Lighthouse Guild, Meta, and Achilles International Mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day with Accessible Bike Ride Through Central Park

Tandem ride showcases AIglasses as adaptive tool for the blind and low vision community

NEW YORK, May 21, 2026 — Lighthouse Guild, in partnership with Meta and Achilles International, today celebrated Global Accessibility Awareness Day with an accessible tandem bike ride through Central Park, bringing together blind and low vision riders, sighted guides, and members of the adaptive sports community for a morning of movement, connection, and innovation.

Hosted at Meta Lab NYC and led by veteran tandem captains from Lighthouse Guild and Achilles International, the ride gave participants the opportunity to experience AI glasses firsthand by wearing Oakley Meta Vanguards — demonstrating how wearables can enhance everyday athletic experiences for people who are blind or have low vision. The event builds on the momentum of Lighthouse Guild AI, the organization’s initiative to co-develop adaptive technology alongside leading partners, with Meta as its first official collaborator.

“This morning in Central Park, we showed what’s possible when the blind and low vision community is at the center of designing the tools we use,” said Thomas Panek, President & CEO of Lighthouse Guild. “In March, I crossed the finish line of the NYC Half Marathon with the help of AI-powered glasses. Today, we put that same technology in the hands of more members of our community, riding tandem through one of the most iconic places in New York City. Global Accessibility Awareness Day is a reminder that accessibility is something we build, together, from the start.”

“Achilles International was proud to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day alongside Lighthouse Guild and Meta. Today’s tandem ride highlighted the important role sighted guides, wearable technology, and inclusive design can play in expanding access to sport for blind and low vision athletes like myself,” said Francesco Magisano, Director of Achilles NYC Metro Region and endurance athlete. “Events like this show that accessibility is not just about removing barriers, it’s about creating new opportunities for people to experience movement, community, and joy together.” 

“The event marks the latest chapter in a growing collaboration between Lighthouse Guild and Meta, following Panek’s historic NYC Half Marathon run in March — the first time a blind runner completed the race supported by AI glasses. Today’s bike ride extends that work into a broader community setting, bringing adaptive technology to more athletes and demonstrating how innovation can expand independence and joy in everyday life.

About Lighthouse Guild

Lighthouse Guild is committed to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are blind or visually impaired to reach their goals. Through vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, mental health services, and innovative programming, Lighthouse Guild is dedicated to breaking barriers and enhancing lives. Lighthouse Guild AI (LGAI), a division of the organization, co-develops adaptive technology with leading partners to expand independence and mobility for the blind and low vision community. For more information, visit lighthouseguild.org.

About Achilles International

Achilles International is a leading adaptive running nonprofit which has helped provide trained guides, workouts and community for people with disabilities for over 40 years.

Media Contact

Civic PR for Lighthouse Guild LighthouseGuildPR@civic-us.com