See More Projects Like This One

Tampa, FL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Blind and visually impaired residents had few ways to experience live arts in Tampa. The Center introduced audio description for performances, trained describers, installed an assistive listening system and offered Braille brochures. It also hosted a tactile art exhibit and a Braille lecture during Blind Awareness Month. Two guests who attended one of the shows said they were "beyond thrilled" and took extra Braille brochures to share with their community.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Greenland, NH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: The Great Bay Discovery Center serves to support land protection and research, as well as provide a space for learning about the Great Bay estuarine ecosystem. To make the space more welcoming, the Great Bay Stewards expanded the Center's accessible garden, adding a new sensory garden and an accessible swing. The Estuary Inclusion Garden now features a space where people with intellectual disabilities can experience the area through sight, sound, touch, taste and smell. The centerpiece of the garden is a blue heron sculpture created by a local artist and surrounded by grasses, flowers and herbs.

Conway, AR

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Native prairie habitat will be restored and an ADA boardwalk and viewing platform constructed. The space will support outdoor learning, nature viewing and community programs.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Saco, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Transportation Systems Change

Description: Older residents in Saco and nearby towns struggled with limited transportation options, making it hard to reach groceries, social activities and essential programs. Age-Friendly Saco introduced an on-demand shuttle using donated vans, hired drivers and mapped routes based on community surveys. The service now provides rides for errands and social engagement, helping residents maintain independence. One rider said, "I won't drive forever... I'm glad to know this service exists," reflecting its impact on reducing isolation and meeting daily needs.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Saco, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Older adults in Saco faced safety risks at home, making aging in place harder. To address this, the group created a universal design brochure with city planners and distributed it to residents seeking building permits. They also developed a home safety assessment tool used during handyman visits to suggest improvements like grab bars and smoke detectors. The brochure is now part of the citys permitting process, and discussions are underway to require universal design in new housing. One resident said installing grab bars gave her peace of mind and made her bathroom much safer.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Maine State Office

53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States

Phone: 866-554-5380
Fax: 207-775-5727
Email: [email protected]