VGM Home Access Summit Highlights: Funding, Policy, and Partnerships

Published in VGM Home Accessibility Community on November 11, 2026

By Cindi Petito, OTR/L, ATP, CEAC, CAPS, Director of Home Accessibility

The 2026 Home Access Summit brought together approximately 140 attendees and exhibitor representatives, manufacturers, and industry leaders from across the country for two days of education, networking, and strategic discussions focused on the future of home accessibility.

Held during National Aging in Place Week, the summit highlighted the growing demand for accessibility solutions as America's aging population increasingly chooses to remain in their homes and communities. With the current housing shortage for seniors, a central theme throughout the event was the importance of making home accessibility both attainable and affordable through greater awareness of funding resources, industry partnerships, and integrated approaches to care.

Home Access Funding

One of the most significant topics was funding options for seniors, Medicaid funding changes affecting home and community waiver programs for people with complex disabilities, and government-funded programs at the state level through HUD grants.

Guest speakers Ryann Hill, CEO of Indigo Hill Strategies, and Tara Ballman of CrossCountry Mortgage provided attendees with actionable takeaways on consumer education, housing finance solutions, public policy, and advocacy. Their presentations emphasized the importance of educating consumers on available resources while working to advance policies that expand access to home modifications and accessibility solutions.

The Role of Occupational Therapists

The summit also highlighted the critical role occupational therapists play in helping individuals remain independent at home. Sessions focused on the importance of clinical assessments and collaboration between therapists and home accessibility professionals to ensure modifications meet both current and future functional needs.

The Power of Partnership

Another key takeaway was the power of partnership. Presenters shared successful models demonstrating how accessibility providers, contractors, remodelers, manufacturers, and healthcare professionals can work together to deliver comprehensive solutions for homeowners. As projects become more complex, these partnerships are increasingly important to improving outcomes and creating seamless customer experiences.

Attendees also addressed the evolving legislative and regulatory landscape affecting the home access industry. Discussions centered on growing state regulations and licensing requirements affecting stairlifts, vertical platform lifts, and residential elevators. Participants stressed the importance of industry advocacy and maintaining a unified voice to ensure regulations balance consumer safety with access to essential accessibility solutions.

Looking ahead, summit participants explored initiatives designed to elevate professionalism and strengthen the industry, including home accessibility certification programs, expanded continuing education opportunities, workforce development efforts, and the promotion of industry best practices.

Key Takeaway

The Home Access Summit reinforced that meeting the growing demand for aging-in-place solutions will require a combination of education, funding awareness, clinical expertise, strategic partnerships, professional development, and coordinated advocacy. The event underscored the industry's shared commitment to helping more individuals live safely, independently, and with dignity in their own homes.

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