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Subcommittee considers 'All Access Main Street' model and decals for age-friendly businesses
Summary
Following a webinar case study, the subcommittee discussed adopting an 'All Access Main Street' checklist and business decal/window-cling program to certify local businesses as more accessible to older adults; members asked Main Street Partnership to explore adapting the Fernandina Beach model locally.
Members reviewed a webinar case study on 'All Access Main Street' and discussed whether to adapt its low-cost checklist and business certification approach for Simsbury.
A participant summarized the Fernandina Beach/All Access Main Street example: the program combined AARP, Florida Main Street, the University of South Florida and the Florida Department of Health to form a steering committee, adopt a simple checklist and provide an 'all access' logo for participating businesses. The committee noted the model’s emphasis on small, low- or no-cost changes (for example, doorway width, clearer signage and simple accommodations) and highlighted its promotional value: certified businesses promote accessibility and can attract an older customer base.
Sarah Nielsen of the Main Street Partnership was cited as supportive of local outreach. Members debated implementation details (window cling vs. decal, text to display, including a carry-out/assistance phone number) and agreed to ask Main Street Partnership to review the Fernandina Beach materials and report back with suggestions for a local pilot.
The subcommittee did not make a formal commitment to a certification program at this meeting; next steps are to gather Main Street Partnership input, finalize the decal text and determine any training or checklist processes needed before pilot certification.
