By: Nikki Palm, March 26th, 2022
Vancouver, WA - We are pleased to announce our official launch of the Partners for Accessible Leisure (PAL) program. Partners for Accessible Leisure (PAL) was designed with direct feedback from over 130+ people who are Blind, Low-Vision or Deafblind who shared their thoughts and experiences in targeted focus groups. Attendees reported seeking a more accessible experience when dining out, going to a movie or other leisurely favorites. PAL also addresses the #1 concern of all business owners which is finding and being able to afford the expertise to make a business more accessible and inclusive to the public with disabilities.
In one of the interviews, Beverly, age 46 from SW Washington shared that "I stay in a lot because when I go out, I do not really enjoy myself. Things are not accessible to me and businesses are not educated on my needs." She continued by sharing that "when I go out to spend my hard earned money, I want to have a good time and not have to fight to enjoy an activity or to read what is on a menu for dinner. We need to find a way to help ourselves and the best way to do that is to help the businesses."
Chloe, age 21 from Vancouver, WA shared that "Businesses are trying their best but they just do not have the tools or resources to be more inclusive sometimes."
David, age 33 from Centra Washington stated that "I would go out more and be more active if the world was ready for me, but the bottom line is, it's not and it's really frustrating."
ABOUT PARTNERS FOR ACCESSIBLE LEISURE
We want to help businesses by providing more accessible tools for their customers and to enhance the experience of our communities with disabilities in various forms of leisure. Partners for Accessible Leisure will receive access to Braille printing for promotional materials like Menus, catalogs or other relevant info for customers. Partners will also receive an audit of their website and social media to ensure accessibility for all visitors. Lastly, partners will receive best practices recommendations for enriching the relationship between businesses and customers with disabilities. The best thing is, this is all done for the business and for the customers, free of charge.
More Information
When a business signs up to become a Partner for Accessible Leisure, they will also be placed into our network of accessible retailers, which we update regularly online, that lets customers know the businesses in their area that are more accessible and more inclusive to their needs.
Become A Partner for Accessible Leisure
The Partners for Accessible Leisure Network