Press "Enter" to skip to content

New Orleans & Company and Other Organizations Partner to Highlight Accessibility Areas for Travelers with Disabilities

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans & Company is working with Make Good, the University of New Orleans and Roll Mobility on the French Quarter Accessibility Project. Launched on Nov. 1, the French Quarter Access Project has begun mobilizing community members to collect accessibility data ahead of the Super Bowl, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy an inclusive experience in one of the city’s most iconic areas.

Roll Mobility is providing the technical expertise to create the map, MakeGood and AbleWatch are providing accessibility recommendations with academic partners activating their students to participate.

The French Quarter Accessibility Project invites local students, advocates, healthcare professionals and end users to utilize the Roll Mobility app to document accessible features in French Quarter establishments.

The project aims to map all the businesses in the French Quarter for accessibility and use the data to work with business owners to improve access and accessibility. People can download the Roll Mobility App on the app store and start mapping. Participants will automatically be entered into the leaderboard.

Make Good is offering a $1,000 reward to the individual who generates the most access reviews on the Roll Mobility app during the project’s run. Other prizes include New Orleans Pelicans tickets, two 3D printers, and restaurant gift cards.

“Good design creates access for everyone of all abilities,” said Noam Platt, President MakeGood INC. in a release about the project. “Participation for everyone is really good business practice. This effort is not only about mapping accessibility, but also about working directly with business owners to assist them in creating more accessible commercial opportunities. In coordination with our commercial partners, we will utilize our high-tech cutting-edge design and fabrication tools to create this change in our community.”

“We’re excited to partner with MakeGood and their New Orleans community partners to create a living accessibility map in the French Quarter,” said Rachel Zoeller, Roll Mobility. “This effort will improve inclusion and community connection for years to come.”

“Our research on tourism accessibility transforms how we understand urban spaces, particularly in historic cities. By integrating disability best practices into classroom learning, we go beyond identifying barriers – actively reimagining inclusivity,” said Dr. Bridget M. Bordelon – Kabacoff Endowed Chair in Hospitality Management at the University of New Orleans (UNO)  Lester E. Kabacoff School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Administration. “This approach empowers UNO students to view events, attractions, festivals, hotels, restaurants, public spaces, and service from diverse perspectives, fostering innovative solutions that make environments more welcoming and accessible for all.”

This initiative is just the beginning; other neighborhoods have been identified for future accessibility reviews, with the French Quarter serving as a catalyst for a more accessible and inclusive New Orleans.

This partnership is in addition to the extensive efforts New Orleans & Company is continuing to work on in the accessibility space. Some of the resources include New Orleans & Company’s Wheel the World partnership announced in mid-November, Recite Me web accessibility on neworleans.com, the www.neworleans.com/plan/accessibility/ webpage and the recently completed French Quarter accessibility survey with the Department of Public Works.

“At New Orleans & Company, we strive to make New Orleans a great place to live, work and visit for locals and visitors alike. This partnership is a continuation of our work in ensuring that New Orleans remains the most remarkable, unique and welcoming city in the world,” said Walt Leger, III, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company. “The more information we can provide to travelers with mobility issues, the better. We appreciate your work in providing this vital information.”

###

Mission News Theme by Compete Themes.