Expanded ADA compliance on its way for Erie Canal communities across New York State

FAIRPORT, N.Y. (WROC) – Access to water-based activities will soon be extended to all across the Erie Canal, thanks to a new initiative from state and local leaders.

For a few years now, Fairport has welcomed ADA compliant kayak and docking accessibility to those with disabilities.

That same education is about to go statewide, so other canal-based communities can offer similar benefits and needs in their respective areas.

Lily Milliman of Webster loves to ride her bike. At 13-years-old, she’s living with cerebral palsy. The neurological condition affects muscle movement and development. But Lily doesn’t let that stop her from exploring the outdoors, more specifically, Fairport’s section of the Erie Canal.

“I haven’t been in a kayak, and I want to do that sometime or someday,” she said.

With credit to a partnership between the Erie Canal Boat Company, Rochester Accessible Adventures, the NYS Canal Corporation and NY Power Authority, Fairport has set the example.

“We want to be here to help eliminate that next question that almost always gets asked, ‘Can we go? Are they expecting us?’ Today, we’re asking new questions, and there is a new attitude prevailing. It’s an attitude formed from confronting this question: ‘How is it even possible that someone would have to ask whether or not they can come and play in our village, our town, or our canal ways?” said Anita O’Brien, executive director of Rochester Accessible Adventures.

With the growth of what’s called the ‘On the Canals Accessibility Education Program,’ more canal communities will move in that direction with inclusive training provided along the way.

The options were first made possible locally by small business owners like Peter Abele of the Erie Canal Boat Company.

“If they have programs that they want to initiate, if they contact us, we will help them develop their programs. It might be bringing our equipment to them, or it might be helping them to choose the right equipment themselves,” said Abele.

And for Lily who, like many others, may be looking forward to that kayak ride soon… it means a lot.

“This means to me that more people can understand how people without and with disabilities can be part of going on the Erie Canal, and actually be a part of this event,” she said.

The Erie Canal will celebrate its bicentennial anniversary next year. Fittingly by that time, these efforts will be well in motion to give all New Yorkers access if they so choose.

To find more information on the state’s program, visit their website .

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