Accessibility Advocates In Miami

Across the globe, accessibility advocates have made huge strides in improving the lives – and travel experiences – of people who have mobility challenges and other disabilities. We’re proud to say that leaders and organizers in Greater Miami & Miami Beach work hard to create an inclusive environment for all travelers. Read more about accessibility advocates in Miami and their good work.

Heidi Johnson-Wright

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) professional and compliance attorney Heidi Johnson-Wright uses her own personal experiences and knowledge to create a better path for those who face physical challenges. As the ADA Coordinator of Miami-Dade County, Johnson-Wright works to ensure that every county facility, program, service and activity is accessible to and usable by those with disabilities.

Sabrina Cohen

Another powerful force is Sabrina Cohen, who was paralyzed in a car accident as a teenager. She created the Sabrina Cohen Foundation to champion quality-of-life initiatives for the disabled community. Since 2013, Cohen has worked with the City of Miami Beach to develop more inclusive outdoor spaces. She’s currently working toward creating an oceanside, 16,000-square-foot Adaptive Recreation Center on Collins Avenue that will cater to those with mobility challenges. This will be a place for accessible exercise and recreation as well as access to the beach. Plans include an oceanside adaptive park where children of all abilities can play together.

Shake-A-Leg-Miami

It’s a treat to spend time on sparkling Biscayne Bay, and Shake-A-Leg-Miami is another longtime local organization helping to make local waters and outdoor environments accessible to everyone. Based in Coconut Grove, it offers sailing and watersports for children and adults who have physical, developmental and economic challenges as well as their families. Programming includes environmental lessons, therapeutic sailing, swimming, kayaking and much more.

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is a center that helps more than 90,000 blind and visually impaired people of all ages and their families each year. The organization offers transformational help, including programs that help individuals build skillsets to gain employment and manage daily tasks to keep their independence. Additionally, there are research initiatives and vision enhancement efforts like free glasses to needy children. Those ages 25 to 40 can get involved in the Young Professionals of the Lighthouse (YPOL) group, for networking and fundraising efforts that benefit the center’s mission.

EnChroma

Color vision deficiency affects the lives of tens of millions of people, hindering their daily lives from work to home. Those who are color deficient can seek help from EnChroma, which has locations throughout Greater Miami and Miami Beach, and offers special glasses that address the symptoms of red-green color blindness.

Find resources and more information about accessible travel in Miami.