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benefi ts both the disabled and able-bodied) The key is to approach design from the position of the disabled community and not the perceived position of the dis- abled community. This means integrating the viewpoints and expertise from a person(s) with a disability within the design environment. There are no substitutions for real-life experiences — regardless of the books read, the number of buildings built or the number of observations made. Integrating a person(s) representing the opinions of the disabled community within the design process can provide vast insight necessary to make projects successful. Individuals with disabilities are experts at navigating life with their perceived limita- tions. Avoiding design fl aws that give the perception "you are second class" is a critical step toward success in the ACO environment. Meeting ADA requirements is often approached as simply a box to check of the list and, in some cases, an afterthought in the overall design execution. Looking at the accessibility of rooms, hallways, care areas and elevators from the perspectives of individuals with all types of disabilities, including limited mobility, vision impairments and hearing impairments, often provides a very dif erent reality and one that should be heeded. Perception is everything Healthcare institutions cannot af ord to ignore this patient population, and the architects/ architectural fi rms who em- brace this population will be poised to better serve health- care partners and clients. Entryways that provide both stairs and ramps in a tasteful design speak volumes. "Whether you walk or roll, we welcome you with open arms and treat you the same." Design that presents equal access in- vites both the able-bodied and disabled communities. Buildings with quietness in mind create better heal- ing environments. Sound is consistently an issue and can be terribly distracting, especially for neurosurgical patients, head injuries and those with auditory sensitivities. Wide access and entryways used to be synonymous with handicapped accessible rooms, but, in hospitals, they provide better access for the healthcare team when moving patients, navigating bathrooms and dealing with multiple pieces of equipment. This look at design could avoid unnecessary remodels and retrofi ts down the road, as well as help capture the mil- lions of dollars up for grabs for healthcare organizations who best serve their patients. Architects, designers and construction managers have the unique opportunity to impact lives that goes far beyond the physical environment. It is time to be proactive, not reactive. By embracing the accessibility experience, it is easy to go above and beyond ADA requirements, and it typically doesn't cost anything more. But how you implement it makes a world of dif erence. Justin Skeesuck is The Disabled Traveler, an accessible travel expert and consultant on accessibility experience design. Visit the-disabled-traveler.com. REFERENCES: Janger, Michael. (2011). Baby Boomers: The New Disability Market. Retrieved February 28, 2015, from http://www.brandchannel.com/ features_effect.asp?pf_id=534 Disability Statistics Annual Report. (2014). Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics. There's a lot more to motorized roller shades than up and down. Consider what counts: Quiet, powerful operation, precise shade alignment, smooth integration, convenient—even automated—control options, energy savings, and occupant comfort. mechosystems.com/WhisperShade NeoCon ® booth no. 8-4130 AIA booth no. 2867, 2765LL MCDM AG.COM | M AY/ J U N E 2015 | Medical Construction & Design 31