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Sun Sounds of Arizona (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
Outdated technology threatened the audio service that thousands of older adults rely on for news, health information and election details. Sun Sounds upgraded six recording booths and a Master Control computer, giving volunteer readers, many age 50-plus, the tools to produce clearer, more efficient programming. The improvements ensure uninterrupted access to vital information for listeners statewide. One listener said the service made it possible to be an informed voter and stay connected through programs on health, hobbies and local news. Plans are underway to extend upgrades to other stations.
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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Claremont, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: This project will add new accessible seating areas to the Opera House to make arts and culture programming inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. Existing accessible seating is located at the rear of the theater, resulting in poor sight lines.
Lane County, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Vida McKenzie Community Center rebuilt its role as a community hub by installing an advanced AV system with a Hearing Loop. This upgrade removed barriers for residents with hearing loss, allowing older adults to fully participate in events like concerts, workshops and social gatherings. Public classes will teach users how to connect their hearing aids to the system, ensuring long-term accessibility. One attendee shared, "The sound quality in the new Vida McKenzie Community System is amazing. It made it possible for me to fully engage in last Saturday's workshop."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hastings, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Older adults and visitors using mobility devices often waited outside historic buildings because portable ramps were impractical during events. To improve access, the park installed an ADA-compliant sidewalk linking five buildings and hosted a ribbon-cutting with volunteers assisting in landscaping. The change replaced temporary ramps with permanent access and sparked momentum for additional projects, including a village-wide walking system. One retired teacher said, "It was a joy to be able to tour with the Commission on Aging. The ramps were wonderful."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Tempe, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions
Description: High plan costs and confusing permitting kept many residents from building accessory homes that could support aging in place. Tempe ran a design competition that produced ten standard ADU plans, including accessible and small-footprint options prioritized in the criteria. Hundreds engaged through meetings, an open house and a public vote, and the city is preparing a handout to guide next steps. Staff expect more permit applications and will track how often winning plans are used, connecting homeowners with designers and lowering barriers over time.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Tempe, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Over the years, Tempe has worked to become a dementia-friendly city. More than 1,500 of the city's residents have memory loss. To support these residents, the City hosts a weekly memory cafe. Caregivers can network with each other, and people exeperiencing Alzheimers and other forms of dementia can interact with each other and build friendships. Organizers hoped to make the building hosting the cafe more welcoming to participants. To do this, they improvided wayfinding onsite. The City installed signage with easily-understood icons, large print and high color contrast. The signs point people to classrooms, the onsite fitness center, the intformation desk and restrooms.
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