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SWA Announces Educational Partnership with AIA|DC

JUNE 27, 2014

Steven Winter Associates, Inc. (SWA) is pleased to announce an innovative educational partnership with the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC). As accessibility continues to be an emerging area of interest among architects, AIA|DC has invited SWA’s Accessibility Compliance and Consulting Group to serve as a lead educator to its members on issues pertaining to accessible design and construction.

SWA joined AIA|DC earlier this year as a Corporate Affiliate Member, with the goal of reaching the chapter’s two thousand members to raise the profile of accessible design throughout the DC Metro Area. The need for accessibility expertise became overwhelmingly apparent after SWA’s first AIA-hosted training, Fair Housing – Are You Covered, generated interest from nearly 100 attendees.

“SWA is thrilled to expand our work with AIA|DC,” stated Peter Stratton, Senior Vice President and Director of the Accessibility Compliance and Consulting Group. “With building and development at an all-time high in the district, we look forward to working with AIA members to enhance the accessibility of both new and existing structures to accommodate people with disabilities.”

AIA|DC and SWA are currently collaborating to launch a four-part educational series entirely focused on accessible design. Training topics will include best practices for designing accessible hotels and restaurants, accessibility requirements of the Fair Housing Act, and scoping and technical requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. AIA members will receive up to 2 AIA LU/HSW credits per session.

“Our partnership with SWA is an indicator that accessibility certainly is a growing area of interest for Washington architects,” stated Tasiyiwa Mapondera, AIA|DC Program Manager of Professional Education. “We look forward to our upcoming training program, and to potential joint collaborations in the future that will continue to promote accessible design.”
Founded in 1887, the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects serves the nation’s capital, functioning as both the local and state component of the AIA for the District of Columbia. The chapter was intimately involved in the design and planning of Washington, and continues to play an active role in city development today.

For more information or to register for the AIA|DC Series on Accessibility, view the AIA|DC calender of events.