July is a month when many Americans take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the independence of our nation. However, our personal independence and ability to make choices regarding activity participation is something many of us may take for granted. This month's Director's column and Secondary Conditions column discuss the ever increasing need for accessibility in our built environment as the overall age of the general population continues to rise and maintenance of mobility and independence become major obstacles. Also check out this month's F.I.T.T column which discusses the opposite end of the age spectrum, including the necessary strides toward accessibility in playgrounds. Additionally, this issue's Community Voice highlights one man's triumph over cost, a common barrier to physical activity, when searching for a home-based solution to independent exercise.

Send your questions and comments to Blythe Hiss, NCHPAD News Editor, at sbonne2@uic.edu.