AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Vida McKenzie Community Center (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
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.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
See More Projects Like This One
Unionville, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: An aging fishing pier will be replaced with a new accessible boardwalk and viewing platform. The upgrade will restore safe river access for visitors with mobility needs.
Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: ADA accessible pathways and benches will be added to an urban farm. The improvements will help older adults and people with disabilities safely access the space for rest, cooling and community use.
Mechanicville, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: The city will install ADA-compliant pedestrian signals and crossings between housing for older adults and a local grocery store. These changes will create a direct, safer walking route and reduce reliance on transit for short trips.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Sweet Home, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Disaster Preparedness
Description: Up to 250 disaster preparedness kits will be assembled and distributed to older adults through the local community center. Outreach efforts will raise awareness of emergency readiness resources.
Eugene, OR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: A food pantry entrance will be rebuit with ADA-compliant graded paths, nearby parking and planters. These changes will make grocery access safer and easier for shoppers with mobility challenges.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Oregon State Office
9200 SE Sunnybrook Boulevard
Suite 410
Clackamas (Portland), OR 97015
United States