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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Holiday Cheer

Access Navigators hosts the City of Portsmouth’s seated viewing area for the Portsmouth Holiday Parade. The wheelchair-accessible area is reserved for people who have difficulty standing, along with their companions. The area is on the sidewalk along Islington Street between Maplewood and Bridge Street. Space and seating are limited and available on a first-come basis. Nearby public parking includes the Bridge Street Lot, Worth Lot, and Foundry Garage.

The parade is held on the first Saturday of December. Each year we’re there providing assistance and holiday cheer while collecting thoughts from users about accommodations for future events. Check our Facebook page for details.

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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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