Celebrating All Abilities
One Year of On the Canals Accessibility Education Program
"My brother lives with paraplegia, and this work holds a special place in my heart," – Alyson
Did you know that around 20% of people worldwide live with a disability? That includes two million folks in upstate New York!
As National Disability Pride Month comes to a close, it is a great time to celebrate their amazing contributions and vibrant culture. Plus, it's a great reminder of how equitable access lets everyone—regardless of ability—enjoy the free recreation programs along the New York canal system’s beautiful waterways and trails.
While this year marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it also is an important one-year anniversary of the On the Canals (OTC) Accessibility Education Program (AEP) lead by the New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC) and New York Power Authority (NYPA) – a year of inspiring success stories, significant milestone and huge impact, laying ambitious plans for the future.
"Knowing that we are making real and impactful changes that can enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, including my own family, is profoundly meaningful and motivates me every day," says Alyson, a Program Manager of Supplier Diversity at NYPA.
Darby, a Program Manager with Canals Community Benefit, agrees. "Working with the AEP participants and seeing their customers able to kayak, paint, and cycle with their family and friends, in many cases for the first time, is definitely the highlight of my career and is incredibly rewarding."
As the program continues to grow and evolve, an unwavering passion and commitment to creating inclusive and accessible experiences for everyone remains. Celebrating this one-year anniversary is just the beginning of an inspiring journey towards a more inclusive future On the Canals.
"Working on the On the Canals Accessibility Education Program has been incredibly rewarding," Alyson says. “Seeing our participants implement their Strategic Inclusion Action Plans and make tangible changes to improve accessibility is inspiring.”
"It is equally rewarding to be part of an organization that truly supports and champions inclusion, making a difference in the community and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive," Alyson says.
Free, inclusive adventures On the Canal include family kayak paddles, birding, outdoor yoga, cultural and architectural walking tours, plein air painting, history cruises, and Canal infrastructure tours.
Check out some amazing program achievements and success stories shared by partner organizations:
Program Achievements
533 hours of initial inclusion training and assessments
29 provider staff (an additional 10 staff in progress)
8 recommendations reports developed
7 Strategic Inclusion Action Plans underway
Several hours of adaptive equipment training completed
Designated Inclusion Points of Contact
Accessibility tabs added to participant websites
Social media training & community connections training
Numerous hours of engagement at outreach events
Success Stories
Stony Point Arts Studio
Jeannine, the owner and operator, connected with Starbridge and will participate in their Life After High School program, inviting individuals transitioning from high school to inclusive arts programs.
Stony Point Arts Studio also celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony of their new brick-and-mortar location, specifically designed for inclusiveness.
Hudson Crossing Park
Secured several grants for accessibility projects, including:
Laser-cut edging around QR codes on park signage for individuals living with low vision or blindness
Audio descriptions of signage available in several languages
Funding for raised gardening beds & adaptive kayak launch
Funds for accessible port-o-potty
Future Plans
The program began as a joint response from Canals and NYPA to the call to action after last year's SUNY/Erie Canal Bicentennial Forum Series entitled Accessible Recreation on the Canalway. Darby says there is no doubt the On the Canals Accessibility Education Program (AEP) "is paving the way for a Canal System open to recreation for everyone."
Looking ahead, the program aims to support participants in finding more grant funding to expand their programs, enhancing participant websites through accessibility features and amenity descriptions, encouraging more community involvement and outreach with disability-serving organizations.
For Darby, the continued growth of the program is essential for well-being of all who live in or visit New York. "I look forward to being part of the continued growth of this program and seeing the quality-of-life impact on those it serves."
For more information about free—and accessible—adventures across the state on the canals, visit our On the Canals website.
