The initiative Chair-Free Chicago (CFC) was officially launch in 2011 in collaboration with the advertising agency Energy BBDO with the aim of curbing disputes among neighbors by promoting a more considerate approach to shared public spaces during winter.

Due to heavy snowfalls in Chicago, residents face the challenge of clearing snow for parking space which then leads to constantly having to place chairs or other objects to reserve space, this often generates tension and disputes among neighbors.

Chair Free Chicago as an initiative embarks on creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for persons with mobility impairment by ensuring that physical barriers are move.

Mission and Objectives

Over all, over mission at Chair Free Chicago is to ensure that all public spaces, buildings and transportation systems becomes more accessible to all residents irrespective of physical abilities.

In small components, our core objectives are:

• We Advocate Accessibility Policies: At Chair Free Chicago, we support execution of accessibility standards especially in construction projects and public infrastructural development like building of roads & renovation, houses etc.
• We Create Awareness: CFC is also focused on educating the public about the necessity of accessibility and the benefits of an inclusive scheme.
• Providing Resources: We provide resources and support to persons with disabilities, and as well help them go through the complexities of accessibility.

Within days, our campaign became a rallying point for citizens and activities which lead to hundreds of signs downloaded, thousands reached out to in cities crying out for a chair-free policy.

Overall, our campaign got over 6.3 billion tracked media impression within the first three (3) months of launch without capital expenditure on advertising.

How Important Accessibility Is

With us, accessibility is not more compliance with regulations, it is foundational to create an all-inclusive society because when public spaces and buildings are orchestrated with accessibility in view, it profits everyone.

Some of the importance of creating accessibility when developing projects are:

• Increased Mobility: This will help persons with disabilities to move more freely, participate and as well contribute their quota to community activities.
• Economic Boost: Through easy accessibility, businesses and public spaces can attract a larger customer base which will in turn boost revenue and economic opportunities.
• Social Inclusion: Imaging being stereotyped use because you lack accessibility to general community functions. This therefore means that accessibility enhances social interaction and a sense of community by breaking down barriers and stereotypes.

Our Initiatives

We have launched several initiatives to ensure accessibility and inclusion in the city. Some of these includes:

• We Audit Accessibility: We carry out feasibility studies/audits to note possible barriers of accessibility and then offer recommendation for improvements and solutions.
• Community Outreach: We don’t remain at the top as Chair Free Chicago is an all-inclusive program. Sequel to this, we engage the local communities to create awareness through education on inclusive design.
• Partnerships: We partner with relevant businesses, government agencies and other stakeholders to foster the promotion of accessibility to ensure an inclusive society.

In conclusion, Chair Free Chicago an initiative poised at the promotion of accessibility to ensure an inclusive living in the city. Through the actualization of our set goals, we create more accessible environment which enables persons with disabilities to actively participate in community life.

We represent a tool for re-imaging public spaces with accessibility in mind which prioritizes community interaction and social equity.