Bloomington, Indiana – The City of Bloomington is taking a new step toward making its downtown more inclusive by partnering with AccessAbleUSA, Inc., a company dedicated to improving accessibility information. With the help of a $15,000 city grant, AccessAbleUSA will collaborate with up to 30 small, independent businesses to create Detailed Access Guides, resources designed to give customers with diverse needs a clearer picture of how accessible a venue really is.
These guides will provide practical, detailed information about the conditions of a business, from entryways to restrooms, lighting, signage, and more. Unlike a simple accessibility rating, they allow individuals to decide for themselves whether a business meets their unique needs. Once completed, the guides will be published on both the AccessAbleUSA website and on the websites of participating businesses, making them easy to find for patrons planning a visit.
The program will focus on customer-facing businesses located in the greater downtown Bloomington area, with a priority on small, independent establishments. Businesses already enrolled in the city’s AccessAbility Decal Program are also eligible. To participate, businesses must complete an interest form, and spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
“In Bloomington, being a welcoming place is one of our core values,” said Andrea de la Rosa, Assistant Director for Small Business Development. “Helping facilitate ease of access for people with specialized needs is one of the many ways in which we exemplify this goal.”
AccessAbleUSA, which was founded in 2024 as the American branch of the U.K.-based AccessAble, has already built a strong reputation for its work. The organization has developed accessibility guides for Princeton University, Swarthmore College, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and Bloomington’s own Trinity Episcopal Church. Its parent company in the U.K. has been a leader in accessibility information for more than 25 years, with thousands of guides covering universities, businesses, and public spaces.
The methodology behind AccessAbleUSA’s surveys is rooted in the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, but it doesn’t stop there. International standards, such as those set by the American National Standards Institute and the International Standards Organisation (ISO 21542), are also incorporated. Each survey looks not only at physical access—ramps, elevators, door widths—but also at sensory, neurological, and cognitive considerations, recognizing that accessibility extends far beyond the physical environment.
“Our goal is not to judge a building or business’s accessibility, but to document conditions as they exist so customers can make informed choices,” explained Lesley Davis, Vice President for North American Partnerships at AccessAbleUSA. Businesses will also receive recommendations to improve accessibility, ranging from significant changes to easy, inexpensive updates. For example, something as simple as improving color contrast in restrooms can make a big difference for individuals with low vision.
The effort has the potential to make a strong economic impact as well. People with disabilities, their families, and caregivers control an estimated $490 billion in discretionary income each year. Studies also show that more than 87 percent of these individuals look for accessibility information before deciding to visit a new business. By creating guides that are both thorough and reliable, Bloomington businesses can better connect with this often-overlooked market while ensuring all customers feel welcome.
Independent businesses interested in joining the project are encouraged to submit their interest form as soon as possible, with a deadline of Saturday, Nov. 1. Once chosen, businesses will undergo remote surveys conducted by AccessAbleUSA, leading to the creation of their own Detailed Access Guide.
For more details, local business owners can reach out directly to Lesley Davis at [email protected]. To explore current guides and see how they function, the public can visit www.accessableusa.com or www.accessable.co.uk.
By investing in accessibility, Bloomington is not only strengthening its downtown economy but also reaffirming its commitment to inclusion. With the help of AccessAbleUSA, the city is ensuring that all residents and visitors—regardless of ability—can enjoy the vibrant community it has to offer.
