Mobility Dogs founder outlines Accessibility Resource Fair at Pasadena City Hall

Janie Heinrich, founder of the nonprofit Mobility Dogs, described plans for the seventh annual Accessibility Resource Fair (ARF) at Pasadena City Hall, saying the free event combines adaptive recreation, assistive-technology demonstrations and public-health training to help people with disabilities re-engage in community life.

"Mobility dog started in January of 2018," Heinrich said, recounting the group's start and how an early social fundraiser evolved into ARF. She said the fair's goal is practical: ``I've got everything I need to start living my dreams,'' a frequent comment she hears from attendees after they discover local resources.

Heinrich and host Andrea Jennings emphasized that social isolation after an injury or illness can be profound. "I would say ... isolation is even worse than a diagnosis," Heinrich said, describing why ARF focuses on inclusive social activities as well as information booths.

ARF's hands-on attractions include a "no-limits" climbing wall led by Mark Wellman, hand-pedal bikes brought by Tom Gregory's group, a cooking table with adaptive utensils and vendors who 3D-print custom grips. Heinrich said Miracle-Ear will set up a sound booth and local deaf-community groups will be present, in addition to organizations such as Easter Seals and other disability-support groups.

The fair also offers public-health services: Heinrich said overdose-response training was provided in a prior event and that organizers certified 163 people to use naloxone. ARF organizers are arranging demonstrations and training spaces where service dogs can be assessed and people can learn what qualifies as an ADA-recognized service animal.

Heinrich said Mobility Dogs has used local grant funds—she named "Supervisor Horvette" of the third district—as support for field trips that introduce participants to museums and restaurants so they can practice navigating public venues with mobility aids and service dogs. She did not provide grant amounts.

Looking beyond the fair itself, Heinrich described a multi-use vision for Pasadena: a local wellness center with occupational and physical therapy, a teaching kitchen, a garden and accessible paths where people with recent changes in ability can practice daily living skills. She also noted that the Pasadena Accessibility and Disability Commission has circulated an accessible housing guide intended to help people find or retrofit housing to meet accessibility needs.

The organizers plan community activities during ARF—art displays, a wheelchair dance team called the Roletes, recurring Zumba sessions, and a raffle that will include a hand-pedal trike, two e-bikes and a wheelchair lift. Heinrich said ARF is not just for people with disabilities: it is designed for families and caregivers to learn and participate.

Heinrich urged event planners to include disability perspectives at the start of planning rather than treating accessibility as an afterthought. "We'd like disabilities to stop being a second thought," she said, describing how early input can change venue design and programming.

The podcast host encouraged listeners to visit Mobility Dogs' website for event details and volunteer opportunities. Heinrich said the fair provides both immediate services and wider civic education to normalize visible disability and reduce barriers to participation.

The Accessibility Resource Fair is presented by Mobility Dogs and partner organizations; organizers recommend checking the Mobility Dogs website for the event date, times and updated participant lists.