Business View Magazine | February 2020

12 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 population by providing a direct connection to a team of trained local professionals. Recognizing the need for specialized training, Access School of Real Estate was created, offering a formal curriculum designed to educate real estate professionals on the distinct housing needs of those with mobility challenges or physical disabilities. The course material covers a broad spectrum ranging from adaptive remodeling to the latest smart home systems going well beyond the basics of ADA compliancy rules. “Our focus is on helping people find or create homes that meet their individual needs and to create barrier-free living,” explains Cheryl Davis, creator of the school’s education and training program, as well as a Keller Williams agent with more than 35 years of realtor experience. Her informed and authentic perspective comes from her confinement to a wheelchair over the last 20 years. Access Perfect Homes’ newly launched real estate website has dedicated features and search criteria tailored for those with mobility challenges, giving a unique perspective which is not typically found on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The team’s objective is to highlight those design elements and renovations that create a comfortable home for those with physical limitations. Also included on the website, and linked to geographical searches, are overviews of essential amenities from transportation options to medical facilities. Search filters also allow homebuyers to search for select Adult communities. Unlike other real estate teams, Access Perfect Homes has an all-inclusive professional referral network of renovators and contractors, as well as Smart Home designers ready and able to advise and assist those clients seeking additional support. Other experts in the network include Home Health Care providers, Senior Move Managers, Certified Financial Planners, Geriatric Care Managers, as well as Estate and Elder Law Attorneys. Despite the need for accessible housing, only 1% of the national housing stock offers five basic universal design features. Access Perfect Homes’ long-term vision involves addressing the shortage of accessible homes with the launch of Built for Access, specifically geared towards increasing the availability of homes for those in need. Their goal is to provide homes which functionally enable individuals to lead fully accessible lifestyles. They will accomplish this through partnerships with an array of companies, including technology, home furnishings, and development firms for the purpose of designing, equipping, and building home environments with accessible features uniquely suited for the individual’s needs. Over 40% of adults over the age of 65 live with at least one disability, with the primary limitation being mobility