Pathfinders RC&D, with the support of the University of Iowa Business Leadership Network Community Grant, created an Accessibility Map to help list places throughout southeast Iowa in the categories of museums, playgrounds, lakes, campgrounds, and trails that offered fully accessible or partially accessible amenities. This map allows users to see what locations have different amenities such as accessible bathrooms, braille or large print, accessible or designated camping, barrier-free entrances, accessible parking, sensory-friendly hours or displays, assistive listening or family hours, or workshops.
The list of accessible amenities depends on the different locations, such as campgrounds; it will list accessible picnic tables, ADA-compliant paths, roll-in showers, accessible shower houses, accessible campgrounds, and fire pits. For playgrounds, it will list accessible paths to the playground, ADA-compliant surfacing, ground-level play, wide ramps and/or deck, accessible swings, accessible shelter and shade areas, and free-standing play components.
Inclusive and accessible communities are essential for fostering positive and supportive environments. We hope that this map helps people find a variety of activities that they can access and take part in, which means we are helping build an Iowa that is built for everyone.