NYPL’s Accessible Community, Culture, and Technology Fair Connects New Yorkers with Vital Resources

New York, NY – October 17, 2025 – Today, the New York Public Library (NYPL) opens its doors at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) for its annual Accessible Community, Culture, and Technology Fair. Running from 11 AM to 4 PM, this significant event serves as a vital gathering point for individuals with disabilities, their families, and allies, offering a wealth of resources, innovative technology demonstrations, and opportunities for connection.

A Hub for Connection and Empowerment

The fair is designed to be a comprehensive showcase of organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Attendees can expect to engage with exhibitors spanning diverse fields, including education, employment, advocacy, arts, recreation, and cutting-edge technology. This initiative underscores the NYPL’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to information and culture for all New Yorkers. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library, located at 455 Fifth Avenue, provides a central and accessible venue for this important community event.

Organizations like the American Association of People with Disabilities, a national disability-led cross-disability rights organization, are present, alongside local groups such as AHRC NYC, which advocates for people with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities. The fair also highlights innovative solutions from companies developing assistive technologies, such as A Cubed Design, which is showcasing a refreshable braille device aimed at improving literacy and employment pathways. Another featured exhibitor, Peloton Interactive, will demonstrate its accessible features, including its Talkback screen-reader, making fitness more inclusive. Attendees can explore interactive demos and connect with support organizations that offer crucial services.

This year’s event features a keynote address by Disability Rights Advocate Anastasia Somoza, who is expected to share insights on empowerment and advocacy. The fair’s extensive list of participants also includes Achilles International, transforming lives through adaptive sports; Adaptive Climbing Group, creating accessible climbing opportunities; and the American Museum of Natural History, a renowned scientific and cultural institution.

Spotlight on Innovation and Advocacy

Beyond direct resource provision, the fair fosters a spirit of innovation and shared learning. The presence of entities like the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, a cornerstone of NYPL’s accessibility services, highlights ongoing efforts to provide free and accessible reading materials and technology coaching. Visitors can learn about new and improved talking book players and digital Braille e-readers, as well as resources for creating tactile graphics. This focus on technology is a critical component of modern accessibility, bridging gaps and opening new avenues for participation in all aspects of American life.

The event also features organizations dedicated to broader cultural access. Alice Austen House, a site of LGBTQ history, and Poster House, a museum dedicated to posters, demonstrate the library’s commitment to showcasing diverse cultural contributions and making them accessible to everyone.

Building Towards Greater Accessibility

The Accessible Community, Culture, and Technology Fair serves as a crucial prelude to the NYPL’s second annual Accessible Technology Conference, themed “Connect, Innovate, Act.” This conference, taking place on October 18-19, will delve deeper into the impact, affordances, and evolution of accessible technologies for blind, low-vision, and print-disabled individuals. The synergistic timing of the fair and conference amplifies the NYPL’s dedication to fostering a community where technology and culture are universally accessible.

NYPL’s Commitment to Inclusivity

The New York Public Library has a longstanding commitment to accessibility, striving to ensure its buildings, services, and programs are welcoming and available to all New Yorkers. This includes efforts to improve accessibility in older branches, language access assistance, and a range of programs and services tailored for individuals with various disabilities. From talking books and captioned videos to ASL interpretation and technology workshops, the library actively works to remove barriers and promote inclusion. This news is a testament to their ongoing dedication.

Conclusion

The Accessible Community, Culture, and Technology Fair is more than just an event; it’s a proactive step towards a more inclusive and equitable society. By bringing together a wide array of organizations and resources, the NYPL empowers individuals with disabilities, celebrates diverse cultures, and champions technological advancements that enhance quality of life. The fair’s success, building on previous years that hosted hundreds of attendees and dozens of exhibitors, signals a growing momentum for accessibility initiatives across the city and beyond.