Disability Pride Month: Celebrating Inclusivity 

every day, not just once a year

Did you know that July is Disability Pride Month? Everyone and all businesses have a social responsibility to help better our world and to help ensure inclusivity.  In the United States 1 in 4 people are living with a disability, that is 28% of the population! 12% have mobility issues, 6% are hearing impaired and 5% experience sight issues.

Inclusivity is important, visitors and travelers of all abilities deserve to be able to experience museums, theater, parks, restaurants and more, just like everyone else. Business in Cayuga County NY are aware of the need for a more inclusive experience, and many have taken steps to ensure that all are welcome. 

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 Rev brings high-quality classic and contemporary works and musicals to Auburn, NY. 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 (Behr Nature Preserve)

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

 For over 50 years, the Seward House was the home of William Henry Seward (1801-1872), one of the foremost politicians of nineteenth century America, serving as a New York State Senator, Governor of New York, a United States Senator, and Secretary of State under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson. The home was also used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Both William and Frances were abolitionists. Visit the Seward House Museum and experience the actual room where enslaved people on their way to freedom were kept in safety.   
The 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 at Port Byron

Interested in Erie Canal History then the Erie Canal Heritage Park at Port Byron is a great place to explore. The 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.

Cayuga is home to three amazing State Parks 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.  

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.

Happy Travels!