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Bethel, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Library programs often excluded people with hearing loss, especially older adults, because the community room lacked adaptive audio technology. The library installed a system that connects to its sound system and Wi-Fi, letting attendees control volume through personal devices or borrowed equipment. This upgrade improves access for library patrons, especially those with hearing challenges, enhancing participation in film screenings and educational programs. The system is also available to community groups using the space, fostering inclusion and engagement across events. One participant noted that she can now fully enjoy events without difficulty.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hibbing, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The Hibbings Farmers' Market, a local market that participates in federal food assistance programs, is expanding its Power of Produce program, which provides discount tokens to older adults. To enable this, the market added a covered porch and chairs to its facilities, providing a shaded area for participants to meet local producers, attend events and socialize with other community members. Organizers ensured the seating area had non-slip, even flooring to accommodate marketgoers of all ages and abilities. Since completing the porch, more accessibility upgrades are in the works.
Northfield, MN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The Red Chair Project gives older adults and people with disabilities attending community concerts and events the assurance that accessible, comfortable seating is available for them. FiftyNorth and Age-Friendly Northfield purchased 52 sturdy chairs with hand rests, as well as signage for use during outdoor events. City employees and volunteers set up the chairs for public gatherings, including the annual Defeat of Jesse James celebration and the Grand Parade.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Deer Lodge, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Trails
Description: To give residents a new way to access Deer Lodge's commercial district, the Powell County Parks Board built a trail connector linking up a park in the town's residential area. To enable construction, the County worked with a landowner to secure a public access easement through his property. Then the County's road crew donated its time, labor and equipment to prepare the site, installing and relocating culverts. Additionally, the Board hired a contractor to build fencing along the easement, creating a border for the trail. Before, residents had to walk along a 45-mile-per-hour highway to reach businesses and the local medical center. But since construction, Deer Lodge has continued to improve its trail system, which the City has identified as an essential feature of its ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.
Helena, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement
Description: This pop-up demonstration set out to gather input from residents about ways to increase mobility in Helena. Organizers planned to create a demonstration kit, comprised of a trailer equipped with supplies to stage pop-up projects. They then set out to create temporary protected bike lanes and make improvements to crosswalks along the Centennial Trial -- all with the goal of making the community more walkable and bikeable.
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