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Exploring Handicapped Accessible Sites in New Lenox, Illinois


New Lenox, Illinois, is a charming town that welcomes visitors with its warm hospitality and diverse attractions. For those with mobility challenges, New Lenox has taken great strides in ensuring accessibility to its sites and facilities. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the top handicapped accessible sites in the area, where everyone can enjoy the beauty and history of the town without barriers.

  1. Hickory Creek Preserve East:
    Nature enthusiasts and hikers will find a haven at the Hickory Creek Preserve East. This scenic park offers accessible trails with smooth surfaces and gentle slopes, making it easy for individuals with mobility aids to explore the serene woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife. Benches along the trails provide resting spots for those who may need a break.
  2. New Lenox Commons:
    A bustling hub in the heart of the town, the New Lenox Commons offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, all designed with accessibility in mind. The sidewalks are well-maintained, and wheelchair ramps are conveniently located, ensuring easy navigation throughout the area.
  3. Veterans Memorial Park:
    A place of honor and reflection, Veterans Memorial Park pays tribute to those who have served the country. The park features smooth walkways that lead to the monument area, making it accessible to everyone who wishes to pay their respects. The serene atmosphere and thoughtful design create a welcoming environment for all visitors.
  4. Old Plank Road Trail:
    For those who love to bike, walk, or jog, the Old Plank Road Trail provides an inclusive and picturesque experience. This 22-mile long trail stretches through New Lenox, featuring a well-maintained, accessible path suitable for users of all abilities.
  5. New Lenox Public Library:
    The New Lenox Public Library is committed to providing equal access to knowledge and resources. The building is equipped with accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms. Staff members are trained to assist patrons with special needs, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and welcome.
  6. Community Center:
    The New Lenox Community Center offers a plethora of recreational activities for people of all ages and abilities. With accessible parking, ramps, and well-designed facilities, the center encourages an inclusive environment for everyone to participate in various sports and events.New Lenox, Illinois, stands out as a prime example of a town that has made significant efforts to create a more inclusive environment for all its residents and visitors. The handicapped accessible sites listed above are just a glimpse of the town’s dedication to providing equal access to its attractions and facilities.

Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler passing through, rest assured that New Lenox offers an abundance of handicapped accessible sites where everyone can fully experience the town’s beauty, history, and community spirit without limitations. Let’s celebrate the progress made in New Lenox, while also encouraging other communities to follow suit and prioritize accessibility for all. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels welcomed and empowered to explore and enjoy every aspect of life.

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Amplifying Voices: How Podcasts Empower People with Disabilities

Podcasts have emerged as a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and entertainment in recent years. One of the most remarkable aspects of podcasts is their inclusivity. They offer a unique platform that transcends traditional barriers, making them accessible to people from all walks of life. In this blog post, we will explore how podcasts are making a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities, enhancing their ability to learn, connect, and engage with the world.

The beauty of podcasts lies in their versatility. They are designed with accessibility in mind, offering a range of features that cater to diverse audiences. For individuals with visual impairments, screen readers can easily navigate podcast apps and read out episode titles, descriptions, and playback controls. This accessibility ensures that podcasts are not limited by physical or sensory disabilities, fostering a sense of independence and empowerment.

One of the most significant advantages of podcasts is their ability to cover a vast array of topics. From storytelling and history to science, technology, and current events, there’s a podcast for nearly every interest. This diversity in content allows people with disabilities to explore their passions, gain knowledge, and stay informed about the world around them, contributing to personal growth and enrichment.

Representation matters, and podcasts have embraced this concept wholeheartedly. Many podcasts focus on the experiences and stories of people with disabilities, highlighting their achievements, challenges, and perspectives. These shows create a sense of community and solidarity, helping individuals with disabilities feel seen and heard. They also educate the broader public about the realities of living with disabilities, promoting empathy and understanding.

Podcasts are not just for entertainment; they are also valuable tools for education and skill development. Many educational podcasts cover a wide range of subjects, making learning accessible to all. For people with disabilities, this means acquiring new knowledge and skills from the comfort of their own homes, without the potential barriers that traditional educational settings may present.

Life with a disability often involves navigating complex schedules and challenges. Podcasts offer flexibility and convenience by allowing listeners to choose when and where to engage with content. Whether it’s during commutes, while doing household chores, or during moments of relaxation, podcasts adapt to the listener’s schedule, making them an ideal choice for people with disabilities

Podcasting is a platform that empowers individuals to share their voices and stories. Many people with disabilities have used podcasts as a means to advocate for change, challenge stereotypes, and raise awareness about issues that matter to them. Through podcasting, they can become agents of change, driving social progress and inclusion.

Podcasts are transforming the lives of people with disabilities in numerous ways. They break down barriers, provide a sense of community and representation, offer educational opportunities, and empower individuals to share their stories and insights with the world. As this medium continues to grow and evolve, it promises to play an increasingly significant role in creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. So, whether you have a disability or not, there’s no denying the transformative power of podcasts in our digital age.

Example disability podcasts

  • https://www.theaccessiblestall.com/
  • https://disabilityvisibilityproject.com/podcast-2/
  • https://barrierfreefutures.libsyn.com/
  • App: United on Wheels
  • https://barrierfreefutures.libsyn.com/
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Wheelchair Accessible Activities in Lisle
Sun Rays Through Forest On A Beautiful Day, Morton Arboretum In Lisle, IL

Sensory Garden and Playground for All

2751 Navistar Drive, Lisle, IL 60532

According to the Sensory Garden website: “Open year-round from dawn to dusk”The Sensory Garden and Playground is designed to be accessible to all handicapped children.  The playground is a barrier-free and universally accessible outdoor play space and garden.

Sensory Garden and Playground

Through the cognitive, social, and physical values of play, the playground promotes a spirit of inclusion and enhance quality of life, as well as support involvement in recreation and wellness activities for all people and abilities. 

The garden and playground offer something for all the senses–seeing, hearing, touching and smelling. Smell the herbs in the fragrance garden, listen  to the large drums and chimes in the sound garden, and watch families encourage cooperative, side-by-side play in the gathering space.”

Morton Arboretum

4100 IL-53, Lisle, Illinois

Open year round from 7:00 AM to dusk

Per
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Enjoy Aurora, Illinois with these Wheelchair Accessible Activities
Galena Boulevard and the Paramount Theater in Aurora, Illinois

SciTech Hands on Museum

18 W Benton St, Aurora, IL 60506-6013

From the website: “SciTech Hands on Museum appeals to all ages. The museum is accessible with elevators between floors.  A few of the activities are not accessible.  SciTech Hands on Museum consists of hundreds interactive science and technology exhibits. Three floors and 30,000 square feet of science fun are in an historic post office building in downtown Aurora. Imagine standing inside a tornado! Discover how much energy you can generate.  Explore technologies from ancient times to modern space travel! In the summer months (June – September), experience full-body physics experiments in the Fox Motion Park outside! Stop by the STEAMart Discovery Shop for gifts, gadgets, and gizmos-to-go for your budding scientist!”

The Scitech Hands on Museum in Aurora, IL

Phillips Park Zoo

1000 Ray Moses Drive

Aurora, IL 60505

Zoo Hours

Sunday – Saturday

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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Entertaining Wheelchair Accessible Activities in Naperville
Naperville, IL | The Moser Tower & Millennium Carillon overlook the Paddle Boat Quarry where visitors can enjoy the Riverwalk and rent paddleboats & paddleboards.

Naperville, Illinois is a historic suburb of Chicago with a homey downtown area and landmark attractions that are wheelchair accessible.

Have a great beach day at Centennial Beach, a public beach just blocks away from downtown with wheelchair access and an ADA lift. Naper Settlement makes wheelchair access available for its collection of historic homes, participating in the museum experience is easy for everyone. The Millennium Carillon is a bell tower featuring 72 bells, towering 160 feet above downtown Naperville. The tower features a wheelchair accessible observation deck.

Naperville has also made ADA accessibility a focus in its rapid growth and has handicapped parking spaces across the downtown area and makes wheelchair access available throughout the Naperville Park District park network.

Centennial Beach

Swimmers enjoy Centennial Beach in Naperville, IL | Image from centennialbeach.org

Centennial Beach has handicap access throughout the space and features an ADA lift to allow for wheelchair access into the pool. Please reach out to the Park district about accommodations for anyone who wishes to swim. The beach has adult swim hours, and special needs swim nights. Please find more information at centennialbeach.org.  

Construction began during the Great Depression to help local misplaced workers and was unveiled to public in 1934. In 2008, the beach explored the possibility of making significant enhancements to the facility. The city of Naperville assessed ADA accessibility and asked for feedback from residents in a two year renovation process to bring disability access to the beach. After renovations, the beach now has a ADA lift and wheelchair accesible bathrooms. Centennial Beach is classified as a beach by the Illinois Department of Health and not as a swimming pool because of the large body of water that holds over 6.2 million gallons of water.

In 2019, the beach is open between May 25th to September 2nd. Check the beach for holiday, weekday, and weekend hours.

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Accessible O’Hare International Airport


O’Hare is accessible as all US airports are, with unique exceptions.  Much of this post is taken from O’Hare’s Accessibility Guide

First Fully Accessible Airport Restroom in the U.S.

O’Hare International Airport’s accessible bathroom in Chicago, IL | Image from O’Hare’s website

On January 5, 2019 a fully accessible bathroom was opened in Terminal 2.  The restroom is dubbed “The Changing Places Restroom” The 110-square-foot bathroom is equipped with an adjustable changing table for adults; a passenger lift system; two accessible, roll-in and transfer showers: plus, an accessible toilet and sink.

The restroom also features a motorized passenger lift with detachable sling and ample space for movement, allowing passengers who can’t stand or walk to comfortably use the restroom.

The airport plans to install future Changing Places Restrooms over time.

Parking

O’Hare offers 325 accessible parking spaces in its parking facilities. All spaces are located adjacent to elevator centers, sidewalks, bus stops and the Airport Transit System (ATS) platform in Economy Lot E. All accessible parking spaces are wide enough to allow for lift or ramp access, but not all provide sufficient height for traditional accessible vans.  Below is a breakdown of the number of spaces and height restrictions for each lot.

Garage: Level 1 (17), Level 2 (18), Level 3 (18), Level 4 (19), Level 5 (17) Level 6 (19) // Height Restriction 6’6″

Lot B: 9 spaces // Height Restriction 9′

Lot C: 11 spaces // Height Restriction 8’5″

Lot D (International Lot): 18 spaces // Height Restriction – None

Lot E: 118 spaces // Main Entrance – Height Restriction 17′ 2′, Side Entrance – Temporarily Closed

Lot F: 40 spaces // Height Restriction 8’ 2”

Lot G: 39 spaces // Height Restriction – None

Lot H: 22 spaces // Height Restriction – None

Accessible parking can be difficult to find in the parking garages.  The spots are usually taken.  We find that we need to pull into a “regular” space partway so Mark can lower my wheelchair ramp.  Then pull the MV-1 into the spot.

Transportation

CTA

The CTA Blue Line​ train provides service between downtown Chicago and O’Hare. The station is equipped with an elevator to take passengers with mobility impairments to and from the platform. Please speak to CTA personnel if you need gap filler boards to bridge the space between the platform and the rail car. ;

Not all CTA Stations are accessible. To view a list of accessible stations click here. 

To view real time CTA elevator alerts, click here.

All CTA trains and buses are accessible.

For more information, please visit www.transitchicago.com or call the CTA at 888-YOURCTA (968-7282) or TTY (888) CTATTY1 (888-282-8891).

Curbs

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Exceptions to ADA (Title III) Requirements At Public Accommodations


We have traveled while disabled the last couple of years. We noticed that hotels, attractions and restaurants didn’t have the same “accessible features.”  This was really frustrating when we visited old, established tourist areas.  The lack of accessible features is very noticeable in Door County, Wisconsin; the Black Hills, South Dakota and other rural locations. 

We’ll be discussing ADA exceptions in this article. Attractions outside the U.S. may be covered in another blog post. Basically, Title III requires disabled accommodation at:

  • restaurants,
  • movie theaters,
  • recreation facilities,
  • and doctors’ offices.

The standard requires newly constructed or altered places of public accommodation to comply with the ADA Standards. We won’t be discussing workplaces, schools or daycare facilities in this post.

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