What You Will Learn
Today’s homes must do more—especially for those who can’t leave them easily. In this dynamic 60-minute session, discover how emerging technologies are transforming residential spaces into smart, supportive environments for homebound individuals. From Wi-Fi-enabled electrical panels to voice-activated systems, sensor-integrated appliances, and accessible design tools, you’ll explore how to fuse tech with thoughtful design to elevate both independence and dignity. Whether you’re reimagining a single room or planning a whole-home transformation, this session offers the insights and practical tools to bring life-changing designs to reality.
Learning Objectives:
- Integrate assistive technologies into home plans without sacrificing aesthetics.
- Choose devices that reduce caregiver strain and enhance safety.
- Navigate challenges in retrofitting vs. new construction
Featured Presenter
LaDonna Eriksen
CEO & Director of Education,
Construction Education Consortium
LaDonna has been an educator all her life. She has extensive education experience with over 48 years of teaching with the final 24 years at the Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska, teaching Anatomy/Physiology and Genetics to Health Care pre-professionals. Her extensive knowledge of how the human body functions is what she attributes to much of her understanding of how correct design is invaluable to making a home functional, safe, and healthy to meet the individual family’s needs.
Her involvement with design and construction began in 1985. She has worked with many clients creating beautiful, yet functional environments in their homes. Her first work with a Full Access home was in 1990 with a woman who was bound to a wheelchair, before the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed.
She is especially proud of her work in the area of developing kitchens and bathrooms that meet the needs of today’s blended families and functional changes that may occur within those families.
LaDonna used many of her past unusual concepts in designing the newly constructed home that she and her husband Mike, own. She has established many outside-of-the-box designs and solutions that surprise craftsmen working with her.
To make living easier for her clients, she incorporates smart technology, human centric lighting, biophilia and wellness concepts with classic features.
LaDonna served on the NKBA Nebraska/Kansas Board for 11 years including President for 4 years and is currently the President and part owner of the Construction Education Consortium.
