The Beat

Redesigned Accessible Wading Pool, Improved Water Slides and Plunge Pool 

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today announced the opening of a renovated Peerless Pool complex at Saratoga Spa State Park. The $3.6 million renovation has transformed the “kiddie pool" area utilizing specialized designs to emphasize the park’s natural beauty and promote mental and physical wellness of young park goers. …

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) today announced the continuation of its free electric wheelchair program at Great Camp Santanoni for 2026. Feedback from participants and the public from 2024 and 2025 helped DEC design an expanded program with increased dates, more flexible reservation times, and a simplified reservation system to continue improving access to the Historic Great Camp Santanoni for persons with disabilities.

Dedicated space expands SPAC’s commitment to inclusive arts education and accessibility through support from the Dake Foundation for Children

Saratoga Springs, NY (May 13, 2026) — Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) today celebrated the opening of a new Sensory Room at its SPAC School of the Arts with a ribbon cutting ceremony alongside community partners, educators, and supporters. Made possible through a generous $15,000 grant from the Dake Foundation for Children, the new space reflects SPAC’s ongoing commitment to making the arts more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for individuals with varying needs.

Ithaca, NY— The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) celebrated the completion of public access improvements to its 241-acre Roy H. Park Preserve in the town of Dryden, Tompkins County, on Friday, May 8, 2026. FLLT staff and volunteers were joined by town, county, and state representatives for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the reopening of the preserve’s north entrance, where new, universally accessible public access features, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, are available to all visitors.

To Enhance Outdoor Accessibility and Inclusivity

New Environmental Investments Will Create Immersive, Welcoming Destinations for Children with Disabilities Statewide

$10.8 Million in Environmental Bond Act Funding Committed to “Living Environment” Reinstein Woods Expansion and Improved, Safe Access to Scenic Zoar Valley

Governor Kathy Hochul today kicked off Earth Week in New York State by launching the “These Lands Are For Everyone” accessibility and inclusivity initiative with the first two major outdoor recreational infrastructure investments helping connect more New Yorkers of all abilities with the environment. With $10.8 million in new funding from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, “These Lands Are For Everyone” is advancing a pair of inclusive, accessible Western New York-based environmental projects to build on Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts helping all New Yorkers thrive independently with dignity and opportunity.

Rochester, NY (April 9, 2026) — A collaboration between the Disability EmpowHer Network and the Memorial Art Gallery is helping ensure that more members of the community can safely experience and engage with the arts—both in everyday moments and in times of emergency.

The initiative began through EmpowHer Camp, a leadership program where participants design community impact projects addressing real barriers faced by disabled people. Payton Roselli, a young artist herself, chose to focus her project on accessibility within art spaces, centering on a critical but often overlooked question: how people with disabilities safely evacuate public spaces.

County expands Wheel the World initiative, adding 13 new destinations in 2026

Orange County, N.Y. (Feb. 16, 2026) – Orange County, N.Y., recently strengthened its commitment to accessible tourism by adding 13 new destinations to the Wheel the World platform in 2025. Building on that progress, the county plans to welcome 13 additional verified locations in 2026, continuing its work to make travel more inclusive and accessible for all. As part of this initiative, Orange County also proudly partnered with Love Is Blind Season 9 personality and accessibility advocate Madison Maidenberg to spotlight inclusive winter travel experiences and highlight the region as a destination where everyone can explore with confidence.

Beacon, NY – The Bannerman Castle Trust (BCT) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $27,450 matching grant from the Environmental Protection Fund’s Parks and Trails Partnership Grants program.The funding will support a transformative project on Pollepel Island, connecting the existing "Red Trail" to "The Grotto," a previously hidden architectural feature.

Queensbury, New York – Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL) is proud to announce the launch of its Adaptive Mural, created by local artist Hannah Williams, a traveling piece of accessible public art designed to bring inclusive, community-centered art to Warren, Washington, and Saratoga Counties. The mural was funded through the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC).

Aquarium of Niagara & Seneca Park Zoo Will Offer ASL-Interpreted Programing Oct. 11-12. 

Niagara Falls, N.Y.; (Oct. 2, 2025) — Two Western New York zoological facilities, in collaboration with regional partners serving the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, are teaming up to promote inclusivity, connection, and awareness of Western New York's vibrant Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. …