- Statistics Canada reports that 22.3% of Canadians aged 15 and older and 47% over 75 have a disability that limits their daily activities
- Only 600 units in Calgary are considered both accessible and affordable [1]
- Almost half of Canadians report they have a relationship with someone who has a physical disability or challenge [2]
MAY 7, 2019 | CALGARY, AB – Inclusio residents with limited mobility may now enjoy a truly relaxing and therapeutic spa experience in their newly renovated Wellness Room designed by Schulman Design Inc.
“When our team visited Inclusio, we were blown away by the amazing work they are doing for low-income Calgarians with limited mobility,” says Margot Schulman, CEO and Owner, Schulman Design. “We were immediately compelled to donate our design expertise, time and supplies to finish one of the only remaining areas, the Wellness Room.”
The Wellness Room’s therapeutic bathing system is flexible and compatible with a range of transport and lifting aids that cover all resident mobility levels. Hydrotherapy systems help stimulate the senses, improve well-being, calm stressed or anxious people, ease pain and soreness, and sometimes even lead to reduced medications. The hydrotherapy tub was donated by the estate of a talented and compassionate Accessible Housing employee named Sharon, after her passing.
“The water takes the heaviness out of your muscles and bones,” explains Kristine Lowry, Inclusio resident. “It’s relaxing and reduces the painkillers I need.”
The Wellness Room is approximately 300 square feet and was very institutional in design. With some color, new millwork, furniture and heated towel bars, SDI transformed the space to truly inspire a spa like experience for residents to indulge in.
“Accessible Housing is thankful to have community partners who have kindly donated their resources and expertise to enrich the lives of our residents,” says David R. McElhanney, Executive Director at Accessible Housing. “The thoughtful details have helped make this room at Inclusio feel like home.”
“Accessibility is such a critical issue today. We were not surprised when many of our big-hearted suppliers, partners and friends jumped on board to help out with the project,” says Schulman. “I have personal experience caring for my brother, who was diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic after a severe head injury from a cycling accident. My family and I navigated the healthcare system in the 80’s and 90’s to help him live out his last few years in a comfortable ‘home within a home’ with other men with brain injuries. I know first hand how important these facilities are to residents and their families.”
In-kind and corporate sponsors included: AfterEight Interiors Flooring Professionals; Transformation Painting & Cabinetry; Royal Flush Kitchen & Bath Boutique and ICO; Banbury Lane Design Centre; Xibit and Frame Source; Opus; Sifton Interlake; Velocity Partnership.
To see before and after photos of the Wellness Room, please visit: https://schulmandesign.com/project/inclusio-wellness-room/
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To request an interview or visit the Wellness Room, contact:
MARGOT SCHULMAN, B.A., D.I.D., B.I.D. DAVID R. MCELHANNEY
Schulman Design Inc. Accessible Housing
Owner, Principal Interior Designer Interim Executive Director
403-969-5118 403-282-1872
[email protected] [email protected]
ABOUT SCHULMAN DESIGN: Schulman Design is a full-service residential and commercial interior design firm that uses a humanitarian approach to transform spaces, fostering accessibility and well-being at every stage in life. We specialize in home and multi-resident site assessments and universal design recommendations for accessibility and safety, new build construction and renovations. For more information, visit: www.schulmandesign.com.
ABOUT
ACCESSIBLE HOUSING: Accessible Housing is a Calgary not-for-profit organization
that opens doors to safe, barrier-free housing to individuals with limited
physical mobility. Accessible Housing’s vision is that everyone has a home and
belongs in community. For more information about Accessible Housing’s programs,
services and clients, visit www.accessiblehousing.ca.
[1] City of Calgary 2012; Heywood 2005
[2] Angus Reid Institute 2019