
Click here to learn more →

2018 DE Move

Say Goodbye to .net and Say Hello to .ca!

Posted on March 1, 2018
About:
We've made a transition from designable.net to designable.ca! Our staff at DesignABLE Environments Inc. will have updated emails from now on, such as information@designable.ca.

The transition will be smooth, and you may continue to send emails to our .net addresses. We will automatically receive all of your emails to our new .ca addresses.

Please send an email to information@designable.ca for further inquiries about our switch, or if you are having difficulties contacting us.

2017 DE Move

Mississauga Office Move

Posted on September 30, 2017
Header image of DesignABLE Environment's new office in Mississauga
About:
As of September 30th, 2017 our Mississauga, Lakeshore office will now be at 918 Dundas Street East, Suite 212, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L4Y 4H9.

Our phone number and email will remain the same, please see our contact page for further details. We will post an update to notify you in the future of any changes regarding our contact information.

2016 DE Show Radio Accessibility

The Accessibility Edge: Radio Show

Posted on January 20, 2016
Header image for the Accessibility Edge radio show
About:
Thea Kurdi is hosting a Radio Show through Voices4Ability (V4ARadio), Canada’s first 24/7 radio station dedicated to persons with disabilities.

Follow DesignABLE Environmentsand V4ARadio on Twitter to find out more about the show's schedule!

2011 Accessibility Awareness

Awareness of Invisible Disabilities and Accessibility

Posted on May 28, 2011
Header image for Mississauga's awareness in accessibility
About:
What event(s) are you attending? The City of Mississauga is holding a presentation called "Mississauga Promoting Awareness of Invisible Disabilities and Accessibility" on May 30, 2011!
Click here to find out more →

2011 Universal Design Green Accessibility Accessible

Green and Universal Design: Convergences

Posted on January 11, 2011
About:
Have you seen our article in this year's Profiles 2011 OAA Member Listings Magazine yet? 
Click here to view the PDF. version of the article →

2010 CMHC Accessibility Accessible

CMHC's Accessible by Design Series

Posted on October 18, 2010
About:
Have you seen the CMHC's "Accessible by Design" series recently in their Housing Technology E-Newsletter? You may not know that DE jointly developed these with Betty Dion (BDEL).

Click here to visit CMHC's web site "Accessible Housing by Design" article which has links to all of these articles at the bottom.

We hope you find them useful! And we would be pleased to help you with your project and any additional questions that you might have.
Click here to visit BDEL →

2010 DE Lunch n' Learn AODA Accessible

DesignABLE Environments Offering Lunch n' Learns about the AODA

Posted on October 8, 2010
Header image for AODA Lunch and Learn article
About:
The AODA and You... Get Ready! 2 Part Lunch 'n Learn!

Are you looking for reliable, useful information about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)? Especially what's in the Accessible Built Environments Standard (ABES) and what it's going to mean to your designs? Contact us to book a fact filled, stimulating presentation at your firm.

We bring the presentation and a delicious lunch for you and your staff to enjoy.
Click here to open Part 1 of our flyer, "An introduction to the AODA and the Five Standards" →
Click here to open Part 2 of our flyer, "An introduction to the AODA and the Five Standards" →

2010 Accessibility Conferences Presentations

Aiming for Accessibility Conference

Posted on April 27, 2010
About:
June 8-9th in Guelph, Ontario at Rozanski Hall, University of Guelph

Meeting Standards, Making Change"

Hope to see you there!
Click here to view the conference website →

2009 Standards Accessible Built Environment ABE MCSS

Accessible Built Environment Standards (ABE) Released for Public Comment

Posted on July 20, 2009
Header image for ABE Standard article
About:
Ministry of Community and Social Services announced on July 14, 2009 that Ontario is seeking input on the initial proposed built environment accessibility standard, which was released today for public review.

Be apart of the process or at least be aware of the MASSIVE change that is about to occur in Ontario's quest to be accessible by 2025.
Click here for more information →

2009 Rick Hansen Wheels Motion

Wheels In Motion

June 10, 2009
About:
Rick Hansen's Wheels In Motion, Scotiabank event is on this weekend at June 14th, 2009!
Click here to view the poster →

2009 Awareness Accessibility Accessible

National Access Awareness Week

Posted on May 26, 2009
About:
Making way for Ontarians with Disabilities information week National Access Awareness Week from May 31st, 2009 to June 6th, 2009.
Click here to learn more →

2009 Accessible Olympics Winter Show

2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games

Posted on January 28, 2009
About:
Watch and support the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, USA from Feb. 7th, 2009 to Feb. 13th, 2009
Click here to learn more →

2009 Bob Topping DE Measuring Up the North Articles

Measuring Up the North

Posted on January 15, 2009
Header image for Measuring Up The North article
About:
Look for Bob Topping as he speaks at the Creating Universally Designed Sustainable Healthy Communities Conference in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Click here to learn more →

2008 Canadian Architect Article

Canadian Architect - December 2008 Issue

Posted on January 28, 2009
About:
Look for our DesignABLE Environments Inc. advertisements in the December issue! They are located on page 18 and page 62.

2008 Canadian Architect Article

Canadian Architect - November 2008 Issue

Posted on December 16, 2008
About:
Look for our DesignABLE Environments Inc. advertisements in the November issue! They are located on page 35 and page 77.

2008 DE Move

We've Moved to Mississauga!

Posted on September 23, 2008
About:
Designable Environments Inc. is now based in an accessible office space in beautiful Port Credit (a small village by the lake within Mississagua).

2008 FICCDAT Conferences Caregiving Accessibility

FICCDAT 2011

Posted on June 13, 2008
About:
Festival of International Conferences on Caregiving, Disability, Aging and Technology (FICCDAT) June 5-8, 2011, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Toronto, Canada
Click here to learn more →

2008 Rick Hansen Foundation Wheels in Motion

Rick Hansen - Wheels In Motion 2008

Posted on June 8, 2008
About:
Take part on Sunday, June 8th, 2008 in the 6th annual Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion at an event near you!
Click here to learn more →

2008 DE Move Party

Open House Party

Posted on May 16, 2008
About:
Keep a look out for your Open House invitation coming to your mail box soon!

2008 DE Move

Toronto Office Moving

Posted on April 22, 2008
About:
As of Sept 23, 2008 our Toronto office will now be at 5418 Yonge Street, Suite 1008, Toronto, ON, M2N 6X4.

Toronto phone numbers and fax numbers remain the same. Please see our contact page.

Creating truly accessible spaces

© 2019 DesignABLE Environments Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy policy and website accessibility.

Hours

Weekdays: 9am - 5pm

Telephone

905-278-0665

Email

information@designable.ca
Social Media
Click this button to visit our LinkedIn page. Click this button to visit our Facebook page. Click this button to visit our Twitter page. Click this button to visit our Instagram page.
Picture of Universal Design community by DesignABLE Environments
Home Services Work Team Contact Latest News Resources