For Immediate Release: Dallas, Texas – (April 19, 2006) – EasyLiving Homecm Texas is proud to recognize the first EasyLiving Homecm certified in Texas, built by Bill and Judy Slease of Tapestry Custom Homes, LLC. Members of the Dallas construction community were on hand for the Open House and Recognition Ceremony of Bill and Judy for the completion of the first certified EasyLiving Homecm in Texas.
The certified custom home introduces the State of Texas to the new concept in residential construction of designing homes to be more user-friendly for people of all ages and populations. Bill and Judy incorporated attractive universal design features in the design of their home saying, “The features make our home more attractive and offer easy movement throughout the entire house. It is a design that regardless of our age, size or physical ability will provide valuable benefits and enhance our quality of life.”
Just as the curb cut was once thought to only benefit those with disabilities, the housing industry is now observing the same thought paradigm shift in housing accessibility. Home accessibility affects EVERYONE who enters the home. Features that were once thought only to be enjoyed by those with mobility impairments are now favored by one and all: those wanting to age-in-place, grandparents visiting family during the holidays, the mother with a stroller, teenagers on crutches, as well as, those who like the open feel visitability provides.
EasyLiving Homecm has been at the leading edge of the transition in construction practices and thought. The certification program is designed to work with builders to implement features that make a home attractive, usable, and convenient for everyone, as well as, increase the sale and resale value of a home. The EasyLiving Homecm Texas design offers standard accessible features such as a step-free entrance, a main-floor bedroom, at least one accessible bathroom with adequate maneuvering space as well as wider doorways and hallways.
EasyLiving Homecm Texas has been recognized by respected housing industry leaders including the Texas Residential Construction Commission and the Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas. All builders interested in implementing the EasyLiving Homecm Texas program into their production should contact the EasyLiving Homecm Texas office for free technical support, assistance with design issues, membership information, and marketing materials for prospective buyers.
The EasyLiving Homecm Texas program is funded in large part by a grant from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. The grant was awarded to ILRU (Independent Living Research Utilization), a non-profit organization. It is a program of TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research), a nationally recognized medical rehabilitation facility located in Houston. For more information, contact John Dugan, Project Coordinator at 713-520-0232 ext. 111 or on the web at www.easylivinghometexas.org. For more information about Tapestry Custom Homes, LLC contact Bill Slease at 972-562-4140 or on the web at www.tapestrycustomhomes.com.
Contact:
Tishauna Washington
Public Relations Coordinator
TIRR Systems
713-942-6162
washint@tirr.tmc.edu
