The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) marked the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public services, and public accommodations – by highlighting new investments that are expanding access to outdoor recreation and helping ensure New York’s public lands are welcoming to visitors of all abilities.
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.
A centerpiece of DEC’s 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.
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.
The adaptive viewfinders are one part of DEC’s ongoing effort to improve accessibility at State lands, environmental education centers, and outdoor recreation facilities.
Through a partnership with the New York State Department of Health’s (DOH) Disability and Health Program, DEC has expanded adaptive recreation opportunities across the state by providing:
Adaptive birding equipment, including spotting scopes, viewing screens, monoculars, wheelchair-mounted viewing systems, and binocular chest harnesses that help visitors with limited vision, mobility, hand strength, or chronic pain enjoy wildlife viewing;
Adaptive fishing supports for anglers with limited arm strength;
Adaptive archery stands that make the sport more accessible for visitors with mobility limitations;
Sensory kits to support neurodivergent visitors participating in outdoor recreation and environmental education programs;
New mobility scooters at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve;
A new beach wheelchair at Hinckley Day Use Area;
Beach access mats supporting accessible programming at Mount Loretto Unique Area and the Catskill Center; and
Accessibility assessment equipment and training for DEC operations and land management staff to help identify and implement accessibility improvements.
Much of this adaptive equipment also has been distributed to DEC’s environmental education centers and regional offices, supporting year-round accessible programming across New York, including the annual Get Outdoors and Get Together Day held across the state every June featuring new adaptive programming through this initiative.
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.
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’s public lands.
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’s lands, facilities, and programs.
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.
These new efforts are part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s These Lands Are for Everyone initiative, funded through DEC’s Love Our New York Lands initiative.
For more information about accessible recreation opportunities on DEC-managed lands, visit DEC’s Accessible Recreation webpage.
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