Nominees for the Accessible Hospitality Award of Distinction are attractions or events that provide exceptional, welcoming experiences for travelers with disabilities. This could be a lodging property, restaurant, attraction or event that goes above and beyond standard ADA compliance.
Join Destination Dutchess in celebrating all the honorees at the 13th-annual Tourism Awards of Distinction on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at The Henry A. Wallace Center at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park. Enjoy a delicious and locally sourced breakfast buffet catered by Simply Gourmet and featuring Soukup Farms maple syrup as you celebrate this year's winners. Read more about the event and purchase tickets here.
Read on to learn more about each Accessible Hospitality Award of Distinction finalist.
• Andy Imperati, President/CEO, Dutchess County Agricultural Society, Inc./Dutchess County Fairgrounds, Rhinebeck
• Christa Rizzo, General Manager, The Heartwood at Vassar, Poughkeepsie
• Stacey Lynch Adnams, Executive Director, Stony Kill Foundation, Inc., Wappingers Falls
• Andy Imperati, Dutchess County Fairgrounds: The Dutchess County Fairgrounds is owned and operated by the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3), whose mission is to promote and educate people about agriculture. The Dutchess County Fairgrounds hosts a variety of events throughout our season, which runs from May through October. Our events include a car show, agricultural shows, antique & craft fairs, the Dutchess County Fair and the NYS Sheep & Wool Festival.
• Christa Rizzo, The Heartwood at Vassar: The Heartwood at Vassar is a 50-room boutique hotel nestled in the heart of New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley. More than simply a place to stay, The Heartwood was thoughtfully designed for travelers who value atmosphere, connection, and a true sense of place. Inspired by the natural beauty and creative spirit of the Hudson Valley, The Heartwood blends timeless design with modern comfort, creating an experience that feels elevated without ever feeling formal. From thoughtfully designed guest rooms and inviting gathering spaces to locally inspired dining and warm, personalized hospitality, every detail is intended to make guests feel at home. Located adjacent to the historic Vassar College campus and minutes from everything the Hudson Valley has to offer, The Heartwood serves as a welcoming home base for college visitors, weekend explorers, business travelers, celebrations, and the local community alike. At its core, The Heartwood is about bringing people together and creating memorable experiences — one thoughtful detail at a time.
• Stacey Lynch Adnams, Stony Kill Foundation, Inc.: Stony Kill Foundation is a non-profit organization that is located at historical Stony Kill Farm in Wappingers Falls. Our mission is to connect the public with nature, sustainable farming and local history through the lens of agriculture. Our hands-on programs provide environmental education that connect people of all ages to sound agricultural practices, land stewardship and the rich cultural history and natural vitality of agriculture in the Hudson Valley.
• Andy Imperati, Dutchess County Fairgrounds: 1) During the Dutchess County Fair, we host ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday every year. On this day, people with disabilities and their families come to the fair between 9 a.m. and noon and enjoy the Fair with minimal lights and sounds. Over 20 years ago, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY idea was brought to us by our then County Executive, Marcus Molinaro. This was a pilot program that many other fairs and festivals across the country have now incorporated into their fairs. 2) Our grounds are completely black-topped, making it easier for wheelchair and scooter accessibility. We have quiet spaces, ticket booths that are ADA accessible, and this past year, we built a new restroom facility on Livestock Hill and added two family restrooms. 3) We host a day prior to the fair where various organizations that cater to those with disabilities can come to the fairgrounds and plant flowers in some of our planter boxes that are used throughout our grounds for the entire season. This has been an enjoyable experience not only to those who participate in the planting, but also for us. 4) As part of our Horticulture Competitive Exhibits during the Fair, we introduced a Recyclable Garden Art class, which is a class for those with a disability to enter and be judged. 5) We also have a special showmanship day on Livestock Hill, where children with disabilities can compete in showing animals.
• Christa Rizzo, The Heartwood at Vassar: At The Heartwood at Vassar, we believe hospitality should feel welcoming and comfortable for every guest. Accessibility was an important consideration in the design of our property, featuring accessible guest rooms, accessible public spaces, elevator access, and thoughtful pathways throughout the hotel, restaurant, and event spaces. Beyond the physical features of the property, we believe accessibility is also about service. Our team listens to each guest’s individual needs and finds ways to make their experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Whether assisting with luggage, accommodating seating or room requests, adapting the guest experience when possible, or simply taking the time to understand what would make someone more comfortable, we strive to approach accessibility with flexibility, empathy, and genuine hospitality. As a boutique hotel, one of our greatest strengths is personalizing the experience. We want every person who walks through our doors to feel that The Heartwood is a place for them.
• Stacey Lynch Adnams, Stony Kill Foundation, Inc.: Stony Kill Foundation is committed to making our programs, seasonal events, and historic site welcoming and accessible to people of all abilities. Our accessibility efforts include accessible pathways in the barn, the accessible Woodland Trail, our accessible fishing dock and various gathering spaces, accessible restrooms, and thoughtful planning of programs and events to reduce barriers to participation. We also offer education programs that can be adapted to different abilities and learning styles, with staff and volunteers working directly with participants and families to identify accommodations whenever possible. Beyond physical access, we focus on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Our education programs use hands-on, multi-sensory experiences and flexible approaches to engage participants with different learning needs.
• Andy Imperati, Dutchess County Fairgrounds: Anyone who attends an event at your venue is important. You need to make every effort to make sure that they feel you are opening the gates specifically for them. You want them to have the best experience so they can pass that along to their family and friends and come back year after year.
• Christa Rizzo, The Heartwood at Vassar: My biggest advice would be to think beyond simply meeting accessibility requirements. Compliance is important, but true accessibility is about looking at the entire guest journey and asking, “Could everyone comfortably experience this?” Walk through your property from different perspectives — from parking and entering the building to navigating restrooms, dining spaces, guest rooms, and events. Just as importantly, train your team to listen without making assumptions. Not every disability or accessibility need is visible, and sometimes a small adjustment can make an enormous difference in someone’s experience. Accessibility does not always require a major renovation or investment. Clear communication, flexible service, thoughtful seating, easy-to-navigate spaces, and a team willing to find solutions can have a tremendous impact. Ultimately, great hospitality is about making people feel considered, respected, and welcome — and accessibility should be a natural extension of that.
• Stacey Lynch Adnams, Stony Kill Foundation, Inc.: Our advice to other businesses and organizations is to begin by looking at accessibility from the visitor’s perspective. Walk through your destination and ask: "What barriers might prevent someone with a physical, sensory, cognitive, or other disability from fully participating in the experience?" Identifying the need is the first step. Creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued will not only improve the visitor experience but also expand your reach and increase visitation.
