BOISE - Architects, builders, civil engineers, project managers and local building inspectors are encouraged to attend free workshops on accessible design and construction throughout the state August 7-15. The workshops—coordinated by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association with the help of the Idaho Department of Commerce, local building departments and several housing industry groups—are aimed at preventing fair housing design and construction violations and reducing housing discrimination and cost. Gail Austin, a professional accessibility consultant for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and private clients, will be the main presenter.

The training meets the certification standards set by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Eligible attendees will receive six AIA Learning Units upon completion. Workshops will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and will include lunch. Dates and locations are as follows:

• Wednesday, Aug. 7 – Pocatello City Council Chambers / 911 North 7^th Avenue
• Thursday, Aug. 8 – Idaho Falls West Coast Hotel / 475 River Parkway
• Friday, Aug. 9 – Twin Falls AmeriTel Inn / 1377 Blue Lakes Blvd N
• Monday, Aug. 12 – Boise Park Plaza / 565 West Myrtle
• Tuesday, Aug. 13 – Coeur d’Alene Inn & Conference Center / West 414 Appleway
• Wednesday, Aug. 14 – Lewiston Red Lion Hotel / 621 21st Ave
• Thursday, Aug. 15 – Nampa Civic Center / 311 Third Street South

Although the workshops are free to participants, seating is limited. Pre-registration is required no later than August 2 to ensure space, lunch and handout materials. Detailed information and registration forms may be obtained under the What’s New link at www.ihfa.org or by contacting IHFA’s Erik Kingston at 1-877-438-4472 or by e-mail to: access@ihfa.org. For more information on the Fair Housing Act and other fair housing efforts in Idaho, visit IHFA’s Web site: www.ihfa.org/research_fairhousing.asp.

"These training sessions are a must for architects, civil engineers and builders of apartments or condominiums," said Austin. "This information can help reduce liability and save them and their clients money. These are practical sessions to help participants avoid common design and construction errors I’ve seen in over 140 on-site inspections and plan reviews."

Austin is a nationally known expert on the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines and the design and construction requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. She also reviews plans and inspects public facilities for compliance with the Standards for Accessible Design under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"Education is critical to ensure affordable and accessible housing and facilities," maintains IHFA’s Vice President of Community Housing Services Julie Williams. "While fair housing principles may seem simple, the interpretation and application of the law continue to evolve. The best way to address this is with accurate information and open dialogue," said Williams. "When the rules are clearly defined, we can take steps to protect tenants, clients and budgets."

A recent Urban Institute study found that most Americans support the Fair Housing Act, "despite a marked lack of understanding" of how the law works and when it applies. This lack of understanding has led to violations and enforcement that have cost local housing providers hundred of thousands of dollars in recent years. These costs may in time be passed on to consumers, a concern in light of the rising cost of housing relative to household wages.

While enforcement and testing serve as compliance incentives, they may also reduce rental housing investment by creating a climate of fear among providers.