5 New York State Attractions For Visitors With Autism, Disabilities

NEW YORK STATE, NY — In New York State, summer vacation is right around the corner. Now more than ever, attractions and top destination spots are amenable and host accessibility features for visitors with special needs, including programs specifically designed for travelers who are autistic or have developmental disabilities.

Here are five experiences in New York State designed for those with developmental disabilities:

1. Greater Niagara- Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park

The Autism Nature Trail s a first-of-its-kind experience, designed for visitors on the autism spectrum and with a range of abilities and enjoyable for all ages. The looped trail spans one-mile with eight stations at various intervals, offering a range of experiences, from quiet engagement to active exploration and adventure.

Visitors will be able to engage with a variety of nature-inspired musical instruments, hang out in cuddle swings, follow a gentle maze to a viewing platform, and much more.

2. Hudson Valley- ThinkDIFFERENTLY in Dutchess County

Dutchess County was the first county to be officially designated Austin Supportive in the state by the Anderson Center for Autism.

The county features dozens of sensory-friendly attractions, such as Walkway Over the Hudson and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library.

3. Catskills - Sensory-Friendly Museum Days at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Visitors with autism, developmental disabilities, or sensory sensitivities can expect to have a "groovy good" time at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a museum dedicated to the history of the 1969 Woodstock Festival.

The museum offers sensory bags with goodies such as a sensory map that conveniently points out areas of high stimulation, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget toys based on the museum collection.

It also holds "Sensory-Friendly Museum Days" every second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., where the museum is transformed with augmented lights and sound features, as well as trained staff to guide visitors through the museum experience.

Bethel Woods also provides a downloadable Sensory Map to indicate noisy, dark, crowded, or bright spaces in the museum.

4. Finger Lakes - Sensory Friendly Time at MOST

If a science and tech museum is where your interests lie, look no further than the Museum of Science and Technology in Syracuse.

Every third Saturday evening of the month, the museum holds its “Sensory Friendly Time”, with low noise levels, no flashing lights; lighting is adjusted to accommodate learners with sensory-processing difficulties.and no air compressors.

This dedicated time goes from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and its extended hours ensure that wait times and crowd sizes are reduced.

5. Central New York - Low Sensory Nights at Animal Adventure Park

Famed for giraffes, Animal Adventure Park is home to cuddly creatures from a variety of species. This summer the park will be hosting low sensory night events, where one can enjoy the animals without crowds.

You can take part in animal feedings, concessions, attractions, and other activities. Visitors can also book animal encounters with penguins, African lions, and capybaras at any time.