Rising to Shine to Champion Accessibility as a Right

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark piece of legislation that guaranteed access for people with disabilities to all aspects of American life. Thanks to the ADA, basic modifications like curb cuts, accessible restrooms, audio-enabled ATMs and Braille in elevators and other areas are now commonplace.

But what if we took accessibility a step further? Rather than making sure it is available, wouldn’t it be nice if accessibility for people with disabilities were the priority in planning and putting on an event. What might that look like?

That’s the general principle of The Chicago Lighthouse’s Rise to Shine Run & Walk. Over the past three years, the annual event has prioritized accessibility to ensure that everyone from the community we serve, including clients and those from around the neighborhood, can participate in the way that suits them best.

This goes beyond ensuring the course itself is accessible (though it is, and plenty of those with physical disabilities and white cane users participate). It means providing sighted guides for participants who are blind and visually impaired. It also means working with Pace paratransit and ride-share companies to coordinate a specific and accessible transportation area for participants with disabilities, and offering audio instructions and maps so those with vision impairments can navigate the area.

“People with disabilities should always be able to participate in the same things that everyone else gets to participate in. I think it’s great that this event takes the time to truly consider and address our needs,” says Maureen Reid, a Chicago Lighthouse employee, who is blind.

This Rise to Shine Run and Walk also help raise awareness about accessibility resources throughout the Chicagoland area. A post-race festival has featured organizations such as The Chicago Park District, the Harold Washington Library and the Chicago Transit Authority demonstrating their accessible programs, such as blind soccer, Braille education and adaptive buses.

“The Americans With Disabilities Act enshrined accessibility as a fundamental right for everyone in our country,” notes Lighthouse President and CEO Janet Szlyk, Ph.D. “The Rise to Shine Run and Walk not only shows us how far we’ve come, it serves as a reminder about what we can do to advance that right every day.”

The fourth annual Rise to Shine Run & Walk is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025. Registration is open and can be accessed here.

Presenting this year’s medal design

This is not your ordinary race medal. It isn’t something you wear; it’s something you feel. Thoughtfully designed with Braille and tactile detail, it represents every step, every story and every person rising together to make our world more accessible.