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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4 weeks ago

Access Navigators
Since 2016 Access Navigators has advised, provided insights, and collected data on restaurants, attractions, museums, pedestrian access, outdoor dining, special events, accessible parking, playgrounds, parks, and more. We've been cheerleaders for small upgrades resulting in big changes in our communities. We have speaking engagements near and far, building awareness of community accessibility.Our all-volunteer staff receive no fees for our work, but we're asking for your help in meeting our modest administrative expenses. We are full of gratitude for your support, please click here for the donation link: donorbox.org/accessnavigators-1 ... See MoreSee Less
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2 months ago

Access Navigators
We love seeing Northeast Passage on the ice! ... See MoreSee Less
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