The Erie Canal Museum welcomes everyone to join us! We are working with the NY Power Authority and Canal Corporation’s Accessibility Education Program and Rochester Accessible Adventures to increase accessibility and promote greater inclusion of people living with disabilities along the Canalway. Our museum and tours have been assessed with an inclusive lens and we have been working to make improvements.

Inclusion Point of Contact

If you have specific access needs, please let us know how we can assist you by reaching out to our Inclusion Point of Contact, Derrick Pratt. He acts as the “go-to” person for anyone seeking support, information on inclusive practices, or assistance in ensuring that every visitor feels welcome and supported at the Erie Canal Museum.
For information on our current accessibility features, please review the details below. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about accessibility at the Erie Canal Museum, don’t hesitate to contact Derrick at educator@eriecanalmuseum.org.

Parking

  • Accessible parking spaces are conveniently located near the museum entrance, on Water Street. Note: the western space has a light post that might obstruct some accessibility devices.
  • Alternative accessible parking is available on Erie Blvd., near the museum entrance. 

Entrance

  • To visit the museum use the main entrance. Staff is available to hold doors if needed. Automatic doors will be installed by the end of 2026.

Wheelchairs & Walkers

  • One manual wheelchair is available for visitor use within the museum
  • One walker is available for visitor use within the museum
    • Use of the wheelchair/walker is free; first come, first served
    • Request a wheelchair/walker at the front desk just inside the entrance

Elevators & Ramps

  • Museum elevator:
    • Large enough to accommodate multiple people plus mobility devices
    • Connects both floors of the Museum
  • Ramps:
    • Ramp connects permanent gallery to the weigh chamber
    • Full sized boat model in the weigh chamber connected by non-ADA compliant ramps. Plans are in development for new ADA compliant ramp, more details to come.

Restrooms

  • Multiple stall, men’s and women’s restrooms on the second floor of the museum, both bathrooms have a larger stall to accommodate mobility devices
  • Both restrooms include baby changing tables

Service Animals 

  • Service animals are welcome
    • Water and food for service animals must be kept in sealed containers and used only in areas where food and drink are allowed in the museum
  • The museum follows the ADA regulations regarding service animals
    • Service animals are animals trained to perform specific tasks for an individual
    • Comfort, therapy, companion, or emotional support animals are not service animals as defined by the ADA and are not allowed in the museum

Individuals who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing

  • Self-guided tours
    • Printed transcripts of the museum tour are available at the front desk

Non-English Tours

  • Printed information about the museum is available in Spanish. Request a copy at the front desk.

Care Attendants

  • Care attendants are welcome as necessary and are not charged any program or events fees that may be in place.