BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington is launching a new set of Detailed Access Guides, developed in partnership with Bloomington-based AccessAbleUSA, to provide comprehensive accessibility information for 20 local destinations, including small independent businesses, cultural institutions, and essential community services.
Supported by the City’s Economic and Sustainable Development Department (ESD), this initiative marks a significant step toward closing the persistent information gap around accessibility. AccessAbleUSA’s research shows that 96 percent of people with disabilities look for accessibility information before visiting a location—but in most cases, that information is unavailable or incomplete. This initiative helps close that gap by making detailed, reliable accessibility information publicly available.
The guides offer objective, detailed descriptions of accessibility features, enabling residents and visitors with disabilities of all types to make informed decisions and access Bloomington’s businesses and public spaces with dignity and independence.
Participating locations represent a broad segment of the Bloomington community, including small businesses and key public and nonprofit institutions—ensuring that accessibility information is available not only for commerce, but also for culture, learning, and essential services.
Participating locations include:
- Bloomington Farm Stop Collective
- Constellation Stage & Screen
- Grant Street Inn
- JL Waters Adventure Outfitters
- Lennie’s Brewpub
- Mira Salon & Spa
- Mirth Market
- Monroe County Public Library
- Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard
- Needmore Coffee Roasters
- Nourishing Heart Yoga Studio
- Soma at The Kin
- The Chocolate Moose
- The Elm
- The Inkwell Bakery & Cafe
- The Pilates Studio
- The Uptown Cafe
- Twin Springs Counseling
- WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology
- World Foods Market
Each Detailed Access Guide is based on in-person assessments and provides detailed information on elements such as entrances, routes, restrooms, seating, lighting, and other environmental factors that impact usability. The guides aim to empower users of all abilities with the specific details they need.
“Bloomington is committed to fostering spaces where everyone can fully participate,” said Andrea “De” de la Rosa, Assistant Director of Small Business Development. “This is about helping local businesses ensure that accessibility information is transparent, accurate, and widely available.”
This effort also supports local businesses by increasing visibility to a broader customer base. By actively sharing accessibility information, participating businesses demonstrate leadership in service excellence and enhance the customer experience for everyone.
Businesses and organizations interested in creating their own Detailed Access Guide are encouraged to participate. To learn more or get started, contact Lesley Davis, VP for North American Partnerships at AccessAbleUSA, at Lesley.Davis@AccessAbleUSA.com.
The Bloomington Detailed Access Guides are available online at:
accessableusa.com/bloomington-indiana
