Ladysmith, WI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: The library's outdated door openers forced many older adults and people with disabilities to struggle just to enter the building, limiting access to one of the few community spaces offering free resources. Upgrading the doorway, including the frame, buttons and hardware, immediately transformed entry into a simple independent process. Patrons reported feeling welcomed again. One longtime user exclaimed, "I can come into the building so easily... I've wanted this for years!" Foot traffic increased and the project reinforced the library's role as an accessible hub as it continues working to expand services for residents.

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

Virginia City, MT

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: To engage the community in the efforts to improve accessibility at the library, Friends of the Thompson-Hickman Madison County Library held public meetings and conducted a survey of residents.

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

Saco, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Saco is a coastal community with seven miles of sandy beaches. Until recently, there was no beach access for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. That changed thanks to the purchase and installation of three ADA-compliant beach mats. The mats run from a parking lot to the high tide mark, as well as parallel to the beach. Grant funding from AARP also helped Saco attract a donation from the local Rotary Club to purchase a beach wheelchair and beach walker. Lifeguards manage and loan out the accessibility equipment.