5 out of 5 stars

Dear Readers,

Due to a family illness, Kenny and Company will not be publishing any new wheelchair accessibility reviews for the next few months. Until we return, we hope you continue to read and benefit from all the important information and resources we have posted on our website.

We have more than 1,000 places reviewed in our many Categories listed on the side of each page. You will also find lists of wonderful Advocates and Helpful Links listed here as well!

We truly hope our work has brought about more public awareness to the Importance of Equal Access and has ‘Helped to make the World more Sensitive, Respectful, Safer and Accessible to All’.

Thank you for your support.

We wish you all Happiness, Health and Accessibility!

Access Always!!!

Kenny and Company

5 out of 5 stars
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Carl J. Shapiro Clinical Center
9th Floor
330 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA  02215
Phone: 617-667-1899

Windows of Hope located on the Oncology 9 floor of the very accessible BIDMC Shapiro Clinical Center is a very wheelchair friendly and accessible specialty shop that offers a large selection of products and resources for men and women being treated for cancer.

The Shapiro Clinical Center offers free or discounted valet parking for oncology patients on the days they receive chemo therapy. The entry doors of the Shapiro Clinical Center are automatic and easy to operate with a simple push of a button. Spacious elevators make for easy access to the 9th floor.

Windows of Hope located to the right of the elevator of the 9th floor is easy to see. The entry doors are wide open during operating hours on Mondays – Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. As soon as we approached we were warmly greeted by Linda, the very  kind manager and Marilyn, a very kind volunteer.

Windows of Hope products include: wigs, hats, scarves, jewelry, journals, specialty creams, lotions, books, CDs, videotapes etc. The employees and volunteers are very helpful, kind, supportive and sensitive. They make shopping comfortable and cheerful. My mom bought some cool products and found the the cashier counter is of a perfect wheelchair accessible height.

For more information click on Windows of Hope.

Windows of Hope deserve FIVE STAR for wheelchair accessibility. The employees of Windows of Hope deserve FIVE STARS for the hope, compassionate and kindness they offer patients being treated for cancer.

4 out of 5 stars
342 Longwood Ave
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-232-9770
http://www.innatlongwood.com/dining.html

After an appointment at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, my mom, Ric, Amanda and I had a delicious low fat lunch at Longwood Grille and Bar. We found the dining room is very wheelchair accessible yet were disappointed to find there is no wheelchair accessible seating in the lounge/bar.

There are two ways you can enter the Longwood Grille and Bar. One entry is through the entrance of Best Western’s ‘The Inn at Longwood Medical’ and the other is through the Longwood Galleria. Getting into the Longwood Galleria is more difficult for you need to take a wheelchair lift up to the main level of the mall in order to get to this restaurant.

My friends and I decided to enter through entrance of ‘The Inn at Longwood Medical’ which is located on Longwood Avenue. I had no problem entering because both set of entry doors are automatic with a simple push of a button. We then took an elevator up to the second level. As soon as we exited the elevator we saw a rear door leading to the restaurant. This door is not automatic so my friends held the door open for me. I later discovered that the main entrance inside the Longwood Galleria is always wide open so automatic doors are not needed here.

Posted outside the both entrances is a large menu which lists the large selection of meals to choose from. Also is a sign that states “Kids eat free”. If you order one adult entree one child can order a meal from the children’s menu for free! This is a great deal because many families visiting children who are patients at the adjacent Boston Children’s Hospital dine here.

The dining room at the Longwood Grille and Bar is spacious and easy to maneuver my wheelchair around.  I had no problem wheeling my chair to my seat because the tables have plenty of space between. All the tables in the dining room are of a good height for my wheelchair; the lighting is adequate for visually impaired.  The service is great and the food is delicious.

The lounge/bar located in the rear has NO wheelchair accessible seating; the bar is too high for me to reach; the booths located on the side are not accessible; and all the tables are tall bar/style tables that are also too high for me to reach.

The restrooms are spacious, wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant except the pipes under the sink are not covered.
 
I give Longwood Grille and Bar FOUR STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the Fifth Star they would need to install an automatic door at the rear entrance inside Best Western’s ‘The Inn at Longwood Medical’; place protective covering around the pipes under the accessible sink in the restroom as is ADA required; lower a section of the bar to a wheelchair accessible height and place some wheelchair accessible tables in the lounge so a customer in a wheelchair can enjoy a drink at the bar or in the lounge like every other customer.

2 out of 5 stars
South Shore Plaza
250 Granite Street
Braintree, MA 02184
Phone: 781-849-1001
http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/

After using the  Auto Ambulator at Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, my mom treated my friends and I to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory at South Shore Plaza. I found this Cheese Cake Factory partially wheelchair accessible with a few obstacles which could easily be corrected.

There is plenty of handicap parking located in the South Shore Plaza parking lot close to the entrance of Cheesecake Factory. Once inside I noticed the hostess counter where you request a seat is way too high for me to reach; and too high for the hostess to even see me seated on the other side. My mom kindly asked the hostess for a table for four.

Most of the tables are booth seats or partial booth seats in which one side is wheelchair accessible; there are some regular tables throughout the restaurant that are accessible as well; all the tables are of a good height. Our waitress was very friendly, kind and respectful and took the time to listen to me place my order. I ordered the catfish special and it was freshly cooked and delicious.

The bar in the lounge area is not wheelchair accessible for it is too high; there are some wheelchair accessible tables located in the lounge close to the bar so you can see the large screen TV hung above the bar. An outdoor seating area that is open during warmer months is accessible and all the tables are of a good wheelchair accessible height.

A bakery located close to the entrance sells all flavors of their delicious cheesecakes; the cashier counter is of a good wheelchair accessible height.

The restroom is spacious, wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant except the sink is NOT wheelchair accessible; I could NOT fit my chair underneath due to the poor design of the sink; I was NOT able to reach the faucet to wash my hands so I used a wet-ones wipe that I always carry around with me for situations like this.

I give the Cheesecake Factory TWO STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the other Three Stars they would need to install automatic entry doors so a person in a wheelchair can enter and exit independently; lower the hostess counter to a wheelchair accessible height; redesign the sink in the restroom to an accessible sink so a customer in a wheelchair can wash their hands; and lower a section of the bar to an accessible height so a customer in a wheelchair can sit at the bar and enjoy a drink or meal.

3 out of 5 stars
24 Central Square,
Mashpee, Ma 02649
Phone: 508-539-1006
http://www.origins.com

While shopping at Mashpee Commons, my mom, Kevin, Jowanna and I stopped at Origins to get some all natural moisturizing cream. I found this Origins store fully wheelchair accessible with the exception of the cashier counter which is set too high.

There is plenty of handicap parking available in the Mashpee Commons parking lot. The entry doors were open on this exceptionally warm November day; yet the doors are not automatic so you would normally need help with opening.

The lovely salesperson was very kind, warm and helpful and provided us with great friendly customer service. The counter top where Jowanna tested skin products on my face is of a good wheelchair accessible height; yet the cashier counter where a customer pays for their transaction is not wheelchair accessible for it is way too high for me to reach.

I give Origins in Mashpee THREE STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the other Two Stars they would need to install automatic doors so a customer in a wheelchair can enter and exit independently; and lower the cashier counter to an accessible height so a customer in a wheelchair can independently complete their sales transaction.

3 out of 5 stars
Mashpee Commons
7 Central Square,
Mashpee, Ma 02649
Phone: 508-477-0299
http://www.mbrann.com

While shopping at Mashpee Commons my mom, Jowanna, Kevin and I couldn’t resist stopping at M. Brann & Co. because all the unique items we could see were so interesting and inviting. Once inside we found this small and unique gift shop fairly wheelchair accessible.

The entry doors were wide open on this nice late fall day. Once inside I was pleased to find there is plenty of space to maneuver my chair between all the displays of a fabulous collection of art, home accents, gifts, furniture, jewelry, house wares and tabletop items.

The saleswoman was very kind, helpful and courteous. The cashier c ounter is too high for me to reach so my mom helped me pay for my purchase of body soap and fresh potpourri.

M. Brann & Co. in Mashpee deserves FIVE STARS for awesome customer service and unique and quality products available.

As for wheelchair accessibility I give M. Brann & Co THREE STARS. In order to earn the other Two Stars they would need to install an automatic entry door so a customer in a wheelchair can enter and exit independently; and lower a section of the cashier counter to an accessible height so a customer in a wheelchair can independently complete their sales transaction.

3 out of 5 stars
Mashpee Commons
20 Steeple Street
Mashpee, Ma 02649
Phone: 508-681-8952
http://www.theblackdog.com

While shopping at Mashpee Commons with my mom, Jowanna and Kevin we came upon a new Black Dog General Store that just opened and couldn’t resist stopping in because we all love Black Dog’s style clothing for men, women, children and dogs. We found this new Black Dog store to be wheelchair accessible with just a few minor obstacles that can easily be corrected.

There are plenty of handicap parking spaces located in the Mashpee Commons parking lot close to the entrance of this Black Dog store which is conveniently located on the corner. The entry doors were wide open on this warm fall day yet are not automatic so normally you will need help with opening the door.

Newly installed hardwood floors created somewhat of a lip at the entrance that were a little tough to wheel over. Once inside I found the store is small yet there is plenty of room to wheel my chair between all the displays of clothing and a variety of gifts for your family, your home and your own four-legged friend.

A very nice salesgirl warmly greeted us. She was very friendly, kind and helpful. She told us there is a ‘Black Dog Look-alike Contest’ to celebrate the opening of this store and showed us pictures of some of the dogs she thought looked most like the original black lab. We chose a picture of a black lab we thought looked most like the original black dog and she agreed. The winner will be chosen by Black Dog’s Facebook fans and will be featured in the company’s Spring 2011 catalog.

I chose a nice Black Dog tee shirt as did Jowanna. The cashier counter is a little high so my mom helped me with my transaction.

The salesgirl deserves FIVE STARS for her kindness and offering fantastic customer service.

I give The Black Dog General Store in Mashpee THREE STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the other Two Stars they would need to install automatic entry doors so a customer in a wheelchair can enter and exit independently; place an accessible threshold at the lip of the hardwood floor at the entrance; and lower a section of the cashier counter to an accessible height so a customer in a wheelchair can compete their sales transaction independently.

3 out of 5 stars
Mashpee Commons
6 Central Square,
Mashpee, Ma 02649
Phone: 508-477-0600
http://www.bobbybyrnes.com/

While shopping at Mashpee Commons, my mom, Jowanna Kevin and I stopped for lunch at Bobby Byrne’s Restaurant & Pub. We were pleased to find the restaurant is wheelchair accessible yet were very disappointed to find there is NO accessible seating in the pub/lounge.

There are plenty of handicap parking spaces located in the Mashpee Commons parking lot close to the entrance of Bobby Byrne’s. There are two sets of double entry doors; entering the first set of doors is easy because it is automatic with a simple push of a button; yet you will need help opening the second set of doors for it is not automatic.  Once inside were warmly greeted by a hostess who kindly showed us to our table.

Bobby Byrne’s dining room has booths set along the side which are not wheelchair accessible yet there are plenty of tables that are of a good wheelchair accessible height; I had no problem fitting my chair at the table and reaching my drink and meal. Our table was located right in front of the fireplace which provided a warm and cozy atmosphere.

I was very disappointed to find the pub/lounge/bar does not have any wheelchair accessible seating. The bar is too high for me to reach and all the tables are tall bar/style tables that are too high for me to reach as well.

The restroom is a single room that is spacious, wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant except the pipes under the accessible sink are not covered as is ADA required. The faucet, soap and hand towel dispenser are easily in my reach.

Bobby Byrne’s has a seasonal outdoor cafe that is open during the warmer weather. This outdoor seating area is fully wheelchair accessible and all the tables are of a good accessible height.

Our meals were freshly cooked and delicious and the service was fantastic.

I give Bobby Byrne’s Restaurant & Pub THREE STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the other Two Stars they would need to install an automatic door opener for the second set of entry doors; cover the pipe under the accessible sink in the restroom as is ADA required; lower a section of the bar to a wheelchair accessible height; place some wheelchair accessible tables in the pub/lounge/bar so a customer in a wheelchair can enjoy a drink in the pub like all their other customers!

3 out of 5 stars
Union Square
174 Union Street
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Phone: 508-994-5400
http://oceanexplorium.org/
 
My friends, Jowanna, Kevin and I visited the Ocean Explorium in New Bedford last week. It was our first time visiting here and we discovered accessing the Ocean Explorium is not easy for a person in a wheelchair yet once inside we found the Ocean Explorium is an accessible educational and recreational place to visit. The Ocean Explorium is open to public Thurs- Sun from 10-4. The cost of General Admission is: Adults: $7.50; Seniors: $6.00; and Children:?$5.50.

Upon arriving, we realized immediately that there isn’t any handicap parking spaces located in front of the Explorium and we didn’t see an accessible ramp at the main entrance. Yet that didn’t detour us. We parked our van in a space on the public street right around the corner and proceeded with our visit. First stop, the inaccessible main entrance. A very kind woman came outside and told us that we can enter through the Bank Five’s entrance and then take an elevator to first floor which is where the rear door of the Ocean Explorium is located. You will need to call when you arrive to have the door unlocked.

After entering Bank Five we took the elevator to the first floor and arrived at the rear entrance of the Ocean Explorium. Here a very nice lady greeted us at the door and held it open for us to enter. Once inside we proceeded to the main information desk; here we found the volunteers were very eager to share information with us. The money collected for admission is used to keep the Explorium open and running. There are sphere shows to watch and other daily activities; all which teach the visitors about the life of all the sea creatures. We decided to stroll around and visit all the exhibits. While here I was happy to see my friend Amanda’s brother, Joe and stopped to take a picture.

I really enjoyed seeing the Living Ocean exhibits of vibrant living coral reefs, New England fishes, scallops, jellyfish, seahorses and more. My best experience was holding some of the sea creatures in the hands-on touching tank. I held a spider crab and other little sea creatures. The young lady who volunteers was very knowledgeable, kind and helpful; she told us all about these sea creatures.

The restrooms are wheelchair accessible but not fully ADA compliant because the pipes are not covered under the accessible sink.

The Ocean Explorium volunteers deserve FIVE STARS for their wonderful customer service and teaching us all about the lives of all the fish and sea creatures on exhibit.

I give Ocean Explorium THREE STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the other Two Stars they would need to place handicap parking spaces close to the main entrance; place an accessible ramp leading to the main entrance; install automatic entry doors so a visitor in a wheelchair can enter and exit independently; and cover the pipes under the accessible sink in the restroom as is ADA required. Until this can be done, they need to provide signage at the entrance of the Ocean Explorium directing wheelchair seated visitors how to access the Ocean Explorium; which is thru the entrance of Bank Five; take the elevator to the first floor; and call to have the rear door unlocked.

4 out of 5 stars
Wharfinger Building -Pier 3
52 Fishermans Wharf
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: 508-979-1745
http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/Tourism/DestinationNB/visitorcenter.html

Recently Kevin, Jowanna and I visited New Bedford’s Water Front Visitor Center located in the historic Wharfinger Building that was built in 1934. The historical Wharfinger Building has been restored for everyone to enjoy and we were especially pleased to find it is very wheelchair friendly and accessible :-)

There are three handicap parking spaces conveniently located close to the wheelchair accessible ramp that leads to the main entrance. The entry door is not automatic so Jowanna held it open while Kevin pushed my manual chair inside.

The Water Front Visitor Center offers plenty of information on New Bedford’s historical landmarks, parks and attractions; there are plenty of books, maps and pamphlets available for you to view. Inside is spacious with plenty of room to maneuver my wheelchair and look around. I met a very kind employee who told us a little about the history of the city; the historic Wharfinger Building is known to many mariners as the Old Fish Auction House. The customer service counter is at a good height for my chair and I had no problem reaching.

The single person restroom is wheelchair accessible and fully ADA compliant except the pipes under the accessible sink are not covered as is ADA required.

I give the Water Front Visitor Center in New Bedford FOUR STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the Fifth Star they would need to install an automatic entry door so a visitor in a wheelchair can enter and exit independently; and place protective covering on the pipes underneath the accessible sink in the restroom. The kind employee I met deserves FIVE STARS for being very informative, helpful, sensitive and courteous.