BCID Congratulates Luke's Lobster and Others on #theother5th

Article from Brooklyn Center of Independence of the Disabled

Brooklyn Center For Independence Of The Disabled has been a strong advocate of rights for people with disabilities for 60 years. Providing advocacy, information and referral and other frontline services, BCID is dedicated to guaranteeing the civil rights of people with disabilities.

One way that BCID is making a real change in Brooklyn is through its newest campaign 'Opening Doors: Enable Brooklyn.'

The Opening Doors Campaign has been promoting disability-friendly stores and businesses throughout Brooklyn, by awarding striking certificates and publicity to businesses which are taking the initiative to welcome people with disabilities into their stores.

Stores like Luke's Lobster at 237 5th Avenue. This popular seafood shack is in a building with a step to the entrance, a familiar story for many Brooklyn storefronts. Local resident Ji-Eun Kim, a wheelchair user and disability advocate, wrote to the store to make them aware that she, like many other people with disabilities, is unable to access the store, and ultimately is forced to take her business elsewhere.

In response, Luke's Lobster bought and fitted a portable ramp and plan to do the same for all of their locations. Katie Love, the project manager for Opening Doors:Enable Brooklyn said, “Luke's Lobster is a great demonstration of a store willing to be inclusive to those with mobility issues, and will see an increase in business and promotion as a result. “

The Opening Doors: Enable Brooklyn campaign has awarded over 30 certificates to qualifying stores throughout Brooklyn (look out for the window decal around town) and plans to get that number to 1,000. Katie Love says “taking part is quick, easy and very rewarding! Even if the store is limited in its access, we can give expert suggestions and ideas to help. Mainly, we want to raise awareness and celebrate our local businesses!”

Taking part is totally free. If you would like more information please email openingdoors@bcid.org or visit www.bcid.org. You can also follow them on Twitter (@BrooklynBCID) or Facebook 

There are other business on #theother5th who are doing their best to be involved. It's not always easy, due to the make-up of older buildings, but Pinot's Palette, ACME Wines and Spirits, Oyster Bar Brooklyn and O Live Brooklyn are also making their facilities as accessible as possible!