What is Accessible New York all about? An organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities by increasing the accessibility of New York Tourism and Hospitality companies. The organization is made up of four team leaders and a host of volunteers

What We Have Achieved More than 60 Sites Identified A Set of Certification Guidelines The Development of an Engaged Team A Mission to Accomplish

Current Activity Initial Contact at All Sites Site Visits in Teams of 2 Data Collection According to the Guide A Format for Presentation of the Data

Short Term Goals Determine Quality Accessible Establishment Features Create a format for publishing findings. Identify potential tourist sites for assessment Organize a phone bank to contact tourist attractions Get detailed contact info for visitors Disseminate information on accessibility Design a training program for Assessors

Long Term Goals Train people as Assessors Compile the data and create a rating scale Publish the finding and the ratings Consult with the owners and managers to improve accessibility. Repeat the process annually

Increase the number of dollars that tourists spend in New York City. Increase Accessibility across the City. Help People to: –Enjoy their Job. –Take Pride in their Work. –Care about the People they Serve. Goals and Benefits

Join our team to help us improve the quality of life in NYC. –Site Assessors –Data Analysts –Marketing and Publication –Customer Service and Advocacy Cultivating Positive Relationships is key to success How You Can Help!

Initial Contact –Introduce Project to Managers –Obtain Invitation –Set Expectations for Visit Who? When? What? Deliverables

Site Visit –Establish Positive Relationship with Site Staff –Tour Facility –Complete Accessibility Checklist –Offer Program Ad –Collect Marketing Materials Deliverables

Data Collection –Visit all assigned sites by May 30 –Add collected data to Google Doc Spreadsheet –Devise Presentation Format. –Submit Data to SDS Conference Committee. Deliverables