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Growing the Map: How Students Are Expanding Accessible Towns City by City

Accessible spaces don’t map themselves—communities build them. That’s why Accessible Towns is partnering with universities and local organizations across the country to document real-world accessibility, starting now in Savannah, Georgia.


We’re excited to share that Accessible Towns is officially expanding into Savannah through a partnership with South University and their PTA program.

Students are heading into the community to assess restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions—documenting entrance access, parking layouts, restroom features, table spacing, and sensory considerations. Their work helps residents and visitors plan outings with greater confidence and clarity.

This partnership brings accessibility beyond the classroom. PT/PTA and OT/OTA students are uniquely trained to observe how environments impact participation and independence. By mapping their own cities, they’re gaining hands-on experience while creating a meaningful community resource.

Savannah is just the beginning.

We are actively collaborating with PT, PTA, OT, and OTA programs around the country to bring more cities onto the Accessible Towns map. When universities and local organizations partner with us, everyone benefits:

  • Students gain real-world advocacy experience.

  • Communities gain transparent accessibility information.

  • Businesses gain visibility and insight into inclusive practices.

Accessibility is local. It’s the sidewalk outside your favorite café, the lighting inside a bookstore, the layout of a neighborhood restaurant. The more communities who step up to document their cities, the stronger and more inclusive the network becomes.

Is Your City Next?

We’re looking for:

  • Program directors interested in service-learning partnerships

  • Faculty in PT/PTA or OT/OTA programs

  • Public health departments

  • Local advocacy groups willing to help map their city

If there’s a city you’d love to see on the map, we’d love an introduction.

Visit Accessible Towns, share this post with a university contact or community leader, and help us grow access—city by city.

Because when we map accessibility, we’re opening doors for everyone.

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