As a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization® (CPO-CD®) with over 30 years of combined experience, my work in building inclusive and organized environments has centred around helping individuals create functional, organized spaces that cater to their unique needs. Through my training and certifications—including the Rick Hansen Accessibility Certification and expertise in universal design—I have developed an understanding of how to remove physical and cognitive barriers to support inclusive environments for all.
The Growing Need for Accessibility
In today’s world, the need for inclusive and accessible spaces is growing, and universal design has become more important than ever. With aging populations and increased awareness of cognitive and physical disabilities, it’s essential to create environments that work for everyone. This applies to both homes and commercial spaces, where accessibility is now a key requirement for true inclusion.
With my training in universal design, I specialize in creating and modifying spaces to be barrier-free and adaptable. My Rick Hansen Accessibility Certification has equipped me to identify and remove physical barriers, making spaces more accessible for people with mobility, vision, or hearing impairments. True accessibility also goes beyond physical spaces to include support for those with cognitive challenges.
Supporting Cognitive and Mental Health Challenges
My certification as a CPO-CD® allows me to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with chronic disorganization, a condition where persistent disorganization severely impacts their daily lives despite self-help efforts. Individuals with chronic disorganization may struggle with cognitive overload, making it difficult to manage their time, tasks, and possessions. For these clients, organizing is not just about tidying up; it’s about creating systems that help them function better in their everyday lives.
By combining my expertise in accessibility and chronic disorganization, I take a holistic approach to organizing that meets both physical and cognitive needs. Whether working with individuals who have ADHD, PTSD, or other mental health challenges, I focus on strategies that not only declutter spaces but also create environments that support mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Universal Design: A Solution for All
Universal design is a crucial aspect of my work, ensuring that people of all abilities use the spaces I organize. It’s about creating environments that are adaptable, functional, and intuitive. For instance, universal design principles can be applied in a home by ensuring that entryways are wide enough for wheelchair access or installing lever-style door handles that are easier for people with limited hand strength.
Beyond physical adjustments, universal design can also enhance cognitive accessibility, which could involve creating transparent, simple systems for organizing everyday items, making them easy to find and use. These systems can benefit individuals with cognitive challenges and busy professionals or families by reducing the mental load of managing their spaces.
The Impact of Accessible Design on Everyday Life
By combining my training in universal design and chronic disorganization, I help clients create organized spaces and improve their quality of life. Accessible design supports independence for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to navigate their spaces more efficiently and with greater autonomy. For those struggling with chronic disorganization or mental health challenges, having a well-structured, clutter-free environment can alleviate stress and make daily tasks more manageable.
As we continue to see shifts in societal awareness regarding the needs of people with disabilities and cognitive challenges, the demand for accessible, inclusive environments will only grow. My goal is to stay at the forefront of this movement by offering organizing solutions that meet the diverse needs of the community and ensure that every individual has access to functional, welcoming spaces that work for them.
Services That Meet Everyone’s Needs
At Organize That, we offer services both in person and virtually, always striving to deliver solutions that are accessible, inclusive, and barrier-free. Whether you need help organizing your home, creating functional workspaces, or managing chronic disorganization, I am here to support you in creating an environment that enhances your life, no matter your challenges. Did you know our website was designed with accessibility in mind? By integrating an accessibility widget, users can easily adjust text size, colors, and contrast, ensuring that everyone can navigate our content smoothly. Look for the little stick person icon on our website and try out the https://accessibe.com/ widget for yourselves!
We’d love to help you create a space that truly fits your needs. Reach out to us at info@organizethat.ca to schedule a personalized assessment.
