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New Adaptive Viewfinders and Other Accessibility Investments Help More New Yorkers Experience the Outdoors Through Governor Hochul\u2019s \u2018These Lands Are for Everyone Initiative\u2019<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
New Adaptive Viewfinders and Other Accessibility Investments Help More New Yorkers Experience the Outdoors Through Governor Hochul\u2019s \u2018These Lands Are for Everyone Initiative\u2019<\/p>\n
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View Images\u00a0Here<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today marked the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by highlighting new investments that are expanding access to outdoor recreation and helping ensure New York\u2019s public lands are welcoming to visitors of all abilities.\u00a0As part of Governor Kathy Hochul\u2019s\u00a0These Lands Are for Everyone initiative<\/a>, DEC is installing 40 adaptive color-enhancing viewfinders at 36 locations across New York State, providing new adaptive recreation equipment, investing in accessibility improvements, and providing more inclusive programming to make it easier for more people to enjoy the outdoors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Americans with Disabilities Act transformed access to public spaces and opportunities across our nation,\u201d\u00a0DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. \u201cAs we celebrate this landmark civil rights law, DEC is proud to continue building on its legacy by expanding access to New York\u2019s public lands. Through Governor Hochul\u2019s These Lands Are for Everyone initiative, we are helping ensure more New Yorkers can experience the beauty, recreation, and health benefits our natural resources provide.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
New York State Chief Disability Officer Kimberly Hill-Ridley said,\u00a0“True equity means ensuring our state\u2019s natural treasures are open and welcoming to every single New Yorker. On this ADA anniversary, we\u2019re not just celebrating past progress, we\u2019re actively removing the barriers that keep people from fully experiencing the outdoors. From adaptive viewfinders that bring vibrant landscapes into focus to sensory kits and beach access, these investments reflect our unwavering commitment to building an inclusive, accessible New York for people of all abilities.”\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said,\u00a0\u201cPhysical activity has many health benefits, from reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions to improving mental health and wellbeing. Through the dedication of the New York State DEC, outdoor recreation destinations across the state have never been more accessible. In recognition of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the State Department of Health is proud to support these important adaptive equipment and accessibility investments that enables more New Yorkers to get outdoors and experience the stunning natural resources and recreation opportunities the state has to offer.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n
New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said,\u00a0\u201cEnsuring equal access to outdoor public spaces is a foundational legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State is advancing that legacy through the coordinated work of New York\u2019s Master Plan for Aging. DEC\u2019s commitment to accessible and inclusive outdoor recreation reflects this effort, recognizing that all New Yorkers\u2014regardless of age or disability\u2014should have the opportunity to enjoy the social, mental, and physical health benefits of spending time outdoors.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer said,\u00a0\u201cThe Americans with Disabilities Act is observed every day through the simplest of accommodations such as curb cutouts for wheelchair access, to the more complex and innovative technology that exists today to provide equal opportunity to people with disabilities. As we celebrate the 36th\u00a0anniversary of the ADA, OPWDD is grateful for Governor Hochul\u2019s leadership in this area and to our partners at the Department for Environmental Conversation for proactively taking steps to improve accessibility at New York\u2019s public lands, ensuring they are welcoming and inclusive of everyone.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
New York State Parks Commissioner Kathy Moser said,\u00a0\u201cThe 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act serves as a reminder that access to public lands is a right, not a privilege. Thanks to Governor Hochul\u2019s record investments in our state lands and programs like \u2018Get Together, Get Outside Day,\u2019 we are working to ensure New York\u2019s state parks and public facilities are welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone. DEC\u2019s accessibility improvements complement New York State Parks\u2019 ongoing efforts to expand adaptive recreation opportunities, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to make New York\u2019s public lands more accessible for all.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A centerpiece of DEC\u2019s newest accessibility investments is the installation of adaptive color-enhancing viewfinders at 36 scenic destinations statewide, including Prospect Mountain overlooking Lake George in the Adirondacks. Funded through DEC\u2019s\u00a0Love Our New York Lands<\/a>\u00a0initiative and supported by federal grant encouraging people to get outdoors and enjoy New York\u2019s natural resources, the adaptive viewfinders feature EnChroma lens technology designed to help visitors with red-green color vision deficiency experience a broader spectrum of color while enhancing scenic viewing for all users.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The statewide installation of 40 adaptive viewfinders expands opportunities for visitors to experience some of New York\u2019s most iconic landscapes while supporting DEC\u2019s commitment to making outdoor recreation more accessible and inclusive.<\/p>\n
The adaptive viewfinders are one part of DEC\u2019s ongoing effort to improve accessibility at State lands, environmental education centers, and outdoor recreation facilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Through a partnership with the New York State Department of Health\u2019s (DOH) Disability and Health Program, DEC has expanded adaptive recreation opportunities across the state by providing:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Much of this adaptive equipment also has been distributed to DEC\u2019s environmental education centers and regional offices, supporting year-round accessible programming across New York, including the annual\u00a0Get Outdoors and Get Together Day<\/a>\u00a0held across the state every June featuring new adaptive programming through this initiative.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Since the ADA was signed into law in 1990, DEC has continued working to remove barriers to outdoor recreation by expanding accessible facilities, improving visitor services, and increasing opportunities for people of all abilities to connect with nature.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Today, DEC offers accessible trails, campgrounds, fishing and hunting opportunities, wildlife viewing areas, environmental education programs, adaptive recreation equipment, and accommodations that help more visitors enjoy New York\u2019s public lands.\u00a0<\/p>\n
DEC also continues to work with its Accessibility Advisory Committee, ADA Accessibility Coordinators, partner agencies, and stakeholders to identify opportunities to improve accessibility across the agency\u2019s lands, facilities, and programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Outdoor recreation provides opportunities to improve physical and mental health, connect with nature, and strengthen communities. By continuing to expand accessible recreation opportunities statewide, DEC is helping ensure all New Yorkers can experience these benefits.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\n\tAdaptive birding equipment, including spotting scopes, viewing screens, monoculars, wheelchair-mounted viewing systems, and binocular chest harnesses \u00a0that help visitors with limited vision, mobility, hand strength, or chronic pain enjoy wildlife viewing;\u00a0
\n\tAdaptive fishing supports for anglers with limited arm strength;\u00a0
\n\tAdaptive archery stands that make the sport more accessible for visitors with mobility limitations;\u00a0
\n\tSensory kits to support neurodivergent visitors participating in outdoor recreation and environmental education programs;\u00a0
\n\tNew mobility scooters at\u00a0Five Rivers Environmental Education Center<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve<\/a>;\u00a0
\n\tA new beach wheelchair at\u00a0Hinckley Day Use Area<\/a>;\u00a0
\n\tBeach access mats supporting accessible programming at\u00a0Mount Loretto Unique Area<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Catskill Center<\/a>; and\u00a0
\n\tAccessibility assessment equipment and training for DEC operations and land management staff to help identify and implement accessibility improvements.\u00a0
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