Disability Advocacy Organization Is Catalyst for Architectural Innovation

In 2007 disability advocacy organization Access Living opened the doors to one of the first buildings in the U.S. to incorporate both universal and green design, and stands as a testament to the independence and empowerment for all people embedded within Access Living’s mission.

Everything about the new building, from its automatic front door, wide hallways, stadium style restroom access, light sensitivity controls, and video relay systems, to its significant use of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled materials, makes it stand apart as a model of accessibility and sustainability on the Chicago skyline. The building has made a significant impact. Many local organizations use it to host public forums, hearings, symposiums and other events, helping raise the visibility of disability culture. In addition to local visitors, hundreds of people have toured Access Living, from across the country to as far away as India, Ireland, and Norway.

Situated in a visible, central location near converging lines of accessible public transit, Access Living can reach deeper into the Chicago community than ever before. Every day, scores of people, both long-time members and new visitors, flow in and out of the building to use the mainline or video telephone service, extensive reference library, visit the history exhibit, or meet with staff to advocate for housing, transportation, job, and bias issues critical to people with disabilities.

Brick by brick, the people within the building are working to tear down the shameful wall of exclusion that for so long has separated people with disabilities from equality, and replacing that wall with pride, dignity, and empowerment. Access Living continues its efforts to create one Chicago — an integrated, accessible community where everyone has equal access to the cultural, educational, and employment opportunities the city has to offer.

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