In this episode on the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I’m honored to have Elysia Everett, founder and CEO of Friendly Like Me.
Friendly Like Me is an innovative app dedicated to finding and reviewing accessible places. Its mission is to enhance accessibility in public spaces and make it easier for everyone to discover accessible locations, ensuring more people can participate in various activities without hindrance.
Access to accurate accessibility information is vital for full participation in society. Unfortunately, such information is often scarce, subjective, and difficult to find. This lack of reliable data frequently prevents individuals from engaging in activities they would otherwise enjoy, including visiting size-friendly and accessible businesses across the United States. Friendly Like Me is committed to changing this, benefiting everyone.
Through collaboration with reviewers, advocates, and business owners, Friendly Like Me strives to create more welcoming and accessible places. The platform facilitates interaction between people and businesses about specific accommodations needed to attract customers who prioritize accessibility. It’s worth noting that US adults with disabilities, including many individuals of higher weights, represent the third-largest market segment in the country. According to the American Institute for Research, the discretionary income for working-age persons with disabilities is $21 billion.
Businesses can claim their listings on Friendly Like Me to inform patrons about their amenities and any limitations. Transparency is key—it’s very friendly to let people know in advance if they cannot accommodate them. Friendly Like Me’s reviews focus on the presence or absence of specific accommodations, reducing the subjectivity often found in star-based review systems.
Links:
Friendly Like Me Website: https://www.friendlylikeme.com/
#accessible #accessibleliving #accessibleeducation #accessibility #accessibilityawareness
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In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks with Neomi Flores, who became an amputee at age 43 after a blood clot changed her life forever. Neomi shares her powerful journey, including: The frightening symptoms that led to her amputation Facing fear and uncertainty before surgery A year in a wheelchair and the challenges of recovery Learning to walk again with prosthetics Drawing strength from her faith, her children, and small victories The meaning behind her tattoo: “Don’t just exist, live” Her story is one of resilience, gratitude, and determination—a reminder that even in life’s toughest moments, it’s possible to find purpose and live fully.
Mike Bolland highlights two powerful topics of resilience, and community. Topic 1 – A Call for Coaches ArizonAbility is launching a basketball clinic for adults with disabilities, and they’re looking for a passionate coach to lead the way. This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about confidence, teamwork, and creating a space where every player can thrive. Mike explains what this opportunity means for the community and how one coach can make a life-changing impact. Topic 2 – Inspiration from Legapalooza Mike also shares the inspiring story of Legapalooza (https://legapalooza.com/), founded by Tommy Donahue after a life-changing accident. What started as a small charity event has grown into a movement of resilience, connection, and giving back. Tommy’s journey reminds us that when we come together, we can turn challenges into opportunities for hope and empowerment.
Host Mike Bolland sits down with Alexia Michitti—a public speaker, athlete, and entrepreneur born without a right hand. Together, they reflect on their shared experiences of limb difference and Alexia’s powerful journey of resilience, determination, and innovation. Alexia shares how she’s breaking barriers in sports and beyond—from representing the U.S. in the first Women’s Amputee Soccer World Cup, to filing a patent for adaptive clothing through her brand Em13race (https://em13race.com/), to finding her voice as a motivational speaker. She opens up about life without a prosthetic, her role models, and her passion for inspiring children with limb differences to embrace their uniqueness.
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