Professional Achievement 2004 -Charlotte S. Wade
Charlotte is a graduate of Abilene Christian University, and holds both an M.S. in Interior Design and a Graduate Certification in Gerontology from the University of Arizona. In addition, she has completed graduate credits in architecture and in research methodology. Charlotte is the Director for the National Center for Seniors Housing Research (NCSHR), a cooperative effort between the NAHB Research Center and the U.S. Administration on Aging. When she joined the NAHB Research Center in January 2002 she brought with her an extensive background in housing, gerontology, fair housing, working with people with disabilities, and interior design. Charlotte led the development of the curriculum for a national training program for remodelers that will qualify them to become Certified Aging in Place Specialists. NCSHR's programs include an annual student design competition for aging in place, the annual Directory of Accessible Building Products, the Seniors Housing E-Review, an on-line database of accessible products, and the National Older Adults Housing Survey.
Charlotte has provided numerous trainings throughout the country on remodeling for aging, universal design, accessibility, gerontology, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and fair housing. Her expertise was particularly significant for Arizona youth when she served on the curriculum design team for the development of the Interior Design and Merchandising curriculum to be taught in Arizona high schools. The curriculum has now been brought back as a career and technical education program at the Arizona Department of Education. Charlotte has been recognized on the national, state and local level for her work with people with disabilities, for her skills in program development, and for her work in fair housing.
