Accessible Black Hills

11/25/2025

A note from Accessible Black Hills

Thank you for every bit of support you have given this project since 2021. Accessible Black Hills has always been a labor of love, created by Kelsey Stine and supported by her team at Vela Creative Co. Together, we set out to make the Black Hills more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.

As our work and capacity evolve, we are pressing pause on this project for now. This is not goodbye. It is a moment to step back, reflect, and make sure the next version of Accessible Black Hills is sustainable, aligned, and built with the care the mission deserves.

We are deeply grateful for every share, every story, and every person who believed in creating a more accessible community. So much has changed since we began, and we know the next chapter will be even more beautiful.

We will be quiet for a while, but not gone.
Thank you for being part of this journey. You will hear from us again.

10/07/2025

✨ Friendly reminder: you can join the disability community at any time.

According to the CDC, 1 in 4 adults in the US has some type of disability. While making up the largest minority group in the world, we are so easily overlooked. Accessibility isn’t an extra; it’s essential.

Let’s make spaces that welcome everyone, because chances are, you or someone you love will benefit from it. 💪♿️


VD: Taryn slowly approaches the camera while looking serious, dramatically takes her sunglasses off, and then winks at the camera.

10/03/2025

Accessibility Spotlight: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre ✨🎶

Red Rocks isn’t just about jaw-dropping views and legendary acoustics—it’s also making moves in accessibility. Here’s what stands out:

✅ Accessible parking close to the opening
✅ Shuttles to help conquer the climb
✅ Reserved seating with epic sightlines
✅ Accessible restrooms + companion seating

Because the music hits different when everyone gets to be part of the experience.

Accessibility done well doesn’t just remove barriers, it opens the door for unforgettable experiences.

10/01/2025

Most people know that they need a ramp, but did you know your business also needs:

- Clear pathways
- Easy-to-read signage
- Barrier-free doorways
- Flexible seating options

Accessibility is more than a ramp, it’s about anticipating each step of someone’s experience.

🎵 Universal Design is what we really really want 🎵


VD: Taryn is outside with a patio table, chairs, and an umbrella behind her. She takes 2 attempts to push up and over a small curb in her wheelchair.

09/30/2025

Check out our project with Visit Rapid City , highlighting our good friend Tony and his service dog, Rush, as they take on an event-packed day in Rapid City! We love seeing all the wonderful and accessible adventures our town has to offer.

With stops at places like The Bashful Bison South Dakota Market , The Cookie Shop, Hay Camp Brewing Company , and more, the day was filled with some of our town's best!

We’re so excited to showcase how inclusive tourism helps everyone feel welcome, supported, and celebrated. Check out the blog here: https://bit.ly/3UugF0w

09/26/2025

If you want to laugh, cry, feel both smart and boujee, and still find yourself shaking the book in frustration at the barriers described through his experience of attending Oxford, then you must read "Sipping Dom Perignon Through a Straw: Reimagining Success as a Disabled Achiever," by Eddie Ndopu.

And if that title isn’t catching enough, Eddie shares this was, “Written Entirely Using My One Good Finger,” just to give you a taste of his sense of humor. We can’t recommend this book enough!

09/24/2025

QR codes are convenient, but they shouldn’t be the only way to access your menu.

Not everyone uses a smartphone or can easily scan a code—especially those with vision impairments, older devices, or other accessibility needs.

- Always offer a printed menu alongside your QR code version
- Keep a large-print option available, too.

Accessibility isn’t just good customer service, it’s good business.✅


VD: Taryn sitting at a table outside, holding a menu and saying, "QR code menus are very popular and can be helpful for some people, but not everybody can or wants to use them. It's always great to have a physical menu on hand and it's bonus points if it's large print. Inclusion is all in the details so follow us for more tips."

09/10/2025

Want to check out a cool spot in town? Pure Bean Coffeehouse has become a quick favorite stop in our mornings. With a spacious layout, friendly and helpful staff, not to mention wonderful coffee, you’ll become a regular too. ☕

08/13/2025

Happiness hits different when the spaces you’re in welcome you.

It’s accessibility. It’s universal design. It’s being part of communities where everyone belongs. 💛

Let’s build more of it. Join us for our next Universal Design Cohort this October. Early-bird tickets on sale soon.

Learn more: https://www.accessible.courses/

In partnership with and .

VD: Kelsey sitting outside talking and eating fries with text that pops up and says, “you look happier.” “thanks, I starting visiting places that prioritize accessibility.”

05/21/2025

Disability focused film festival in Sioux Falls! 👏

Follow our friends at Rare by Design's The Film Festival and submit your film in June!

Have a film waiting to be seen by an audience? We’re happy to take a look.

Submissions for The Film Festival open in 10 DAYS!

We accept film submissions of all genres: action, comedy, romance, horror, etc., as long as someone with a rare disease or disability is part of the production.

Share this post and tell your friends and filmmakers! 🎦

05/16/2025

We're thrilled to be working with Visit Rapid City to highlight accessible locations and promote inclusive tourism in the Black Hills. Together, we're creating content that celebrates places where everyone can feel welcome.

Follow Visit Rapid City to see the features as they roll out, and if you want to be part of it...

📸 We’re looking for models to join us for an afternoon of exploring and taking photos focused on disability representation.

Shoot us an email at [email protected] if you’re in!

04/23/2025

✨ Inclusive Business Tip ✨

If your accessible entrance isn’t your main one, make sure people know where to go!

A simple, visible sign at the front door can make a big difference for someone using a wheelchair, cane, or stroller. It shows you’ve thought about everyone — and that matters.

Inclusivity starts with clarity. Let's make access obvious, not an obstacle.