We love New York City—but let’s be honest, it can be overstimulating at times, especially for neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, ADHD, and PTSD.
Recognizing this, the New York FH4Inclusion team was inspired to create a program that helps neurodivergent individuals feel more comfortable navigating the city.
In partnership with KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit focused on sensory accessibility and inclusivity, the team developed a NYC-centric initiative called Let’s Map Neu York. The intentional spelling of “Neu York” incorporates the first three letters of “neurodiversity,” reflecting our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can feel welcome and supported.
Introducing Let’s Map Neu York
Let’s Map Neu York is designed to be community-driven, inviting residents and visitors alike to submit their favorite sensory-accessible locations. The initial list was curated with recommendations from KultureCity staff and our New York office, and following the launch, anyone can contribute by submitting locations via a form on KultureCity’s website.
To bring the program to life, the team created an illustrated map of the city, highlighting sensory-accessible places across Manhattan. This map serves as both a visual and functional centerpiece, offering a unique artistic representation of Manhattan’s quieter, more welcome pockets. More than just a guide, the map is an invitation to explore the city through a lens of inclusion and accessibility for neurodivergent individuals.
“Our vision is to make New York City the most neurodivergent-accessible city in America by showcasing sensory inclusive spaces,” said Joel Rodriguez, SVP Senior Partner, Global Executive Creative Director at FleishmanHillard. “We have a great team comprised of Jacob Porpossian, Ellie Tuck, Mandy O’Donnell, Ethan Gonzales, Sarah Venteicher, April Osburn, Lauren Price, Josh McConnell, Ciera Nickel, Catherine Mersereau, Bia Assevero, and Emmie Seaton, and I’m proud of this effort to make this city more welcoming for everyone.”
The initiative officially launched on April 28 at KultureCity’s annual “HeroKulture” event in New York City where “Let’s Map Neu York” was introduced to celebrities, philanthropists and community leaders to raise awareness and support.
Our hope? That this resource becomes a trusted companion for neurodiverse individuals navigating NYC—and that it grows, borough by borough, with contributions from the community. Looking ahead, our goal is to expand the map to the other boroughs and encourage participation from the community.
Thank you for being part of this movement toward a more inclusive New York.
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