Open Doors Organization

Recently Gus and Craig (ODO) spent some time in Charlotte, North Carolina facilitating stowage training for American Airlines. Over the past year, we’ve trained over a 1,000 frontline staff. American Airlines is making a huge effort to reduce mobility device damages. That’s a tremendous win in our minds. Keep up the great work!

Alt text photo description: American Airlines and ODO staff together for a photo. Left to right: Gus (ODO), Michael O’Dwyer (Manager, Customer Care & Accessibility), Jose Vasquez (Sr Project Manager, Customer Experience) Craig Kennedy (ODO) and Mark Blaska (Director, Airport Operations Support)

Remember earlier this year when Eric and Craig visited Secret Bay in Dominica? It was such a hidden gem. It is known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean.” There is a page that is live on their website that details a variety of accessible features that they have. We have spent time with them helping to make their resort as accessible as possible to people with disabilities. Maybe that will be your next vacation spot!

Head to https://secretbay.dm/accessibility/ to read about the accessible features at Secret Bay.

Alt text photo description: The photo for this post is the main photo that is on the webpage. It is of a blue colored roof nestled in the middle of nature. On the top left, it says Secret Bay Dominica, Caribbean. Overlaid on the photo towards the bottom left, text reads Accessible Luxury at Secret Bay.

Looking for an accessible trail, park, beach, or campground? This is awesome! Check it out. Click the links below to explore the map and to find more information. And thank you to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for creating this trail map and providing opportunities for people with mobility challenges to get outdoors.

Alt text photo description: The photo in this post shows a digital picture of a map that has various wheelchair symbol markers on the map to represent where there is an accessible option.

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

The NYS DEC has just announced a brand-new ADA Accessible Recreation Map! This incredible resource showcases 266 wheelchair-accessible locations across New York State, including trails, parks, beaches, and campgrounds. Explore the map and find your next accessible adventure today!

🗺️ Map:
https://nysdec.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8d03c8dc6bca45cb9f037d3d4b0d09dd

ℹ️ More Info: https://dec.ny.gov/places-to-go/accessible-recreation/destinations

A follower of ours sent this photo. They went to the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center last week and they were very impressed by the accessibility in and around the stadium. They were designated seating areas for people with disabilities who use mobility aids.

Alt text photo description: The photo is of blue sign with white text. It’s on the railing of a seating area. There is a tennis match going on in the background. The sign reads, “Priority Seating. Please allow persons with wheelchairs priority in this area. There is also a wheelchair symbol on the sign.

USTA National Tennis Center US Open Tennis Championships

The August issue of the ODO newsletter just came out. One thing to highlight is the Beyond the Waters Beach Party. The newsletter details how successful it was. Head to the link in our bio to read the full newsletter here: https://opendoorsnfp.org/newsletter-page/

“The Beyond the Waters Beach Party this year welcomed almost 250 Chicagoans with disabilities, family members and friends. Held each August at Osterman Beach, the event featured a BBQ cookout, music, games, adaptive kayaking and hand cycling. Co-hosting and volunteering once again were ODO, Z-Life and United Airlines. Special thanks to all the organizations that made this fun day possible including Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Lincoln Way Special Recreation Association and Chicago Parks District.”

What a great way to finish out the summer! Hope to see you all next year.

Alt text photo description: Eric Lipp, ODO, and Constantine “Gus” Zografopoulos, Z-Life) smile with the camera. Erik is on the left and his red scooter and Gus is on the right in his manual wheelchair. They are both wearing teal t-shirts. Next to them attached to a tree is a banner that is advertising the event.

Chicago Park District Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

The first phase of Terminal Core redevelopment at the Portland International Airport opened to the public on Wednesday, August 14th. The opening was an overwhelming success. There are two photos in the post.

There are many great additions. We will highlight two of them in the post here. Read about the other additions here: https://www.flypdx.com/Accessibility

The first edition that we would like to highlight is the sensory room. It is located on Concourse D near gate D10. It’s open and available to passengers 4 am - 12:30 am daily.

Second, sensory bags are a complimentary resource available to all passengers with sensory needs. These are available the Travel Oregon Welcome Center in baggage claim as well as the TSA supervisor desks at both the BC and DE security checkpoints. They include a set of hearing protection earmuffs, fidget tools, coloring book, crayons, Sunflower Lanyard, Plane Spotter Guide and Emotional Thermometer.

Thank you to Portland International Airport for helping to create a barrier free and inclusive environment for people with disabilities. We greatly appreciate your efforts and look forward to more updates as they become available.

Alt text photo descriptions:
Photo 1: A photo of inside the sensory room. It has multiple different textures and lights that a person can touch and see to create a calming environment for them to come into while they are traveling.
Photo 2: This photo is of the sensory bag. It has all of the contents mentioned in the post above laid out on top of a blue bag. These are given out to a traveler who requests one.

Portland International Airport

Anthony Corona invited Eric Lipp to be one of the guests on his podcast episode entitled Sunday Edition Presents: Teaching Audio Description Dr. Joel Snyder and Eric Lipp OpenDoors flying with Guide Dogs on ACB Sunday Edition. The episode was very informative. Eric spoke about the work that is being done in the travel and tourism space to improve the experience for travelers with disabilities. He specifically spoke about the work that is being done with the airlines to make travel with service animals smoother. Great episode!

The link to the podcast episode is: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/acb-sunday-edition/id1531822445?i=1000666009381

Alt text graphic description: The graphic for this post is a white square with the capital letters ACB in purple. Under the A there is one dot. Under the C letter there are two dots next to each other horizontally and under the C letter there are two dots underneath each other in a vertical orientation.

It’s that time of year! Join us for the 13th Annual Beyond the Waters Beach Party this weekend! Beyond the Waters Beach Party

SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2024
12PM to 5PM - Osterman Beach, Chicago

FREE DAY AT THE BEACH IN CHICAGO!!
For Individuals with Disabilities, Family & Friends
Adaptive Kayaking, Hand cycling, Beach Activities, Games
DJ Entertainment, Kids Zone,
Community Exhibit Area
Plenty of BBQ Food, Ice Cream & Drinks

PARKING & PACE DROP-OFF
ST. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church
5649 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago

Please sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-beyond-the-waters-beach-party-tickets-945807554857?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios

The event is free, but signing up helped us get a headcount of how many people will be attending the event. See you there!

Alt text photo description:
Photo 1: A graphic that has a beach like background with a blue “B” logo. There are the words Beyond The Waters Beach Party Chicago underneath the logo.
Photo 2: Gus in a kyak in the water
Photo 3: Participants fishing on the beach. There is one participant in the photo that is fishing from his wheelchair. There are two people looking directly at the camera holding up signs. One sign has the Z Life logo on it and the other sign has the words, Just Say Hi!

Thanks to Vivvi for sharing her experience. We love when we have opportunities to hear directly from people who have disabilities. It helps us to better understand their experiences. Thanks so much for the advocacy that you continue to do! We so appreciate it!

Repost from : “Someone asked me how my community responds to disability, and it made me reflect on how ‘It takes a village’ is evident here. Many people have personal or family experiences with disability, which fosters a deep sense of empathy. While I can’t speak for everyone or ensure that the entire community gets access to resources, as an individual with cerebral palsy, I’ve seen firsthand how the network of support and services available can make a significant difference. It truly takes a village! ”

Alt text photo description: Vivvi stands in the hallway of her home. She is looking directly at the camera, smiling. There is carpet on the floor and family photos on the walls around her.

Looks like a great meeting. Thank you to everyone who attended! Here at Open Doors Organization, we are all about gathering of the minds to discuss everything related to accessibility and inclusion! Mission accomplished! 

Alt text photo description: There are 4 photos in the post. The photos are of the attendees watching the presentations. The 3rd photo in the post shows ODO Founder, Eric LIPP in front of a PowerPoint slide. 

After a trip into New York City a traveler sent us this photo of the restroom on the Amtrak train. She told us that while the bathroom was a bit tight to maneuver in with her wheelchair, she appreciated that it had the the handrails for her to hold on to. She also added that the fold down transfer board was helpful in aiding her transfer from her wheelchair to the toilet. Great work Amtrak!

Alt text photo description: The photo is of the inside of the restroom on an Amtrak train. Towards the bottom of the photo The passengers feet can be seen which gives perspective to the size of the restroom. In front of the traveler, there are many hand bars, so a person can stabilize. To the left of the photo there is a white bench that is folded down that a person could use to transfer onto and then onto the toilet from there.

This is a great recent article published by Disability Scoop. It discusses the need for more representation of people with disabilities and film. We agree that would be a great thing to see more of! Let us know what you think by writing a comment on this post. Click here to read the article: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/07/12/survey-finds-broad-dissatisfaction-with-disability-representation-in-movies-tv/30962/

Alt text photo description: The photo for this post is of a billboard sign on top of the building. The sign says, “Hey Hollywood. Hire disabled writers, not just a disability consultant.”

We always love following the travels of our friend, Curb Free with Cory Lee. You can read the full blog by clicking here: https://curbfreewithcorylee.com/2024/08/05/wheelchair-accessible-southern-idaho/

Repost from Cory:
“I spent a full week in southern Idaho recently exploring some of the best wheelchair accessible sights. From being in awe of a waterfall that’s actually taller than Niagara Falls to falling in love with the capital city of Boise and rolling through fields of dried lava at Craters of the Moon, I was literally obsessed with Idaho by the end of my trip. Idaho blew my mind and without a doubt, I now fully believe that it’s the most underrated destination in the United States. Yes, really! 💯

I just published the ultimate wheelchair accessible travel guide to southern Idaho and I hope you’ll check it out. It’s super in-depth (a whopping 4,700 words!) and will definitely have you planning your own getaway to Idaho by the time you finish reading it. Check it out at CurbFreeWithCoryLee.com or via the link in my bio.”

Alt text photo description: Cory sits in his power wheelchair. Behind him there is a sprawling waterfall.

ODO went to Seattle! We got to go to the Alaska Airlines Central Baggage warehouse where they keep all of the lost and found stuff that people lose and/or never claim. There were and dozens of cell phones, iPads and tablets.

Alt text photo description: Craig, Adrea, Kari, Katy, Eric and Jake are outside and all are looking at the camera. Behind them on the building there is a large blue sign with white capital letters that says, “Central Baggage Service, Guest Pick-up.

Last week the Z Life Organization, a partner of ODO, provided lunch for Kayak program with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. A variety of events happen throughout the year in partnership with the Z Life program. Thanks to all the participants who attended and participated in this event. It was a success! Everyone had fun day on the water.

Alt text photo description:
The photo is of many participants enjoying the day on the water. There are some people on land that are getting help being transferred into the kayak, and there are some participants in the background that are kayaking in the water.

Last week we attended the annual Amtrak board of directors meeting which took place last week in Washington DC. We think Amtrak is doing a great job with improving accessibility in stations and facilities all over the country.

Alt text photo description:
The picture is of Craig Kennedy with David Handera who is the vice president of stations, facilities, properties & accessibility for Amtrak. Also pictured is Carol Lopez who is the new director of accessibility for Amtrak.

On this day in 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. We are grateful for the positive impact of this legislation.

Our mission here at Open Doors Organization is “Making goods and services accessible to people with disabilities in travel, tourism, and transportation.” We continue to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities and level playing. A person with a disability has the right to access in the workplace, housing, in their community and more. We continue to work hard to so that everyone can participate equally and fully in their community and in the world at large.

Thanks to everyone who has supported our mission. We truly appreciate it.

Together let’s keep moving forward!
~Our Team at Open Doors Organization

Alt text graphic description: in large red and blue letters there is text that says, “ADA 34. Immediately to the right of that text there is a small circle created with red stars. Inside of the circle is blue text “1990-2024. Across the bottom of the graphic in blue says “Americans with Disabilities Act. And below that it says “Celebrate the ADA! (in red) July 26, 2024 (in blue)

Judy Heumann

Amtrak JetBlue Sun Country Airlines Allegiant Alaska Airlines American Airlines Southwest Airlines British Airways Uber Lyft

Great article published by USA TODAY titled “Enhanced visibility: American Airlines introduces new tags for mobility devices” No more waiting at the ticket counter to get a tag filled out for a mobility device. This way seems more efficient. Great improvement American Airlines! Next time you travel, make sure to check this out. Read the article at this link: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2024/07/23/american-airlines-automatic-mobility-device-tags/74503458007/

Alt text photo description: The photo is of a sample tag that would be attached to a mobility device it has an American Airlines logo and a handicapped Wheelchair symbol on the left and right of the tag both are white on a blue background. In the center is the main tag with the passenger’s reservation number with and any known prior damage on the device. Blow that it states how many items are in the cabin and where the mobility device will be picked up. It also has the estimated weight of the mobility device. Towards the bottom of the tag is a barcode, so the attendant can scan the tag and link it to the traveler’s reservation.

There was a great turnout for the Disability Pride Parade in downtown Chicago over the weekend. Thank you to everyone who attended and marched in the parade. Together is a much more efficient way to advocate. And let’s not forget to appreciate how far we have come and making the world more accommodating and accepting of people with disabilities.

Thanks to Disability Pride Parade for putting on a great event each year!

Photos: Bren Coombs/Gamut

Alt text photo description: Gus is in his wheelchair looking at the camera. He is participating in the parade with many other parade goers behind him.

Join us tomorrow!! Details below in the post.

We love when we see additions to make places more accessible. Today at a local mall, we were in the restroom and saw that there was an extra handle bolted onto the door of the stall. One might think that is a small detail, but makes it so much easier for a person who uses a wheelchair to close the door to the stall.

Alt text photo description: This photo shows a black stall door that is open. To the left of the photo on the door a silver handhold can be seen on the door in a spot that’s low enough that a person in a wheelchair could reach it. It is towards towards the inside of the door near the hinge. To the right of the handle there is a coat hanger hook.

Laurel Van Horn, ODO Program Director, is mentioned in an article about airport accessibility in the latest issue of Passenger Terminal World. The article provides great insight about how to improve airport accessibility and also what is currently in place for passengers with disabilities.

Head to the link to read the article: https://shorturl.at/AKY8J

The article is on page 30.

Alt text photo description: The photo for this post shows the first page of the article. In white letters, there is text that says “Right to Roam.” in black lettering with a yellow background, says” Passenger Terminal World examines how airports and their passengers are working hard to ensure equitable access to passengers traveling through terminals.”

Did you know that JetBlue names some of their jets? Recently we did some work Jetblue in Boston. We saw this jet on the turmac. The jet in the photo jet named Bluemanity. JetBlue has around 15 Special Liveries. More about this from their website, it says, “Just plane fly. While our standard livery (that’s aviation-speak for a plane’s paint job and overall look) and trademark patterns bring an air of fun to all our aircraft, we also create special liveries. Think of each custom design as a giant, 86-ton salute to the people, places and partnerships that make up JetBlue’s DNA.”

You can read more about the different names for their planes by clicking on this link: https://www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us/our-planes/special-liveries

Alt text photo description: The photo shows the tail of a JetBlue plane. It has various different letters written on the body of the plane. There are two words written in capital letters that say “Inspiring Humanity”

Check out our June newsletter! A piece of the newsletter reads, “JetBlue Boston Ramp Training. We are always up to a lot of different initiatives. One being efforts at ODO to reduce damage to mobility devices. In June we had a number of Stowage Trainings at Boston Logan International Airport for JetBlue. Eric Lipp (shown above with two ramp agents) and Craig Kennedy led the highly interactive, hands-on workshops, both in the classroom and on the tarmac. These complimentary trainings, sponsored by ODO partner Global Repair Group, are available on request.”

Click the link to read the full June newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/opendoorsnfp/e8kpgflznv-6238506

For more information, visit our website and feel free to give our office a call.

Alt text photo description: The photo shows Eric standing talking with a grounds crew member next to a JetBlue plane. The plane stowage area is open and positioned above their head. In the lower edge of the photo, the handlebar of Eric‘s scooter can be seen.