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College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

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New Additions of Universal Design Exhibit Showcased at Farm Science Review

September 1, 2010

LONDON, Ohio -- Homeowners interested in designing their living spaces to last a lifetime can learn about the user-friendly approach of Universal Design at Farm Science Review. Visitors to the Universal Design (UD) exhibit this year can investigate a new laundry room and garage/farm shop in addition to the original kitchen and bath exhibit.

Universal Design, a holistic approach to the design of products and environments, is functional, attractive and convenient, and supports independence for people of all ages and abilities.

"This year, our exhibit theme is ‘Universal Design Goes Green'," said Pat Holmes, family and consumer sciences educator for Ohio State University Extension and coordinator of the project. "UD is green because it creates sustainable design solutions that meet family needs as they change. Plus the new additions will use green products and materials from either sustainable or recycled sources."

The new laundry features energy-saving and ecofriendly equipment and materials. The garage/farm shop exhibit features ergonomic tools and equipment that aid farmers with disabilities. The Ohio AgrAbility program in OSU Extension provided input into the garage planning and provided many of the special tools and equipment.

Farm Science Review visitors can see these concepts at work in the exhibit located in the McCormick Building on the Review's Friday Avenue. FSR will take place on Sept. 21-23 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio. Full show agenda and other information are available at http://fsr.osu.edu.

The permanent exhibit resulted from a partnership between OSU Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, faculty members in Ohio State's College of Education and Human Ecology and School of Allied Medical Professions, Dave Fox Design-Build Remodelers, Columbus, and Lowe's Home Improvement stores in central Ohio. Additional contributions came this year from Forbo Flooring Systems and Home Depot.

The exhibit is open during Farm Science Review each September. To discuss a workshop or tour during the fall or spring, contact Pat Holmes at 937-456-8174 or holmes.86@osu.edu.

Consumers can learn more about Universal Design online at http://ehe.osu.edu/ud/. The site contains a 20-minute video that shows Universal Design features at the Farm Science Review site. The video provides an introduction to Universal Design elements, discusses how Universal Design features are helpful and appropriate for all members of the family, and highlights examples of Universal Design features in a kitchen and bathroom. The video is also available on DVD and can be ordered for $5 plus shipping and handling through OSU Extension's online store at http://estore.osu-extension.org/.

Farm Science Review is sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. It attracts upwards of 140,000 visitors from all over the country and Canada, who come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors, and learn the latest in agricultural research, conservation, family and nutrition, and gardening and landscape.

Farm Science Review pre-show tickets are now on sale for $5 at all OSU Extension county offices. Tickets will also be available at local agribusinesses. Tickets are $8 at the gate. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21-22 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23.

For more information, log on to http://fsr.osu.edu. For the latest news and updates, follow Farm Science Review on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/OhioStateFSR), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/FarmScienceReview), and Ning (http://fsrosu.ning.com).

Author(s): 
Candace Pollock
Source(s): 
Pat Holmes