Accessibility in NYC Parks

Good design can and should be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Often landscape architects can design projects that appeal to a wider range of people using Universal Design concepts. Universal Design refers to broad-spectrum ideas meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to older people, people without disabilities, and people with disabilities. In this presentation, it will be shown how NYC Parks accomplishes this across many levels of accessibility.

Presenter:

Christopher Noel is the ADA Accessibility Coordinator for New York City Parks and Recreation. In this role, he ensures that facilities, programs and services are accessible to people of all abilities. He is also responsible for providing technical assistance to the design staff and general public, and works closely to oversee the implementation and expansion of existing adaptive sports programs such as goalball for individuals with vision loss, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair football and wheelchair softball for persons with physical disabilities, adaptive sports carnivals for children with developmental disabilities/autism, a bi-annual Paralympic Track and Field Open for schoolchildren and indoor/outdoor adaptive swim classes designated for adults and seniors with disabilities. As NYC Parks is committed to providing inclusivity and accessibility at all park facilities throughout the city, Christopher ensures there are participation and recreational opportunities for many New Yorkers for years to come.