Fort Wayne/Allen County take bold steps to become midwest leaders in accessibility

Visit Fort Wayne is advancing its commitment to accessibility by launching a community-driven initiative, supported by AWS Foundation. Central to Visit Fort Wayne’s 10-Year Tourism Master Plan, this effort aims to elevate the destination as one of the Midwest’s most accessible places to visit, live, and explore.

Accessibility was identified as the cornerstone of Visit Fort Wayne’s 10-Year Tourism Master Plan. With the AWS Foundation’s generous support, a dedicated task force of local leaders and advocates will guide a five- to six-month process to identify opportunities for improvement and define Fort Wayne and Allen County as an accessible destination.

“This work would not be possible without AWS Foundation’s partnership and the tireless advocacy of our nonprofit allies,” said Jill Boggs, CEO and President of Visit Fort Wayne. “Together, we are committed to uplifting the quality of place for our residents and ensuring that visitors with disabilities feel welcomed, included, and celebrated in our community.”

AWS Foundation’s funding will support vital research and engagement to shape a locally grounded, community-backed strategy. The initiative will explore how Fort Wayne and Allen County can incorporate universal design principles and elevate accessibility as a core value in tourism development.

“Our community made its support for accessibility loud and clear during the development of the Tourism Master Plan,” said Jessa Campbell, Director of Destination Development and Communications at Visit Fort Wayne. “This first phase of planning is our commitment to that vision. In the years ahead, we aim to create lasting, measurable change across our destination.”

Public Input Needed—Get Involved

Visit Fort Wayne has commissioned Whereabout, a destination strategy firm, to lead the planning process. They will engage community members through interviews, workshops, and surveys to gather input and ideas.

AWS Foundation CEO Patti Hays encourages wide participation from individuals with disabilities and their families to participate in the survey. “It is those who live in Fort Wayne and Allen County with disabilities who have been the best catalysts for the changes we have seen. Their participation in this process will show us how we can be more inviting for the travelers with disabilities by continuing to anticipate needs through Universal Design principles.”

Residents, visitors, and advocates are invited to participate in a 10–15 minute survey to help shape the strategy. The survey will close on August 3.

You can take the survey here.