ACCESS Miami, a comprehensive resource guide for the physically disabled

In 2003 Miami had one of the largest populations of people with disabilities in the U.S. and was without a comprehensive resource guide detailing agencies and venues accessible to disabled individuals. Following the footsteps of Washington D.C. and many other American cities that provide a resource guide for the physically disabled, we developed ACCESS MIAMI to offer disabled residents with information about a myriad of resources. Potential businesses that were reviewed for inclusion were identified through positive recommendations from disabled residents, a resource hotline and the local telephone directory. Over 40 businesses and agencies met selection criteria and the comprehensive guide was divided into 16 categories, including arts, education, wheelchair rentals, employment, equipment, home modification and on-line resources. Development occurred over 8 months and 500 copies of an inaugural guide were printed with support from the Dade Community Foundation. Funding was secured from the Allegheny Foundation to print a second edition in 2007.

Lessons learned and recommendations-

1. Target only the physically disabled, as the developmentally disabled population would warrant its own guide.

2. Create a website to increase accessibility and visibility.

3. Expand to include visitor information for disabled tourists.

4. Translate into Spanish.

5. Create advisory board of disabled residents to develop rating system of businesses and agencies regarding accessibility.

6. Hold focus groups for disabled residents to garner feedback.

7. Link guides through Internet, U.S. cities and international