United Access Commits to Accessibility with its Newly Relocated Columbia, Missouri Store
April 16 2024 - 12:33PM
April 17, 2024, Columbia MO — United Access in Columbia, Missouri
has relocated to 2100 Lake Ridgeway Road, Columbia, Missouri as of
April 15, 2024, to better serve our customers. The new location is
just one mile north on I-70 with easy access off 63 HWY, less than
four miles away from the previous location at 618 Jackson
Street.
“We're thrilled to announce the relocation of our Columbia
store, a space where accessibility is not an afterthought but the
foundation of our design,” said United Access President Chad Blake.
“This move marks a significant step in our journey towards the Gold
Standard of Accessibility in our store facilities.”
After conducting surveys and listening to customer feedback,
United Access has crafted a space that is inclusive and more
inviting for all. The new facility contains a variety of innovative
features to enhance the in-store experience for customers with
diverse mobility needs.
The United Access Gold Standard of
Accessibility
To design the store’s layout and interior, United Access
partnered with renowned accessibility consultant, speaker, and
advocate Ryan Hudson-Peralta, who brings over three decades of
experience in championing accessibility and inclusion. As the
founder of Look Mom No Hands and Equal Accessibility LLC, his
expertise played a crucial role in helping United Access provide
customers with a more inclusive experience. “Collaborating with
United Access on the design of the Columbia store has been a
fantastic experience. They genuinely demonstrate compassion and
commitment to crafting the perfect space for their clients.” said
Hudson-Peralta.
One of the standout features of the new United Access store is
the power-operated entry door with a wider opening to accommodate
larger wheelchairs. This helps ensure customers can more easily
enter and exit the store, providing more seamless travel to and
from the accessible parking. The spacious showroom features a
roll-under reception desk, a digital display and wall-mounted
brochure holders to maintain an obstacle-free environment. An
extra-wide hallway with corner guards was included to facilitate
movement to the service bays.
For added convenience, the store features an enclosed family
room where customers may wait while their vehicle is serviced. In
addition to a TV and refreshments, visitors will find a powered
adjustable-height table to accommodate customers in a variety of
wheelchair sizes who may need a workspace or need to charge their
devices. Chairs and other furniture were selected for stability and
easy access for wheelchair transfers and ambulatory visitors
alike.
In addition, the store is also equipped with an ADA-compliant
customer restroom featuring touchless amenities including sinks,
toilets, soap dispensers, and paper towels. Many details were
carefully considered with accessibility in mind, from the placement
and style of the fixtures to the direction of the door swing. The
layout helps customers with mobility and dexterity limitations use
the restroom facilities more independently and comfortably. United
Access plans to continue upgrading accessibility features in the
upcoming months.
A Mobility Guide Through Life's
Transitions Best of all, this
new facility is staffed by the same great team that will ensure
customers continue to receive the excellent service they deserve,
both in our Columbia store and in locations nationwide.
In 2022, United Access marked its 25th year of providing
guidance to our customers and their families. Starting with just
one store, the dealership now has 48 locations. “It is a privilege
to carry on the tradition established by the May family in 1997
both in our Columbia store and in our stores across the country,”
added Blake. “Our goal remains to guide customers to the mobility
product that provides greater independence for each individual’s
specific needs.”
With these innovative features, the new United Access store in
Columbia, Missouri is setting a new standard for accessible store
design. By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity in every
aspect of its layout and amenities, the store helps customers shop
more comfortably and confidently. Whether you need
a wheelchair accessible vehicle, wheelchair lifts and ramps,
vehicle transfer seats, a mobility scooter or wheelchair, or
driving aids, the new United Access store is ready to welcome you
with open doors and innovative features that cater to customers’
specific needs.
United Access is an accredited member of the National Mobility
Equipment Dealer Association (NMEDA) adhering to the Quality
Assurance Program (QAP) to ensure safe, certifiable vehicle
mobility modifications.
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About United Access: United Access is the
second largest retailer of wheelchair accessible vehicles,
equipment and mobility products in the United States. Part of the
BraunAbility Arch Retail family of brands, United Access partners
with leading manufacturers to offer the best and safest products,
including new and used accessible wheelchair vans, trucks and SUVs,
wheelchair and scooter lifts, vehicle hand controls, scooters,
turning transfer seats and more. Visit unitedaccess.com to learn
more.
Emily Sander
United Access
877-578-1015
info@unitedaccess.com