Environment DEC
From the December 2004 issue
DEC Recognizes National Disability Awareness Month
Craig Thompson, Director of
Five Rivers, escorts
Fritz Smith with aid dog
"Holiday Surprise"
along one of the
center's trails
"Recreation Opportunity Day" was held on Saturday, October 30, 2004 at DEC's Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in the Town of Delmar in recognition of National Disabilities Awareness Month. Events ran from 9 AM until noon and included exhibits, demonstrations and guided walks designed for the benefit of people with disabilities.
"The outdoor resources and natural areas in New York State are some of the most unique and wonderful in the world," Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said. "It's important that everyone is able to enjoy a full and rewarding outdoor experience and that access is readily available for people with disabilities. We will continue to expand access at areas across the state so that everyone has the opportunity to experience and enjoy our environment."
Activities, Demonstrations and Information
Dick Warrender,
Governor's Advocate
for People with Disabilities,
and Eva Galvin,
Ms. Wheelchair NY 2004,
cut the ribbon leading to
the Woodlot Trail
The event at Five Rivers began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the Woodlot Trail, recently renovated through a cooperative effort by DEC Operations and others. The Woodlot Trail's new boardwalk incorporates the use of composite lumber made from recycled sawdust and plastic from recycled grocery bags. This accessible trail winds through a woodlot that contains a variety of tree and shrub species, including the sugar maple, New York State's official tree.
Information was available on DEC's program for access to public lands, including wheelchair accessible campsites, boat launches and fishing piers in the Adirondacks and Catskills. There were demonstrations of various types of adaptive equipment such as hand cycles. Representatives from the Upstate Access Network debuted their interactive Accessibility Guide, which is a new Internet-based community resource for people with disabilities, featuring information on recreational and social attractions, including health, fitness and sports programs, outdoor parks, sites and trails, and dining, entertainment and lodging opportunities.
Gregory Jones,
Acting Deputy Advocate,
NYS Office of the
Advocate for Persons
with Disabilities,
(pictured on left)
explores the
wheelchair-accessible
Backyard Trail
Volunteers provided guided walks on the Woodlot Trail and the Nature's Accessible Backyard Trail. Visitors learned about the plants and animals found in a shaded woodlot and also learned how to create a wildlife garden. Trail guides were available in Braille, audio and large-print format from the Visitors' Center, and sign language interpretation was available by request.
Accolades for DEC
Despite dreary weather, attendance for "Recreation Opportunity Day" was good. Later, many visitors and exhibitors phoned or e-mailed to commend DEC staff on their efforts in coordinating such a professional event. Dick Warrender, Governor's Advocate for People with Disabilities, remarked that it probably was the best event of its kind that he had attended, and he goes "everywhere."
