HERMISTON — The Eastern Oregon Visitors Association has started a program in collaboration with Baker, Morrow, Union, Umatilla, and Wallowa counties to help businesses better serve customers with disabilities.

The association’s accessibility project has two upcoming in-person workshops:

• May 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Boardman at the Morrow County Riverfront Center. To register, visit shorturl.at/koAT2.

• May 9, 2-6 p.m. in Pendleton at the Vert Club Room. To register, visit shorturl.at/oGJY0.

According to the announcement, the program is to help businesses broaden their customer base. Along with helping businesses to better welcome customers with disabilities, it also will help those who use strollers and walkers (such as families with young children and seniors).

Program benefits include:

1. Improved customer experience for a wide range of customers, including those with disabilities, strollers, and mobility aids.

2. Resources to tap into a loyal customer base (that you may not already reach).

3. Marketing tools and promotion: online BluePath listing, shout-out on the BluePath social media, and other social media posts from program organizers.

4. Expert recommendations for improvements (these make great supporting documentation for grant applications!).

This program is for local brick-and-mortar businesses and attractions such as museums, art centers, gift shops, visitor centers and other locations that tourists frequent. However, according to the announcement, there may be opportunity for other types of businesses to participate in the workshop component, space permitting. Join the wait list at shorturl.at/gDKX1.

For full program details and program timeline, visit the Eastern Oregon Visitors Association at eova.com/accessible-spaces.

For more information, contact Catie at coordinator@visiteasternoregon.com or via text/phone at 541-805-2443.