Town seeking volunteers for MapMissions accessibility project

Mapping accessibility of public facilities and spaces in Town

The Town of St. Marys Tourism and Economic Development department is looking for volunteers to join the MapMission project, an initiative aimed at highlighting accessibility in destinations and regions globally.

This project, in partnership with RTO4 (Regional Tourism Organization) and Destination Stratford invites community members to become MapMission advocates. Volunteer advocates will assess and rate the accessibility of various public places for individuals such as seniors, parents with strollers, individuals with spectrum disorders, and those with mobility issues using the AccessNow app.

The AccessNow app is free and utilizes the Google Maps platform for user convenience. It allows users to evaluate and rate the accessibility of public venues, such as recreation facilities, restaurants, boutiques, parks, trails, and more.

"The MapMissions project is an incredible opportunity for our community to come together and make a tangible difference in promoting accessibility,” says Kelly Deeks-Johnson, Manager of Tourism and Economic Development. “By participating, volunteers not only contribute to a more inclusive society but also help create easier planning for visitors, ensuring that everyone can enjoy our community’s offerings.”

The project will kick off with a virtual seminar on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. This seminar will provide volunteer MapMission advocates with an introduction and training to the AccessNow app. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts in the field of accessibility and gain valuable insights into how public spaces can be made more inclusive for everyone.

On Wednesday, June 4, 2025 following the mapping process, a virtual reflection seminar will be held where users and mappers will describe what they learned from the experience.

Those interested in volunteering for the MapMissions project may register for the virtual training and reflection seminars at www.townofstmarys.com/accessibility.

For more questions or additional information on the project, please contact the Tourism and Economic Development Manager, Kelly Deeks-Johnson at 519-284-2340, ext. 272 or kdeeks@town.stmarys.on.ca.

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About MapMissions
The MapMissions project reviews the accessibility of various locations. Its vision is to celebrate a world that is fully accessible, aiming to improve conversations about accessibility for all, as it benefits everyone.

For more information visit the MapMissions website.

About the AccessNow App
This worldwide app was built with the mission to establish a go-to resource for accessibility information. This platform is being built out to empower people to discover a world of accessible opportunities, make better decisions and remove barriers.

For more information visit the AccessNow website.

For media inquiries:
Lauren Thomson, Communications and Marketing Specialist
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | lthomson@town.stmarys.on.ca