Written by Rebecca Neel, Assistant Professor of Library Science
I initially joined the Minka Advisory Board in 2020 because I was drawn to the idea of living spaces that are inclusive by design. We hear a lot about inclusivity and accessibility in public spaces (which is great!), but the conversation rarely turns to home spaces until a functional issue arises. In other words, accessibility in the home is often a reactive rather than proactive thought. For this reason, I really value the diverse points of view, experiences, and expertise represented on the Advisory Board. Being proactive about creating accessible and inclusive living spaces is a community effort – we all have something to contribute, and we certainly all have something to learn!
The Minka house is also a multifaceted learning tool for USI students and a collaboration nexus between the university and the surrounding community, particularly in the realm of aging and healthcare. The Minka’s potential in both these capacities has grown substantially over the past three years, and I am excited to see what new concepts, applications and partnerships emerge in the future.
