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Description: Outdated audiovisual equipment made it hard for older adults to hear and see during the museum's popular lecture series, limiting engagement and lifelong learning.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.

Long Island, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Older residents on Long Island faced isolation as mobility challenges kept them from beaches, a cornerstone of community life. The council purchased and assembled a beach wheelchair, promoted its availability and trained volunteers to manage its use. This simple addition restored access to gatherings and natural spaces, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the shoreline safely. One older resident who had stopped visiting her favorite beach can now return, and a child's wish for her grandmother to attend a beach birthday party was fulfilled.