Challenge Aspen and Area Businesses Collaborate For the Goal of Inclusivity To Be Accessible as a Community

“As an organization that serves those with disabilities, we aspire to be the leader in thinking and inspiring others to recognize the talents and diverse abilities that those with disabilities bring into the workplace. We encourage our local community to find areas that will make their business more accessible to greater diversity in the workplace." - Challenge Aspen CEO, Lindsay Cagley.

Every small effort adds up to create momentum. Business leaders who choose inclusivity may pledge $1,000 and share their inclusive business practices to set examples in order to bring other businesses on board. Through information-sharing and collaboration, we can leverage the power of business leaders to inspire others in education and positive change.

According to the CDC, 26% of adults in The United States have some form of disability.

Businesses are asked to take a look at their network of customers and employees and imagine how they can create opportunities for 1 out of every 4 in this community to experience a true sense of belonging in the organization. 

• Can our company eliminate standard procedures that create barriers? 
• Can our company educate employees about various disabilities and how to offer assistance in a dignified and compassionate way? 
• Does our company provide opportunities for feedback and suggestions from the community about how to meet everyone's needs and be more inclusive?

Send us your ideas. 

Challenge Aspen is dedicated to impacting lives through year-round adaptive experiences for individuals faced with cognitive and physical disabilities. Life-changing opportunities encourage participation in activities designed to redefine limits, recognize abilities, and transfer newfound courage to everyday life. We aim to work together to make our community the most welcoming and inclusive for all.

Through information-sharing and identifying new initiatives for accessibility, these local businesses are able to leverage Challenge Aspen’s goals to better support their employees and guests. Here are a few examples of Roaring Fork Valley community members who leverage their resources and roles as business leaders to inspire good:

ACRA’s Eliza Voss, Vice President of Destination Marketing states: “When I read about the Open Doors campaign, I knew ACRA should be involved to ensure we are creating an inclusive travel experience for our guests, and also equipping our business community with the tools and knowledge to deliver the best guest experience for any resident or guest in need of accessibility assistance.” 

The Aspen Elks Lodge hosts weekly complimentary meals for visiting disabled veteran participants, creating a welcoming and supportive space for Challenge Aspen retreat participants to recuperate while also providing a dining resource that helps reduce expenses for their participation. 

Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) supports Challenge Aspen with over $1 million in-kind annually in their mountain operations. In addition, they included an adaptive athlete and ski school employee in their new uniform marketing campaign rollout, representing this marginalized community. 

Skyline Estate Management donated $1,000 and publicly shared their intent to support people with disabilities, asking their network to match their contributions. Their collaborative Giving Tuesday campaign inspired $10,000 in new donations.

Bow Tie Cinemas Movieland Basalt is a long-time sponsor of Challenge Aspen events and provides each local participant with an unlimited annual pass to the movies, guaranteeing a safe space to gather and socialize in inclement weather, year-round. 

Wheeler Opera House - A key example of how to be an accessible business in our community, the Wheeler Opera House strives to bring inclusive and diverse programming as a community gathering place and space for artistic expression. We continually seek to remove barriers from the audience experience whether through audio or visual improvements, accessibility in technology, or patron accommodations.

Challenge Aspen’s goal is to exceed ADA requirements by building teams with cultural competence from the inside out. Each organization is unique, and your opportunities to engage in this campaign will be just as creative and unique. Thanks to the Roaring Fork Valley businesses and leaders and their efforts to make their workplaces accessible and create a staff with cultural competence.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Please contact Lindsay Cagley at [email protected] for more information and to share how your business is accessible. Allow Challenge Aspen to feature your actions on this page to inspire others.