Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. is a powerful, internationally known speaker, trainer, consultant, writer, and publisher who walks her talk. On June 13, 1998 Rossetti’s life was transformed when a 3 1/2 ton tree came crushing down on her. Her life was changed in that instant! Paralyzed from the waist down with a spinal cord injury, Rossetti looked deep within herself and found new strength and new resolve. In her keynotes, she shares the lessons she has learned since that fateful day, and demonstrates how to rise above misfortune and live life with conviction.

   Rossetti and her husband, Mark Leder, are on a personal mission to increase the awareness and discussion of the home of the future. They are building a national demonstration home and garden, the Universal Design Living Laboratory www.udll.com in metropolitan Columbus, Ohio. Rossetti brings the discussion about marrying universal design, green building, healthy home, and technology to the forefront of our minds. This home will not only serve as their residence, but also will be used to teach residential and commercial builders, architects, landscape architects, designers, interior designers, manufacturer’s representatives/distributors, and home buyers. The 3,500 square foot ranch-style home will incorporate the finest craftsmanship and state-of-the-art products and services. Construction is anticipated to start in the spring of 2009.

   Using her extensive research and first hand experience, Rossetti writes articles for national publications and speaks nationally about the features and benefits of universal design and green building. Since March 2006, her monthly columns about accessible housing are read in Action Magazine, a publication of the United Spinal Association. She has also written magazine articles for Ultimate Home Design, SpeciaLiving, PN, New Mobility, NAHB's 50+ Housing, and Ability. The National Association of Home Builders, American Society of Interior Designers, New York School of Interior Design, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, U.S. Department of Justice, Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association, Canadian Paraplegic Association, and The Ohio State University have utilized her universal design expertise and speaking talents at recent programs.

   Her monthly inspirational column has been in publication since January 2000. Rosemarie is the author, co-author or contributor to 11 books including her latest "Take Back Your Life!" a collection of 20 inspirational articles from her columns. In the book, Mission Possible! Rossetti is one of 12 contributing authors including: Stephen Covey, Deepak Chopra, Les Brown, and Pat Summit. Her essays were published by Simon & Schuster in the books Flowers are for Love and Flowers are Forever.

   As a communication specialist, she offers seminars, workshops, and one-on-one speech coaching to clients. She works with organizations that want their people to communicate more clearly and convincingly, and with people who want to feel at ease in front of a group. Her tailor-made presentations are targeted at communication and presentation skill development, and train-the-trainer programs. She has been in the speaking and training arena for 27 years. 

   Rossetti taught courses at The Ohio State University for fifteen years in oral expression, teaching methods, instructional media, and marketing. In 1995, she was presented an award from the College of Agriculture for her outstanding teaching. Her academic background is in the area of teacher education. Rossetti has a Ph.D. (1982), Master of Science (1979), and Bachelor of Science (1975) degrees from The Ohio State University, in Agricultural Education. She had a dual major in horticulture and agricultural education as an undergraduate.

   In February 2008, Rossetti was honored as one of “20 Outstanding Women You Should Know” in central Ohio. Rossetti was selected as a national “Roll Model” and was on the runway in a New York City fashion show on February 6, 2007 for a spinal cord injury fundraiser sponsored by Discovery through Design. She holds the title, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2004. In 2002, she carried the Olympic torch in Columbus, Ohio on its way to the Winter Olympics. She also received the Remarkable Women Award and a service award from the National Speakers Association, Ohio Chapter, in 2002. In 1999, she received the Woman Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award; Franklin Park Conservatory – Recognition of Service Award - Board of Trustees; and the Women in New Growth Stages – Women Honoree Award. In August 2001, she founded the Rosemarie Rossetti Spinal Cord Research Fund at The Ohio State University.

Topic:

How to make Universal Design Work