I want to spread the word about a program that has potential change the lives of our community members: Blue Path! Initiated and supported by the Northwest Region ADA Center and its’ Director, Don Brandon, this membership program is an innovative way to benefit business AND increase community inclusion for people of all abilities. As a member of my community, I deserve a choice as to where to spend my discretionary income. As a person who uses a mobility aid, I still deserve that choice! Therefore, I chose to support businesses that are disability-friendly. They may provide excellent customer service by offering to bring my steaming tea cup to my table, provide large accessible toilet rooms or easy-to-open doors. My community businesses benefit from my loyal patronage, but also those of my family and friends who join me for that dinner out or recreation or shopping trip (shoes again, YES!)

Below is an excerpt from BluePath’s website. Check it out and urge business members in YOUR community to participate!

BluePath promotes businesses that welcome people with disabilities as valuable customers.

BluePath provides information for people with disabilities about where to shop, dine or go for fun. Through the directory of business profiles, customers with disabilities can find detailed descriptions of accessible features for locations in their community or travel destination, making it easier for them to travel through their world. Reviews and ratings from previous customers provide further information about their experience at the business. BluePath helps people with disabilities find businesses that are usable and committed to serving them.