Access Navigators helps people of all abilities know what to expect when they visit New England and beyond. We look for “access-friendly” because sometimes, in our historic buildings, accommodations may not be fully ADA compliant, but most businesses do whatever they can to give everyone a warm New England welcome. 

We visit local businesses to determine:
• Is the entrance accessible?
• How accommodating is the interior layout?
• Is there an accessible restroom?
• Is there parking nearby?

We understand that buildings change and staff fluctuates and both play a big part in your personal experience. As a visitor, if you see something that can use an edit, give us a shout and we’ll check it out. For business owners, we’re also architects and interior designers, with one of the country’s best gurus on accessibility in our firm. Sometimes a small fix will make a big difference in customer experience. We’re happy to help a little or a lot.

Access Navigators has become a leader in advocacy for people impacted by disabilities by speaking around the world about the impact of accessibility on people and the economy; mentoring students and volunteers as advocates and data collectors, and continuing to look for new ways to keep people impacted by disabilities connected to their communities.

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Accessibility Guides

Our online accessibility maps and listings help people with mobility challenges stay engaged in the community. Too often, mobility challenges lead to isolation and disconnection. Going out can be stressful; one unexpected impediment can derail the entire outing, affecting both the person with mobility challenges and their family and friends. Knowing what to expect, and the ability to plan in advance, changes the likelihood of successful outings.

The Access Navigators team and partners take to the streets and assess local restaurants and cultural attractions for physical barriers that impact accessibility. We provide an online form for data collection. To ensure reliable reporting, we use a team of local residents who are wheelchair users as “fact checkers.” They check our listings for accuracy and give us feedback.

Our unique Walk ’n’ Roll map provides a user-tested, barrier-free loop through downtown Portsmouth and helps guide users of wheelchairs and strollers, as well as the general public, travel around the historic downtown and waterfront.

We began this initiative in our hometown: Portsmouth, New Hampshire. We have encouraged businesses to see this as an economic driver by including links to their business website and helping with details that improve their listing. We have since expanded our reach to include communities all around the Seacoast area and we are looking for partners all around the globe to help us bring these benefits to all communities.

You can browse all of our accessibility maps and business listings by selecting your location from the top menu. Contact us to help bring Access to your community!

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1 week ago

Access Navigators
We had the best time at the Portsmouth NH Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting! Sending gratitude to City Hall Portsmouth NH for the perfect seating area for this fun crew! ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

Access Navigators
It’s holiday parade time! We'll be at the Portsmouth NH Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting on Saturday December 6, 6pmFrom City Hall Portsmouth NHAccessible Viewing Area – The City is working with Access Navigators to provide a wheelchair-accessible seated viewing area for the parade on the sidewalk along Islington Street between Maplewood and Bridge Streets. This area is reserved for people who have difficulty standing, along with their companions. Space and seating are limited and available on a first-come basis. Nearby public parking includes additional parade-day accessible parking in the Bridge Street Lot, and accessible spaces in the Worth Lot and Foundry Garage. Access Navigators will provide assistance and holiday cheer. For an extra dose of holiday spirit, Portsmouth Historical Society, across the street from the parade seating, has their gingerbread house display open till 9pm on 12/6. Their building has an accessible ramp in the rear, and accessible restrooms.For after-parade free and accessible fun, drop in the first floor Gallery at Jimmy's Jazz and Blues for ‘Gather at the Gallery.’ Free hot cocoa and cookies, music and art, just a few steps from the parade viewing area. 6-9pm For those feeling holiday generosity, here's a link to our donation page. Our gratitude is huge. donorbox.org/accessnavigators-1 ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Access Navigators
Today we celebrated the opening of the new South Mill Pond Playground in Portsmouth NH. Children helped cut the ribbon alongside Mayor Deaglan McEachern. This beautiful new space was designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind, ensuring all families can enjoy it. 🎉🎉Photo by Roger Goun ... See MoreSee Less
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