Embedded Files
Heard and Valued:
Age-Friendly Monmouth Volunteers
Age-Friendly Monmouth is proving that small investments can make a big difference for community inclusion. With support from a Community Connections grant, the team implemented two accessibility improvements that are already helping residents connect and participate.
The project focused on removing barriers that prevent community members, particularly older adults, from fully engaging in local gatherings. Age-Friendly Monmouth invested $3,281 in a professional listening system that ensures everyone can participate in meetings, regardless of hearing ability. The team will augment the meeting device using Zoom to project live transcripts in large script for people with significant hearing loss. The multi-pronged approach creates an inclusive environment where all voices can listen and be heard.
"Users of the system are pleased to have access to it," reports Mary Beth Paquette, who notes that the committee is fine-tuning volume levels to optimize the experience. The technology is already being used regularly at Age-Friendly Monmouth meetings.
The grant's impact extended beyond the original plan in an unexpected way. The remaining $2,082 was used to purchase round tables for the 1856 Building, Monmouth's historic high school, which is being transformed into a community center. The original plan was to use the tables in the town office but there was a problem—no storage for the tables when they weren’t being used. The team then approached the 1856 Project to find out if they needed tables. The 1856 Project emerged as the perfect partner—they already had donated chairs and were seeking tables.
Round tables aren't just furniture; they're communication tools. The circular design allows everyone to see each other, facilitating lip-reading and body language interpretation alongside hearing technology. Once the community center opens, these tables will help create welcoming spaces where all residents can gather and connect.
Your Community Can Do This Too
Your Community Can Do This Too
Monmouth's success shows that accessibility improvements don't require massive budgets or complex plans. Whether it's assistive listening devices, inclusive furniture, or communication technology, small changes can remove significant barriers. Consider what obstacles exist in your community meetings—then explore grants and partnerships to address them. Every community deserves spaces where everyone can participate fully.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse