☆☆☆☆☆
281 Thayer Street
Providence RI 02906
Phone: 401-861-9309
http://www.shadesplus.com/
 

shadesplusprov-006.jpgAfter eating lunch at Johnny Rockets in Providence RI, my friends and I walked/wheeled along Thayer Street and were very disappointed by the lack of accessibility of many of the unique shops, restaurants and cafes. At least 50% of the businesses we saw on Thayer are NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE.

We also walked/wheeled along Wickenden Street, another very popular street in the College Hill area. Wickenden Street is even more disappointing for at least 70% of the unique shops, restaurants, cafes and bars that we passed by are NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE.

Thayer Street and Wickenden Street are located right in the center of the popular College Hill Area, which is in the middle of the campuses of Brown University and RISD. It’s very disappointing that this college area is not wheelchair friendly :<) I’m sure there are many college students who are wheelchair bound who would love to shop or eat at a place of business here. 

SHADES PLUS was the first place of business we strolled by that is NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE.  My friend, Tony went inside to ask if there is a wheelchair accessible entrance. Ric and I waited outside. Tony came back out and told Ric and me that there is NO ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE . He also told us that it is a cool novelty shop and gift boutique, which sells sunglasses, cards, candy and other inexpensive, fun novelty items. I love to shop at fun novelty stores and was extremely disappointed that I couldn’t get my wheelchair inside :<)

I give SHADES PLUS ZERO STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn any more Stars, they would need to install a wheelchair accessible ramp or a wheelchair lift so persons in a wheelchair can enter this store.

As for this College Hill Area, I didn’t bother doing hundreds of ZERO STAR reviews. I would truly hope that the Officials of the City of Providence take a hard look at all the inaccessible stores, restaurants, cafes and bars located in this area and ask why so few are wheelchair accessible in this year of 2009!