Welcome to the First Ever
Adirondack Nature Festival
for People with Disabilities
Connecting all people with nature.
The Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities
Location
Paul Smith’s College VIC
Date
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Time
10am – 4pm
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THE FESTIVAL IS ON - RAIN OR SHINE!
We look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow.
Who is a person with a disability?
It’s essential to understand that disabilities can be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent, and they can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Moreover, disabilities can impact not only a person’s physical abilities but also their social interactions, employment opportunities, and access to services and resources.
About the Festival
Our festival is organized by a committee of volunteers with support from Paul Smith’s Visitior Interpretive Center, Adirondack Riverwalking, Accessible Adirondack Tourism, Tri-Lakes Center for Independent Living, Adirondack Website Design, Adirondack Experience, and many other people, and organizations throughout the Adirondack region.
All are welcome! Whether you are a person with a disability, a member of our community, or want to show support for the broad disability community, there are programs for everyone. Come join us!
The festival will not charge for admission to visitors.
The first ever
festival for people with disabilities
in the Adirondack region.
Welcome!
This day is dedicated to bringing together people with disabilities to celebrate who we are, to experience the uplifting power of community. You will find opportunities to connect with old friends as well as meet new people while sharing a nature experience, participating in a craft workshop or hanging out listening to live music.
We are nature.
Forests are communities of trees that support each other, that thrive through challenges. They can soothe and heal us from the challenges of everyday life by inspiring awe and wonder when we get up close and notice how resilient they are. You will find throughout the day a variety of opportunities to connect with nature and discover all that the Paul Smiths Visitor Interpretive Center has to offer, including trails that meet you where you are, whether you are looking for gentler terrain or a wheelchair accessible trail.
Best of all, this festival is created by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. Whether you are discovering the creations of regional artisans and artists, sampling a variety of tasty foods, participating in a nature workshop or experience, or just hanging out listening to live music, you can find inspiration in your peers and their creations.
The day’s events are free of charge, rain or shine, we have a great day planned. Save the date and plan to join us in this celebration of who we are, gathering with each other in nature.Bring your friends and family!
We can’t wait to see you!
Opening Remarks, Award Presentation and Ribbon Cutting
Kim Hill Ridley
Chief Disability Officer
State of New York
Leah Akins
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Statewide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Coordinator
Mary Lamica
Interim Executive Director
Tri-Lakes Center for Independent Living
2024 Diana Viets Memorial Award Winner
The Festival
Festival Location
Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interprative Center’s ADA compliant facility, and trail system.
Artists and Artisans
People with disabilities will be presenting their artistic works for viewing, listening and sale.
Nature Programs
Accessible nature programs for people with disabilities, their family, friends, and supporters.
Entertainment and Food
Award winning performers, including composer Glen McClure, food, and entertainment.