Smith Point Outer Beach, a popular recreational destination in Suffolk County, is set to undergo renovations to make its playground more accessible to individuals with vision and communicative impairments. Spearheading this initiative is the non-profit organization Caitlyn’s Vision, which has emerged as a catalyst and advocate for inclusive design and accessibility in public spaces.
The current playground at Smith Point Outer Beach, while enjoyed by many, presents challenges for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with vision and communicative impairments. With limited tactile elements, auditory cues, and visual contrast, navigating and enjoying the playground can be difficult for these individuals.
Recognizing the need for change, Caitlyn’s Vision, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, partnered with local officials and community stakeholders to advocate for improvements to the playground. Through a combination of grassroots activism, public outreach, and fundraising efforts, Caitlyn’s Vision has been instrumental in raising awareness about the need for inclusive design and accessibility features at Smiths Point Outer Beach.
The renovations to the playground include the installation of tactile pathways with yellow gritted paint, sensory play elements, and interactive signage designed to accommodate individuals with vision and communicative impairments. These features will not only enhance accessibility but also provide opportunities for sensory exploration and stimulation for children of all abilities.
Deputy Commissioner of Parks, Jason Smagin spoke at the ceremony stating how happy he was that Caitlyn’s vision for the changes to make the parks more accessible came to fruition. He met with Caitlyn and her family over a year ago to make these changes at the playground and was excited to help make the park more accessible with innovative, cost-effective solutions that can help so many others struggling with these issues.
“Caitlyn is a true inspiration to young adults everywhere,” said Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches). “She has not let her diagnosis hold her back for one second. She has worked through this adversity and has used it to help other children to live a better life. Caitlyn is truly someone the entire community can be proud of.”
In addition to the physical changes to the playground, Caitlyn’s Vision has advocated for assistance to the visually impaired in many community initiatives including a glasses drive. These efforts are aimed at fostering a culture of inclusion and understanding within the community. Caitlyn is a middle school student with the William Floyd school district and was joined at the ceremony by the Middle School Principal who was overjoyed to celebrate her successes and advocacy for the visually impaired community.
“Today is a great day in Suffolk County for all children who are visually impaired. We have taken the first steps to make sure that all children can enjoy our beautiful parks safely,” stated Caitlyn Michiels. “I want to thank Legislator Mazzarella, the parks commissioner and County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) for hearing my concerns and solutions and taking action. I would also like to thank the William Floyd Schools District for supporting me while I advocated for others. This has been a team effort, and I am proud to be a part of it.”
As renovations to the playground at Smiths Point Outer Beach have been implemented, Caitlyn’s Vision remains committed to advocating for accessibility and inclusion in more public spaces. By working collaboratively with local officials, community members, and other stakeholders, Caitlyn’s Vision hopes to continue making meaningful strides towards creating a more inclusive and accessible world for individuals of all abilities.
