Building a More Accessible Future with BRIDGES

According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 adults in the United States live with a disability. Some struggle with cognitive conditions that are not immediately noticeable. Others face clear physical challenges. All of them, whether recovering from a temporary setback or managing a lifelong complication, must function in a world that often refuses to adapt to their specific needs. BRIDGES, previously known as the Rockland Independent Living Center, was founded by caregivers keenly aware of that challenge, who have formed an organization intended to “provide advocacy and leadership towards an accessible, integrated community, promoting health and autonomy for people with disabilities”. Carlos Martinez, the CEO and Executive Director of BRIDGES, is utilizing a New City property and the concepts of Universal Design to create  an  “accessible, integrated community” in Rockland and foster a more inclusive society in general.  

When people hear “Universal Design” and “disability”, their first instinct tends toward nursing homes. Martinez says this is simply not the case. Universal Design “…represents the idea that we should always keep the largest possible audience in mind”. For example, when a ramp is added to enter a home it not only makes the home more accessible for wheelchair users but also for parents with strollers, people with walkers or canes, or pregnant women who may struggle with stairs. Universal Design strives to create homes that people can live in for their entire lives without being forced to pay for costly renovations as they age or experience disability. This concept is known as aging in place. Aging in place falls under the umbrella term of Universal Design, alongside the building concept of Visitability. Visitability Standards consist of three main tenants, which include one zero-step entrance, doors with 32 inches of clear passage space, and one bathroom on the lower floor that is accessible in a wheelchair.

“…There is a misconception that it costs more (to integrate Universal Design)”, says Martinez. In reality, a majority of Universal Design implementations involve small changes, such as switching from knobs that need to be turned to the more accessible levers or switching from a toggle, which requires more delicate fine motor skills to grasp the switch, to a rocker, which you can brush with your hand or another object. Small changes like these make huge differences for those aging in place, or even those who have their hands full with babies and groceries. 

Currently, BRIDGES is working on transforming a property in New City into a completely accessible, Universally Designed space. This space will be used to dismantle misconceptions around accessible design and to educate developers, builders, and the general public on what Universal Design looks like in a real life setting. The hope is to eventually sell the space and begin creating more and more Universally Designed homes around Rockland to increase the visibility and inventory of these accessible spaces. 

Martinez emphasized that if BRIDGES wants to encourage developers and builders to change the way they build, then BRIDGES must first put their money where their mouth is and undertake the work themselves. This way, they are able to prove to developers that it can be done while providing the receipts to back it up. Many adults will find themselves disabled at some point in their lives, whether from age or accident. The team at BRIDGES are advocates of Rockland and beyond, who work to ensure disability does not create a barrier to living a full life. Martinez shared that he looks forward to pushing Rockland to be a leader at the forefront of Universal Design and accessibility for all.