Villa Maria College proudly hosted the Universal Design Symposium on their college campus.  This event was open to all students in the region as well as local practicing professionals.  And better yet it was free of charge!  It started with a planned campus visit by Universal Design expert Cynthia Leibrock.  Her mission is to educate students and professionals on the specifics of Universal Design and encourage using these principles in all aspects of design.  To support  this mission and maximize this effort, Villa expanded the platform of speakers and opened their doors to the community.  With Cynthia Leibrock as the keynote speaker the program had a strong anchor.  She was followed by a panel discussion on the practice of Universal Design that included researcher Jonathan White, Villa professor Ryan Renshaw and practicing professional and Villa alum Laura Wax.  Other distinguished speakers included Professor Beth Tauke and Dr. Korydon Smith, both from the University at Buffalo, and Dr. Alex Bitterman from Alfred State College.  Each presentation was registered with the AIA as well as the IDCEC for continuing education credits. This event was made possible with the generous support of the Interior Design Association of Western New York, SmartDesign Architecture, Eastern Energy Control Window Films, The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access as well as the Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant.  
Villa students presented their Millennium Dream House studio projects, that feature Universal Design, as poster presentations during the afternoon coffee break.  This was a wonderful learning opportunity for Villa students, who also had the added benefit of additional presentations before and after the symposium with Cynthia Leibrock.  The strongest message that was shared during the symposium, is that it is the Interior Designer who will be the leader in Universal Design, above all other design and construction professions.  The Interior Designer has the knowledge, ability and professional opportunity to improve the lives of countless individuals by incorporating Universal Design in each and every project.