Accessibility Resources

Live Life Limitless by joining Visit Mesa’s Accessibility Champion Program, a transformative initiative designed to empower businesses to lead in accessibility best practices.

Become an Accessibility Champion

As an Accessibility Champion, you become the voice and advocate within your organization, ensuring that your team is informed, trained, and equipped to create an inclusive environment for all guests.

Why Become an Accessibility Champion?

Participating in the Accessibility Champion Program not only enhances your professional skills but also positions your business as a leader in inclusivity. By championing accessibility, you help open doors to a wider range of guests, improve customer satisfaction, and contribute to a community where everyone can experience life without limits.

Take the Next Step....

Join a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to making Mesa a more welcoming destination for everyone. Commit to excellence, receive ongoing training, and enjoy the tangible benefits of an accessible business. Your role as a champion will be instrumental in shaping the future of accessibility in our community.

[View Past Trainings]

Also available in Spanish

ABLE EYES

A third-party database of virtual tours & and information to “know before you go”
Key things to know:

• The businesses that are listed on Able Eyes are automatically added from the Threshold 360 virtual tours
• QR codes are generated and sent to these businesses to display at their door, allowing for visitors to see what’s inside, should they feel they need to see before entering
• Able Eyes promotes these locations through their social media

ARIA

An on-demand visual interpreter
Key things to know:

• Service for people who are blind or have low-vision
• Free & unlimited for anyone within the Mesa boundary (outside of the boundary, it’s only free for five minutes)
• The service employs real people and uses the lens of a smartphone to connect with “explorers” (those using the service)

Mesa, AZ is the only Autism Certified City in the United States
Key things to know:

• The certification is done through an independent agency: the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
• Certification is renewed every other year (new information is always updated)
• There are over 50 businesses and 5,000 individuals who have been certified in Mesa

To learn about the process of becoming autism certified, reach out to [email protected]

Build your own Sensory Kits

Autism General Information and Training Refreshers

A bright green lanyard with sunflowers printed on it for people who have hidden disabilities to wear as they explore the city
Key things to know:

• Optional program for visitors who have hidden disabilities which could include: autism, deafness, severe anxiety, PTSD, etc.
• Lanyards are free of charge and can be picked up at larger hotels, museums, Gateway airport and Visit Mesa
• All businesses should let their employees know that when they see someone wearing the lanyard: be patient, be kind, be extra helpful

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HIDDEN DISABILITY SUNFLOWER PROGRAM

Virtual Tours: Virtual tours hosted online to “know before you go with accessibility in mind”

Key things to know:

• Visit Mesa has partnered with Threshold 360 to capture these videos at no charge for select partners
• The videos include restrooms, ADA guest rooms (hotels), and parking lots to have a full picture of the accessibility of these locations
• The videos are also a great sales tool and partners can use them on their website

What Can I Do with My Threshold Link?
How to Embed a Virtual Tour
Capture Process
Destination Partner Benefit
How to Create a Threshold Share Page Link

A third-party booking engine for travelers with disabilities

Key things to know:

• 30 Mesa area hotels and attractions have been listed on the Wheel the World website
• Visitors can create a profile on the platform, and Wheel the World will recommend the best "match" for hotels and tours
  

A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to improving the daily resident and visitor experience by elevating Mesa’s already leading position as an accessible and inclusive city through purposeful education and innovative technology.

Programs include:
Camp Level Up - A summer camp providing neurodivergent youth with professional pathways and social development through game design. Level Up empowers teens to create their own games and media experiences with a community of like-minded peers.

Mesa For All Grants-

• Autism Certification- The Mesa for All (MFA) Foundation Accessibility Grant supports small businesses in earning Autism Certification through IBCCES, equipping staff with the knowledge and skills to better serve individuals on the autism spectrum. By becoming autism-certified, businesses foster greater inclusivity, enhance customer experiences, and strengthen community relationships. MFA will provide up to $2,000 in funding, prioritizing Mesa-based businesses. For questions, please email [email protected]
• Accessibility Improvement- This grant enables small businesses to partner with Wheel the World for detailed accessibility audits, identifying areas for improvement. The funding supports the implementation of enhancements that exceed ADA standards, making spaces more welcoming for residents and visitors. These improvements can help businesses broaden their customer base and demonstrate their commitment to accessibility and inclusion. (Coming Soon)