Page 16 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2021

COAST NOTE
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Disability Connection
isability Connection is enthusiastic about announcing the Mississippi Coast Heritage Information Center on their
website, www.DisabilityConnection.org, a four-year project for the Mississippi Coast National Heritage Area. The Mississippi Coast National Heritage Area is administered locally through the MS Department of Marine Resources.
“The Mississippi Coast Heritage Information Center promotes the heritage areas of South Mississippi by educating and connecting the public to the cultural, historical, recreational, and scenic resources,” says Executive Director Janie O'Keefe. “It hosts the stories of the people: their cultural and ethnic heritages, their industries, churches, traditions, foods, festivals, and events that are still present to enjoy today. The Center connects people to their roots and celebrates diversity.”
The Center includes three beautiful lm documentaries, 41 mini- lms, professional photos, detailed maps, downloadable brochures, and over 150 pages of heritage information to assist in planning a trip. It also provides information for expanding travel opportunities including information on the National Register for Historic Places. The Mississippi Coast Heritage
Information Center was made possible through the Gulf Coast Heritage Area grant which is administered locally through the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.
For those with disabilities, The Center provides information on identifying barriers and/or special travel accommodations. “Universally-designed trips take into consideration all of
the accommodations needed for travelers with functional challenges to enjoy the trip,” O'Keefe says. “Few travel
resources tap into the market of 20 percent of the population with
disabilities: seniors, children with disabilities, people who are
blind, deaf, or have mobility impairments.”
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Visit the Mississippi Coast Heritage Information Center at www.DisabilityConnection.org.