On May 5, 2025, EZ-ACCESS® partnered with Freedom Accessibility to complete a special project: installing ramps at the Daisy Bates House in Little Rock, Arkansas, a site that played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement.
A Historic Landmark with a Powerful Legacy
The Daisy Bates House, a National Historic Landmark, served as the unofficial command post for the Central High School desegregation crisis in 1957-58. Home to Daisy Lee Gatson Bates and her husband, L.C. Bates, the house became a critical hub where strategies were developed to integrate Little Rock’s Central High School.
Mrs. Bates, as president of the Arkansas NAACP and co-publisher of the Arkansas State Press, was a tireless advocate for equality. She not only led the legal fight to end school segregation but also mentored the courageous group of students now known as the Little Rock Nine. The Bates’ home became a daily meeting spot for the Nine and their allies, and tragically, a frequent target for those who opposed desegregation.
Larry Hicks, Project Manager at the museum, summed up Mrs. Bates' influence:
"Mrs. Bates is one of the most underrated civil rights activists in America. She brought civility to the conversation of equality, showing that all people, no matter their race, religion, or background, deserve equal access. This house is a symbol of that fight and her extraordinary resilience."
Why Accessibility Matters Here
Despite the house’s powerful history, physical barriers limited access to many visitors. One entrance had an old, narrow ramp that could barely fit a small walker; the other had steps leading to a wider doorway, but neither could accommodate wheelchairs or scooters.
"It was troublesome," said Hicks. "We wanted everyone to be able to visit and experience this important site firsthand, but we simply didn’t have a safe, accessible way in."
A Collaborative Effort
That’s when the partnership came together. Freedom Accessibility, a long-time EZ-ACCESS dealer, was contacted to help assess the site’s needs. Keith Cook, owner of Freedom Accessibility, performed a site evaluation and worked closely with EZ-ACCESS to design the best solution.
EZ-ACCESS approved a donation of the ramps, and Cook generously donated his team’s time for installation. The result? A seamless upgrade that now welcomes all visitors, no matter their mobility needs.
"This museum will be here for decades," said Cook. "The ramps installed today will long outlive us, and continue to carry the important message that this museum holds. Anything is possible if we all work together."
A Smooth Install with a Powerful Outcome
The installation was completed smoothly, with only a minor adjustment needed at the bottom of the door. "It offers a greater opportunity for disabled visitors to personally tour the museum," said Hicks. "This has been a goal for years, and it’s something that will help ensure everyone can experience this vital piece of history safely."
The museum anticipates increased engagement from both the local community and schools, with a group of 50 students and teachers already scheduled for a visit next week — students who will now be able to tour the museum side by side, regardless of ability.