The City of Sarasota's Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board convened on September 8, 2025, to discuss several initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility for residents with disabilities. A key topic was the proposal for an accessible playground, inspired by a similar facility in Tampa. Board members expressed enthusiasm for the idea, suggesting that it could also include fitness areas for adults, such as volleyball courts and workout stations.
In addition to the playground discussion, the board explored the potential for partnering with local organizations to promote accessible sports, particularly tennis. One member mentioned reaching out to a Longboat Key organization focused on accessible tennis to gather more information for future discussions.
The meeting also included updates on website and app accessibility. The board reported significant progress, with only 12 outstanding issues remaining on the main city website, most of which are minor and easily correctable. Efforts are underway to enhance accessibility further, including outreach to vendors for tools that can assist in maintaining compliance with accessibility standards.
The board emphasized the importance of considering both infrastructure projects and community events to promote inclusivity. Members were encouraged to bring additional project ideas to the next meeting in November, highlighting a proactive approach to improving accessibility in Sarasota. Overall, the discussions underscored the board's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all residents.