★★★★☆
1211 East Columbus Avenue
Springfield, MA 01103
Phone: 413-737-6992
http://www.pridestores.com/

pride47.jpgBefore arriving at the Massachusetts Democratic State Convention at MassMutual Center , my mom, Tony and I stopped for gas at Pride in Springfield. Pride is a combined gas station and convenience store. We were pleased to find it wheelchair accessible with only a few obstacles.

pride46.jpgWe were especially pleased to see a disAbility call button on the gas pump. Even though we didn’t need assistance with pumping gas, many disAbled do and it is a nice feature we believe all gas stations should have.

pride44a.jpgThere is one handicap parking space up front and close to the wheelchair access to the sidewalk. The single entry door is not automatic so you will need someone to help and open the door for you.

pride43a.jpgInside is spacious; all the aisles are wide and easy to wheel along. A Subway and Dunkin Donuts, located inside has wheelchair accessible countertops where you place your order. There is wheelchair accessible seating for the tables are of a perfect height.

pride043.jpgThe single Men’s and Women’s restroom are spacious, wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. The only problem is the soap dispenser is placed too far back on the wall behind the accessible sink and not within reach while seated in my wheelchair. The towel dispenser is lowered on the side wall and within my reach.

pride044.jpgThe cashier countertop is not wheelchair accessible for it is way too high to reach. The cashier was very kind, courteous and helpful.

I give this Pride in Springfield FOUR STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the Fifth Star, they would simply need install an automatic entry door and lower a section of the cashier counter to an accessible height so all wheelers can enter and complete their transactions independently.