CLARKSVILLE, TN – Alex Johnson is on a mission to change the way communities approach accessibility for disabled citizens. In 2023, that mission brought him to Clarksville, where he challenged local leaders to spend a day in his wheels.

Last week, he returned for round two. On Monday, Dec. 15, Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts, along with several other city employees and department heads, spent a portion of their workday in wheelchairs, to experience some of the challenges faced by disabled people in our city.

A day of discovery

Participants spent four hours in wheelchairs, attempting everyday tasks such as going to lunch, finding a parking spot, using the public restrooms and even just taking a trip up the street.

Afterwards, they regrouped at One Public Square to discuss what they’d learned, and how those experiences can help them better-serve Clarksville’s disabled community.

The experience ended with a debriefing session, in which participants shared their findings. Alex also shared his thoughts on his return to Clarksville after two years.

“[Last time,] when we came back for the debrief, it was the first long debrief we were able to do,” said Alex. “It was just this very moving experience where I realized, these people want to make change happen, and I believe that they are going to implement things that will cause a better tomorrow. And then I come back and, I expected a few things to change, but I didn’t realize how much work had been done here. And that was just mind blowing.”

Following the end-of-the-day debrief, representatives from the Permobil Foundation presented the City of Clarksville with a brand new wheelchair, which will be used to improve accessibility in City Hall.

Alex and his father Nathan joined City Grants Director Lauren Winters for an episode of the City’s podcast, ‘On Public Square,’ which you can listen to here.

Inspiring lasting change

In response to Alex’s previous visit, the City of Clarksville created the Accessibility Enhancements Committee, a capital project allowing for multi-year planning and funding for projects that increase and enhance accessibility at all City buildings and facilities, for all citizens.

For more information, go to the Accessibility Enhancement dashboard.