Building Access and Equity
Article Summary: Melton Cares is a charitable initiative that advances people-first design across homes and community spaces. The program focuses on improving accessibility, reducing barriers, and creating welcoming environments through partnerships, thoughtful renovations, and community-driven projects.
Table of Contents
- Introducing Melton Cares
- What is Melton Cares?
- Our 2025 Projects
- Beyond ADA
- A Tradition of Giving Back
- Join Us
- FAQ
Introducing Melton Cares
We believe the spaces where we live, work, and gather should support the people who utilize them and reflect their diverse needs and experiences. Melton Cares, officially launched in 2024, is a charitable initiative focused on improving accessibility, safety, comfort, and community enjoyment in these everyday spaces.
What is Melton Cares?
Melton Cares leverages our team’s unique talents and expertise, our network of trusted trade partners, and our community relationships to create meaningful impact across the built environment. The program focuses on removing barriers and creating spaces where independence, inclusion, and comfort can thrive.
While much of our work centers on residential homes, Melton Cares also extends into the public realm. The spaces where we live our lives, from the kitchen to the park down the street, all shape how we move, connect, and belong. Melton Cares is our way of ensuring those environments work for everyone.
Our 2025 Projects
We kicked off the year with a Melton Cares project in Longmont where our team collaborated with a household to create a main level that better supports their daily routines. The work focused on thoughtful changes that improve ease of movement and overall comfort for a family member who uses mobility equipment. The renovation created a fully accessible primary suite on the main level that includes a barrier free bedroom and en suite bath, widened doorways, slip resistant flooring, and improved circulation. This work was completed at no cost to the homeowners thanks to the generous support of our trade partners.
At the same time, Melton partnered with the City of Boulder to enhance accessibility at Bill Bower Park in South Boulder. Updates to paths, seating, and access points are creating a more welcoming experience for park visitors of all abilities. Together, these projects demonstrate what Melton Cares is all about: building access and equity across the spaces that shape our daily lives.
Beyond ADA: Raising the Standard for Accessible Design
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) established an essential baseline for accessibility, however true inclusion requires more than compliance. Melton Cares focuses on people-first design by listening to lived experiences, anticipating needs, and building solutions that enhance safety, comfort, and dignity – now and into the future.
Accessible design isn’t just functional; it’s the foundation for communities that work better for everyone. To learn more, visit our blog Raising the Bar on ADA.
A Tradition of Giving Back
Melton Cares builds on a long tradition of community support. Over the years, our team has contributed to various projects such as an ADA ramp installation in Greeley in partnership with There With Care, and Paige’s Room Makeover, which transformed a child’s recovery space into a place of hope and healing. By formalizing this effort, we aim to expand our reach and deepen our impact in the communities where we live, work, and play.
Join Us
Melton Cares is a collaboration between designers, builders, trade partners, and neighbors who share a commitment to equity and inclusion. Together, we can continue to create spaces that support independence and belonging for everyone in our community.
If you would like to learn more, get involved, or support future projects, visit the Melton Cares page or send us an email!
FAQ: Accessible Design and Melton Cares
What does “accessible design” mean?
Accessible design creates spaces that can be used comfortably by people with a wide range of mobility, sensory, or cognitive needs.
What is people-first design?
People-first design focuses on real experiences above and beyond the minimum standards. It prioritizes comfort, ease of movement, safety, and dignity.
How is accessible design different from ADA compliance?
ADA sets minimum requirements. Accessible design goes further by considering daily routines, personal preferences, and long term usability.
Can accessibility improvements be added to existing homes?
Yes. Many upgrades such as wider doorways, barrier free showers, improved lighting, and slip resistant flooring can be integrated into existing layouts.
Does accessible design help people who do not have disabilities?
Absolutely! These features improve comfort and usability for older adults, families with young children, people recovering from injuries, and anyone who benefits from safer, easier-to-navigate spaces.
What types of community spaces benefit from accessible updates?
Parks, paths, gathering areas, public buildings, and recreational spaces all improve with better routes, clearer circulation, and seating options that accommodate many needs.
What is Melton Cares?
Melton Cares is a charitable initiative from Melton Design Build that improves accessibility and comfort in homes and community spaces through pro bono design and construction projects.
How are Melton Cares projects funded?
Projects are supported through Melton’s team, trade partners, community collaborators, and donors who contribute labor, materials, and resources.