How Doors Shape a More Inclusive World: The Partnership Between STANLEY Access Technologies and New Horizons Village

At STANLEY Access Technologies, our mission is clear: to help people move through the world safely, independently, and with dignity. Our hardware solutions are designed to remove barriers and make every space—residential, commercial, or institutional—more accessible for everyone. Here’s how we helped New Horizons Village, an accessible, self-directed community for individuals with physical disabilities in Connecticut, achieve that goal. Until STANLEY Access Technologies began partnering with the community, the front doors of tenant apartments were exclusively manual which presented a challenge for tenants to get in and out of their homes. For some, simply turning the door handle and maneuvering a powerchair through a manual door was a daily inconvenience. Many tenants relied on a pull rope to pull the door shut behind them.

To help the residents live more independently and bring our mission to life, we outfitted each residence and common building with ADA-approved wheelchair accessible door solutions for their campus.101 tenants are now greeted with a seamless automatic door experience. With the push of a button, their doors open and close automatically. It has been a monumental change for the tenants.The result is a campus where residents move freely, confidently, and safely—truly reflecting the spirit of inclusive design.

Being able to come and go without needing special assistance is the cornerstone of independence. But for people with mobility issues of any kind this can present a challenge. Our mission to create a more accessible world, has spurred us to focus our innovations on creating access for everyone with:

Automatic and Power-Assist Doors that Welcome Without Strain 

   • Sensor-activated openers respond instantly to foot traffic or wheelchair approach. 

   • Adjustable opening/closing speeds and forces ensure safety for children, seniors, and people with mobility issues. 

   • Backup battery systems keep doors operational during power outages, maintaining accessibility at all times.

Inclusive Designs From Concept to Installation 

   • Partnerships with architects, builders, and advocacy groups to embed accessibility into project blueprints. 

   • Custom configuration options—mounting heights, handle orientations, opening forces—to meet the needs of diverse users. 

   • On-site training for facility managers and maintenance teams ensures long-term performance and user confidence.

Integrated Access Control for Secure Seamless Movement 

   • Keyless entry solutions—RFID cards, keypads, mobile credentials—eliminate fumbling with keys. 

   • Interlock features prevent collision in high-traffic or specialized environments (e.g., laboratories, cleanrooms). 

   • Remote monitoring and diagnostics to keep doors functioning optimally and reduce downtime.