The VGM Heartland Conference was a three-day HME (Home Medical Equipment) Industry educational conference held in Waterloo, Iowa this past June. A highlight of the 2010 event was the all-accessible home built across the street from the convention center. AHIA teamed up with All American Homes of Dyersville, Iowa to construct the home featuring innovative designs and a variety of accessibility products for independent and functional living.
Best Bath participated in the project by installing a barrier-free shower in the bathroom, and we were conducting certification training on shower installation for builders and remodelers.
The WCF Courier wrote up a great article on the house that includes a video. And, check out some photos here – just click on the gallery titled “House” to see the innovative products incorporated into the model home – including our shower!
If that weren’t enough, the July 27th episode of The Learning’s Channel’s hit show, The Little Couple, will feature co-star Bill Klein’s visit to the Heartland Conference. Klein was the keynote speaker at the opening session, attended educational sessions and social events, and cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Heartland Home for Independent Living. TLC filmed throughout the conference. His speech, entitled “Think Big,” covered his personal story of triumphs and challenges as he negotiates accessibility as a little person in an average-sized word. He and his wife Jen Arnold are both under four feet tall.
