October 2024/Issue #4
Accessibility
At Mobility Mountain, our basic principle is that everything is accessible. I cannot think of anyone who does not know what accessibility is. Anytime we utilize a public restroom or go to most public spaces, we see the shiny stainless steel buttons near the doors, with the universal handicap symbol on them. Those are called handicap push plates. Smash the push plate, and voila, the door opens. At least, sometimes they do. Most of the time, when the door does not open magically, we force it open and waltz right in, generally aggravated the door was an obstacle to our entry. Let us stop for a second and think about that.

If a person has a disability requiring them to use the push plate to open the door, say, to use the restroom, and the push plate does not work, then what? If it is a dire emergency, how does that end up for them? I cannot tell you how many times I have walked past those push plates and never thought about whether they worked. Now, I seem to test them everywhere I go, and surprised that more than half of them do not work. I let the person in charge know and the results are generally the same, "We will have someone look at it." This is usually spoken with a deep sigh and a look of helplessness.
I wonder if it were them or their loved one stranded without a way to open the door, how different it would be. I suppose it is a little thing to talk about, but I find it to be a major hurdle and for sure, an obstacle to those who need that shiny stainless steel push plate. The power that the push plate has can make a trip to the restroom or another public place is bewildering, and can be the deciding factor between a nightmare, or a smooth experience. How many times have you pressed that push plate and nothing happened?
Dark Sky Certification
I adore gazing at the stars in the night sky! The mere sight of the Milky Way Galaxy is simply awe-inspiring! It's a rare treat due to our excessive use of lighting, with more than a third of humans, including 60% of Europeans and nearly 80% of North Americans, missing out on this breathtaking view. Can you believe that some people will never have the chance to witness the beauty of the Milky Way Galaxy in their lifetime? It's truly heart-wrenching to think about.
Recent studies have brought to light the harsh realities of light pollution. It's alarming how light pollution is connected to a range of health issues, from depression to obesity and even cancer! Not to mention its adverse effects on wildlife, disrupting their natural behaviors and migration patterns. The impact of our actions on both ourselves and the environment is undeniable. I recall my time living in a skoolie, a converted school bus, where I noticed trees bending away from an overly bright dusk-to-dawn light nearby. The evidence of the effect of light pollution was right there, plain to see for those willing to observe.

At Mobility Mountain, we are committed to obtaining a dark sky certification to provide a gateway to something beyond comprehension. By adhering to the Five Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting in all our projects, we aim to achieve this goal:
Every light must serve a distinct purpose.
Direct light only where necessary.
Use the minimum brightness required.
Turn off or dim lights when not in use.
Opt for warmer-colored lights whenever feasible.
To combat glare, limiting upward-directed light is crucial. Careful planning can prevent excessive lighting while implementing dimming and other suitable controls can reduce our impact on light pollution. Furthermore, reducing the use of short-wave (bluish) light at night can significantly enhance stargazing opportunities. Mobility Mountain will work to protect our skies and preserve the beauty of the night for generations to come!

The Inception of Mobility Mountain (Part 4)
Jeffrey Pryor
In August of 2022, I applied to the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Oklahoma's business school. The process was like a shark tank competition to begin with. Applicants had to submit their business pitch and hope it was of value. To sell your idea to others and convince them of its importance and value can be a real challenge. I suppose somewhere, somebody liked the idea of a campground designed specifically for persons with disabilities...I was accepted. This is where the work began, at a rapid pace.
I was in a small group of veterans selected to participate in this annual program. We immediately began an online course that involved business principles, business plans, financial planning, and an encyclopedia's worth of information. It was like feeding from a firehouse, so to speak. As a veteran, I am used to that high-drag low- speed pace of learning. I was especially critical of my plan; I had not even decided on a name for the concept. As time went on the group worked together to analyze and rebuild each other's ideas. We worked on projects together and gave critical feedback, which was essential for our success.
February of 2023 came along very quickly and we were flown out to Oklahoma State University. I remember meeting the other veteran entrepreneurs and how we interacted awkwardly. It reminded me of boot camp and how everyone started their journey. The first night, we met up in a hospitality room, where we could get to know one another. As I conversed with other veterans, I realized just how much I missed being around other veterans. I knew this was going to be the beginning of something spectacular. We ribbed one another about the different services and made conversation about our past, present, and future. We were all excited to jump off into the unknown. In the middle of our conversation, the host Chad came strolling in. He smiled a big smile and said, "Welcome to the 2023 Veteran Entrepreneurship Program." Everyone smiled in return and officially, the ice had been broken. Read more in the next issue.
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