Leaders with Passion The life of Accessible Space, Inc. is intertwined with the passion and vision of its leaders, volunteers, and residents. ASI was born out of the commitment of Stephen Wiggins and Charles Berg who outlined the concept for accessible, affordable homes with supportive living services in a college thesis paper. They then searched for funding to develop barrier-free houses for individuals with mobility impairments. In 1978, Accessible Space, Inc. was incorporated as a Minnesota nonprofit organization and, two years later, five homes were opened to consumers.

Today, ASI is led with passion by its Board of Directors, President/CEO Stephen Vander Schaaf, and staff—many of whom have been with the organization for decades. Their enthusiasm for this important work remains strong. Fulfilling our mission requires patience with paperwork, an ability to work with local communities and governments, openness to the concerns and suggestions of consumers and their families and a talent for working with big picture vision down to the minute details of construction. ASI continues to dramatically increase consumer opportunities across the country.  Read all stories »