New York City, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Digital Connectivity for Disasters

Description: Older adults in the Lower East Side lacked digital skills for disaster preparedness, leaving them vulnerable during emergencies. GOLES created bilingual training modules, hosted three workshops and distributed resources to 10,000 residents. Ambassadors were trained to share knowledge and expand outreach. The program boosted confidence and readiness, with one participant saying, "I didn't even realize how unprepared I was... now I feel better knowing I'll get alerts when something happens."

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

New York, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Walk Audits

Description: Older adults navigating dense city neighborhoods often face hidden accessibility barriers, from uneven sidewalks to businesses that are difficult to enter. Without clear, shared information, these obstacles can limit independence and everyday movement. AXS Lab addressed this gap by hosting three community mapping events that invited residents to document real-world accessibility conditions using walk audits and digital mapping tools. Participants reviewed streets, parks and businesses and contributed hundreds of observations based on lived experience. The effort supported conversations with local officials and community partners and helped businesses better understand accessibility needs. By turning on-the-ground knowledge into shared data, the project strengthened community awareness and created a foundation for ongoing advocacy focused on improving access for older adults.

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