Calling All Adventurers Across New York State!

Let’s Get Outside this Winter! ❄️

Winter in New York State brings a whole new world of outdoor fun — crisp air, snowy landscapes, and the chance to explore nature in a whole different season. Yet for many people with disabilities and their families, winter recreation has long felt out of reach. That’s changing. Across the Erie Canalway and throughout the state, inclusive programs, partners, and communities are opening their doors and welcoming everyone outdoors.

This winter, you and your family belong outside — and there are more accessible opportunities than ever to enjoy it.

RAA’s Accessibility Education Program: Opening Doors Across the Erie Canalway

Rochester Accessible Adventures (RAA) is leading the way statewide with the Accessibility Education Program through NYPA and Canal Corporation, a groundbreaking initiative designed to help recreation and tourism providers create truly inclusive environments.

Through this program, RAA works with partners along the 524 miles of the Erie Canalway to:

• Train staff and volunteers in inclusive practices

• Build organizational confidence in welcoming disabled participants

• Identify and remove physical, social, and cultural barriers

• Create strategic action plans for sustainable, long-term accessibility

The result? More places where people with disabilities can show up, participate fully, and know they are expected and welcome. This program is transforming the Canalway into a model of inclusive recreation, one community at a time.

Explore Seasonal Activities with On the Canals 🚣‍♀️

If you’re looking for real, hands-on ways to get outside this winter, start with On the Canals, the New York State Canal Corporation’s program offering a wide range of free outdoor activities. Each season brings something new — including inclusive winter options.

Families can find adaptive and accessible opportunities such as:

• Winter hikes

• Nature and Canal exploration

• Birding experiences

• Snow-based recreation

Visit OnTheCanals.com to explore what’s happening this season and find activities near you. Many On the Canals partners have participated in RAA’s Accessibility Education Program, meaning they are becoming better equipped to welcome people of all abilities, including those with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities and medical conditions.

Free Programming! Spaces go fast! New programs added frequently! Look for family-friendly First Day events!

Inclusive Outdoor Events You Should Know About

Across New York State, several organizations are stepping up to ensure winter recreation is accessible and inviting. Here are three partner sites making a big difference – and stay tuned for information about several others this winter:

• Capt. LJ Tomboy Adventures (Rochester Region)

Capt. LJ Tomboy Adventures offers inclusive recreational outings rooted in outdoor play, teamwork, and skill-building. Their winter programming invites families to enjoy nature together — with adaptations and supports available so everyone can participate comfortably.

• Genesee Valley Audubon Society (Rochester Region)

GVAS offers inclusive birding experiences, with Sit & Bird and even Birding By Car events that open the world of winter wildlife to people of all abilities. Winter birding is peaceful, beautiful, and more accessible than many people realize — often requiring little more than warm clothing and curiosity. Join this group of fabulous like-minded folks and join in the adventures of birding!

• Hudson Crossing Park (Saratoga Region)

Hudson Crossing Park is becoming a leader in providing accessible outdoor experiences along the Champlain Canal. We love working with their team and watching as their trails, activities, and seasonal events become even more intentionally designed to welcome people with disabilities, offering families a safe and inviting place to explore winter landscapes.

🚨 Winter Adventure Alert! 🚨

We’re thrilled that a new inclusive ride experience will be rolling out to more locations so that more adventurers can experience winter together. Check out this next-level winter fun with new Snow Comfort sleds!

This KETTLER USA sled is specially designed to be accessible and comfortable for people of all abilities, featuring supportive seating with adjustable belts, a taller back and head support, and an easy-to-guide push handle with stable side protection — perfect for cruising along snowy paths with confidence and joy.

Whether you’re heading out with family or friends, this sled makes winter exploration even more welcoming! 🎿❄️

Say hello to snowy rides! We’re excited to work with our AEP providers to introduce the Kettler Snow Comfort sled — bringing unforgettable winter outings for more adventurers.

This Winter, Get Outside With Your Family & Friends ❄️

Here’s the message we want every New York family to hear:

• You are wanted outdoors.
• You are expected to participate.
• Activities are waiting for you.

Whether it’s joining a guided winter hike, spotting birds in the quiet woods, exploring a snowy trail, or trying a new adaptive program through On the Canals, winter can be a season of joy, discovery, and connection.

You don’t need to be an experienced outdoorsperson. You don’t need special equipment to get started (unless the activity calls for it — and partners can help!). What matters is showing up and enjoying time outside with the people you care about.

And with the growing network of accessible programs across the Erie Canalway and throughout New York State, there has never been a better time.

So bundle up, step out, and discover the winter wonder waiting for you. This season belongs to you.

Let’s Make Winter Inclusive

Rochester Accessible Adventures is helping communities to build a future where outdoor recreation is accessible year-round — not just for some, but for everyone.

Will you join us in our efforts?

Your gifts this winter – of time and donations – will make it possible for more children, youth and adults to experience the joy of inclusive outdoor adventures!

See you out there!