Celebrating Disability Pride Month: Building a More Inclusive Cayuga County
July is Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the contributions, resilience, and diversity of people with disabilities while promoting visibility, understanding, and inclusion. Here in Cayuga County and at Tour Cayuga, we believe that travel should be accessible to everyone.
That’s why the Cayuga County Office of Tourism is proud to partner with Wheel the World, a global leader in accessible travel experiences, to help make our county a more welcoming destination for visitors of all abilities.
Leading the Way with Accessible Travel
In partnership with Wheel the World, we are helping coordinate a destination-wide accessibility assessment of key tourism assets throughout Cayuga County. This comprehensive evaluation is an important, step toward ensuring that everyone—residents and visitors alike—can fully enjoy all that our beautiful region has to offer. From scenic parks to historic sites, cozy inns to cultural attractions, Wheel the World’s team of accessibility experts is helping us better understand how we can improve and remove barriers. Together, we are working to create a more inclusive visitor experience for everyone, regardless of ability.
“We believe that travel should be welcoming to everyone. Partnering with Wheel the World helps us take meaningful steps beyond intention and into action—ensuring that visitors of all abilities can fully experience the natural beauty, culture, and hospitality that define Cayuga County.”
Karen Kühl, Executive Director of the Cayuga County Office of Tourism
Why Accessibility Matters
Accessible travel is a fundamental part of building a community where everyone feels welcome. Approximately 13,000 individuals in Cayuga County live with a disability, and countless more visit each year. By investing in accessibility, we’re not only expanding opportunities for travelers but strengthening our community, businesses, and local economy.
A Future of Inclusive Adventures
As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, we recognize that creating a more accessible destination is an ongoing journey—but one we are proud to be on. We believe that exploring Cayuga County’s stunning lakes, vibrant small towns, cultural gems, and outdoor adventures should be possible for everyone.
Below are just a few of the local businesses who have made effort to ensure all who visit are able to fully participated and enjoy the experience.
The Rev Theatre
Enjoy Broadway in the Finger Lakes! Every summer . The theatre is located at beautiful Emerson Park on Emerson Lake in Auburn, NY.
The theater offers Sign Language Interpreted Performances (select performances), Assistive Hearing Devices and Accessible Seating.
Carpenter Falls
Enjoy a leisurely stroll on the newly constructed ADA accessible elevated boardwalk. This boardwalk allows all visitors to enjoy nature on their way to viewing platform that overlooks the spectacular the Carpenter Falls Waterfalls.
Seward House Museum
Visit the home of William Henry Seward (1801-1872). Experience the actual room where enslaved people on their way to freedom were kept in safety.
Museum offers Accessible entrances (the upstairs is not accessible) and restrooms. Interpretive content is available upon request for individuals unable to use stairs during their visit. For those who are hearing impaired American Sign Language Interpreters are available upon request and with notice.
Erie Canal Heritage Park
The Erie Canal Heritage Park gives visitors an authentic glimpse into life on the Erie Canal in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries including the enlarged Erie Canal Lock 52 and the Erie House Complex, which dates to 1895 and includes the Erie House Tavern and Hotel, a mule barn and blacksmith shop. The newly constructed Visitor’s Center offers interactive displays and educational materials. This park is wheelchair accessible.
Located on Cayuga Lake in Union Springs this launch is ADA-compliant and was designed by BoardSafe Docks. It includes a gangway, chute, and a two-part pre-cast concrete block system for the foundation Launch is open year round, weather permitting.
State Parks
Cayuga is home to three amazing State Parks (Fair Haven State Beach Park, Fillmore Glen State Park and Long Point State Park) and many county parks that all have varying levels of accessibility. These areas offer many recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities including camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, and nature viewing.
Explore the NYS Departmental Conservation Accessible Recreation Departments interactive map of accessible places to visit in New York State.
🗾 Interactive Maps
🗾 Discover NYS Accessible Recreational Areas
Please Note: It is recommended that you contact the facility you are planning on visiting in advance to understand what you can expect and how to make your experience a positive one.