CARE To Connect: Building on Accessibility
CARE to Connect is Visit Hendricks County’s ongoing initiative to build on our community’s welcoming foundation by working with local businesses and community partners to further strengthen accessibility and inclusion for residents and visitors.
At its core, this work is about social inclusion. When residents feel a stronger sense of belonging in our community, visitors feel that too. By helping local businesses, attractions, event venues and community partners better understand accessibility needs, we can create experiences that are easier to navigate, more welcoming and more enjoyable for everyone.
Why the Visitor Experience Matters
Accessibility is a key part of the visitor experience. While ADA compliance is essential, true accessibility goes beyond requirements to consider how people move through spaces, access information, interact with staff and feel welcomed.
For Hendricks County, this work supports both a community need and a shared opportunity. Building on our community’s accessibility efforts helps residents participate more fully and creates even more opportunities for visitors of all abilities to experience Hendricks County.
Through CARE to Connect, Visit Hendricks County works with partners to identify barriers, share resources and support progress across the destination.
How Businesses Can Participate
Locally owned businesses, attractions and event venues can participate in CARE to Connect in a variety of ways as opportunities become available. Participation is designed to help businesses better understand accessibility, identify practical improvements and share useful information with visitors of all abilities.
Participation may include:
- Completing accessibility assessments to help document features and visitor information.
- Attending CARE to Connect workshops, educational sessions or roundtable discussions.
- Sharing updates about accessibility features, improvements or changes at your business.
- Using CARE to Connect resources and guidance to identify practical ways to enhance the visitor experience.
- Seeking support for accessibility-related projects, including help identifying potential resources or funding opportunities.
- Sharing expertise or participating in training opportunities that help other local businesses strengthen accessibility knowledge and practices.
Visit Hendricks County is also exploring ways to continue working with accessibility partners such as Wheel the World to support assessment opportunities and provide more detailed accessibility information for visitors.
Locally owned businesses interested in learning more or participating in future opportunities are encouraged to contact Visit Hendricks County below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CARE to Connect?
CARE to Connect is Visit Hendricks County’s accessibility and inclusion initiative. It builds on our community’s welcoming foundation by helping locally owned businesses, attractions and event venues better understand accessibility, identify opportunities and strengthen the experience for residents and visitors of all abilities.
Why is Visit Hendricks County focusing on Accessibility?
Accessibility benefits both residents and visitors. When businesses, attractions and events are easier to access and navigate, and visitors can find helpful information before they arrive, more people can confidently participate in the experiences that make Hendricks County special.
Does this focus solely on ADA compliance?
No. ADA compliance is important, but CARE to Connect looks beyond minimum requirements to consider the overall visitor experience. This can include customer service, communication, digital accessibility, event planning, sensory-friendly practices and the information people need to confidently plan their visit.
Who can participate?
CARE to Connect is designed for locally owned businesses and visitor-facing organizations in Hendricks County, including attractions, restaurants, lodging properties and event venues. Participation opportunities may vary depending on the program, training or resource being offered.
What is Wheel the World?
Wheel the World is an accessibility-focused travel organization that helps destinations and businesses better understand, assess and communicate accessibility information. Visit Hendricks County is exploring opportunities to continue working with Wheel the World to support accessibility assessments and provide visitors with more detailed information about local businesses and attractions.
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How will CARE to Connect recognize participating partners?
Visit Hendricks County is exploring ways to recognize businesses that participate in CARE to Connect and highlight accessibility efforts through opportunities such as website content, business spotlights, social media, success stories and future recognition programs.
How can my business get involved?
Locally owned businesses interested in participating can contact Visit Hendricks County to learn about current and upcoming opportunities. These may include accessibility assessments, training and educational programs, project support, potential funding resources and other tools designed to help businesses strengthen accessibility and the visitor experience.