Information
Detailed and updated accessibility information should be available online from all spaces open to the public. It should not take hours of research to plan a night at the theatre or a trip to a museum. This information also needs to be easily available from universities, government buildings, transportation hubs, and healthcare facilities.
Universal Access
ADA compliance and full accessibility are not the same thing. Wheelchair accessible spaces are not always accessible to people using other mobility devices, such as walkers or canes. We encourage all public spaces to review their facilities to ensure full access for all.
Advocacy and Awareness
If there are no people using mobility devices in a public space, it may be because they cannot access it - even if it is wheelchair accessible. Millions of Americans live with mobility issues but are often forgotten because they are not seen. We educate the general public about the needs of people living with a variety of disabilities and advocate for inclusion of all people.
Inclusive Design
The Within Walking Distance Foundation will fund capital improvements to increase accessibility beyond ADA compliance so public spaces, schools, and special events can be open to all.
Stephanie Bryan Kangas
Co-Founder
Elizabeth Bryan Bragg
Co-Founder
Dedicated Accessibility Page
Ensure websites include complete and clear information about accessibility from parking to interior navigation. Information should be easy to find, thorough, and updated to reflect real conditions, not just compliance status.
Address All Mobility Aids, Not Just Wheelchairs
Accessibility is not only for wheelchair users. Acknowledge and provide details for people using walkers, canes, crutches, and other mobility aids. Many barriers affect individuals differently and must be specifically addressed.
Go Beyond Compliance — Strive for True Accessibility
ADA-compliance is a baseline, not a goal. Evaluate venues and facilities using real experiences of people with mobility challenges. Purposeful improvements and planning show a commitment to genuine inclusion, not just legal requirements.
Understand That Visibility Reflects Accessibility
If you don’t see people with disabilities at a venue, barriers preventing their access likely exist. Proactive information and thoughtful accommodations allow everyone to plan ahead, participate fully, and feel welcome.
