AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Howard County (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
Older adults visiting the Senior Center struggled to open heavy exterior doors, creating safety risks and preventing many from entering independently. Installing automatic door openers removed a key barrier and allowed residents using walkers, wheelchairs and canes to access the building safely. Staff could stay focused on assisting residents rather than rushing to open the doors, and visitors immediately experienced smoother entry. Community members said residents "could not be happier," reflecting the project's lasting impact in reducing falls and increasing confidence for those who rely on the center.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Haigler, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The Haigler Community Foundation upgraded a restroom in Cornerstone Museum to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessibility. Improvements included adding a Braille sign with accessible symbols, a stool, four grab bars, a new sink and a coat rack. The village uses its museum complex for community activities, including the annual Tumbleweed Festival.
Opelousas, LA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2019
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The City of Opelousas had no accessible seating outdoor seating in its downtown. So City officials set out to create comfortable, wheelchair-accessible gathering places, creating a more welcoming Main Street for older adults with mobility challenges. They installed ADA-compliant rest areas with benches and picnic tables at several downtown locations, including the farmers market, the local courthouse and the public library.
Valley City, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Outdated audiovisual equipment made it hard for older adults to hear and see during the museum's popular lecture series, limiting engagement and lifelong learning. The society installed a large-screen television, modern sound system, speakers and microphones to replace obsolete gear. These upgrades ensure clear visuals and audio for presentations, creating a more inclusive experience for attendees. Volunteers, many age 50-plus, continue to host programs, reinforcing the museum's role as a hub for education and social connection. The improvements have already boosted participation, making lectures easier and more enjoyable for older residents.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Morrilton, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Action Services noticed that many participants in their day program faced solitary, sedentary lives at home. So they set out to create an outdoor therapy and gathering space, designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. First, volunteers poured a concrete slab to serve as a play surface. They then added a basketball hoop and oversized checkerboard painted on the pavement. They also installed benches and picnic tables onsite. To give community members access to fresh, healthy produce, they set up garden boxes for growing fruits and vegetables and planted fruit trees. Organizers say the improvements have led to more older adults spending time outdoors, actively participating in activities.
Bald Knob, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: This project will improve safety and create a more inviting space for residents aged 50-plus to gather, share meals, and connect.
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