Creating welcoming spaces: How flat walking surfaces are good for business
Flat walking surfaces are essential when creating a more accessible space for all life stages and abilities. Imagine you’re a new parent who wants to bring your child to the store and they’re just beginning to walk. Or you’re recovering from surgery and need to use crutches/a wheelchair/a scooter. Or you have a mobility aid. Or you’re an elderly person who has a hard time going up stairs....Read More
It’s been 30 years since the ADA was passed. What’s changed? What hasn’t?
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with disabilities Act (ADA), the NY Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) and 41 other Independent Living Centers (ILCs) hosted a virtual event with many distinguished speakers on July 28, 2020. Denise Figueroa, Judith Heumann, James Weisman, and Clifton Perez have all been working in the disability rights movement for decades. Read More
Welcome 2020 Ithaca.Community Interns!
We’re excited to bring seven Ithaca College students on board for paid research and writing internships with Ithaca.Community this summer! Our interns will work to develop toolkits that explore various accessibility needs identified by our community survey last year. The toolkits will include research and suggestions on how local organizations and businesses can better accommodate the needs of...Read More
COVID-19 Check-in with Ithaca Businesses
Contactless pick-up. Six-foot distance. Mask required. If we had heard any of these phrases back in February our eyebrows would have shot up in confusion. Now they are part of our local shopping vernacular. It’s common knowledge by now that businesses of all stripes have been struggling since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, or at the very least have had to make big changes in how they...Read More
Quarantine Forever
We’re not in the midst of a global pandemic; we’re in the midst of two. I keep my children at home to protect our family and others from the devastation caused by the novel coronavirus. With so little information on how to cure this phenomenon, sheltering in place has been the only obvious solution, and our state’s government and others have been clear in their directives. I know this virus is...Read More
Motherhood in a pandemic
Every year, we celebrate mothers for their tireless work holding families together, growing and protecting our future generations. This year, as we are home in isolation from COVID-19, is… different. Mothers are stepping into entirely new roles. They are now teachers, public policy informants and enforcers, grocery sanitizers, virtual community builders, and more. Read More
Women’s History Month: Recognizing Ithaca’s Own
Women in Ithaca have been upending social norms, contributing valuable insights to their fields, and proving their strength for a long time. In honor of Women’s History Month, here are some of the remarkable women who have called Ithaca home. Read More
Join the Now & Later Gift Card Challenge: Support Small Businesses During Social Distancing
It’s critically important at this time for our community’s well-being to minimize in-person interactions, but this policy has harsh financial implications for small business owners. Please help our friends, family, and neighbors keep their shops open by buying gift cards or donating to help cover bills. Read More
CommUNITY through Coronavirus
While we love to come together with other Ithacans for a good cause, we have decided to cancel our Helpy Hour to Benefit The Advocacy Center this Saturday, due to growing concerns about the Coronavirus. Read More