“Let’s Map Neu York”: New Crowd-Sourced Guide to Help Make NYC the Most Neurodivergent-Accessible City
-- Powered by KultureCity, the initiative offers neurodivergent individuals a community-driven tool to navigate Manhattan with greater comfort and accessibility --
NEW YORK CITY (April 29, 2025) – KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and inclusivity, announced a new initiative during its annual HeroKulture event to celebrate acceptance and inclusion. The program, titled Let’s Map Neu York, is a crowd-sourced effort to help make New York City the most neurodivergent-accessible city.
Let’s Map Neu York offers a collaborative guide to sensory-accessible spaces throughout Manhattan. It’s designed to help neurodivergent individuals, residents and visitors feel more comfortable navigating the city. While many already create their own “safe zones” or calming routes, this shared resource aims to help make the city feel less overwhelming and more welcoming for everyone.
An initial “starter” list of over 125 locations across Manhattan is now available on Google Maps. It includes public gardens, green spaces, privately owned public spaces, museums, libraries and KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ certified venues all in one easily accessible place.
New Yorkers and visitors alike are encouraged to submit their favorite spots to help grow the list further. A simple submission form is available on the KultureCity website, which also offers details about the initiative and selection criteria. While the initial focus is on Manhattan, the goal is to expand the list across the five boroughs of New York City.
“Given that NYC is one of the most overstimulating cities, we were inspired to lead this program to support sensitive residents and visitors alike,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity. “Overstimulation is a major challenge for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism and ADHD. Our vision is to make NYC the most neurodivergent-accessible city by highlighting inclusive spaces. Let’s Map Neu York is a significant step toward making this city more accessible for everyone.”
At the heart of the project is an illustrated map. Inspired by the iconic Vignelli subway map, this new version reimagines the city through a lens of inclusion, offering a visual and functional guide to sensory-accessible spaces. The border features the starter 125+ locations listed for easy reference. More than just a map, it’s an invitation to explore the city through the lens of inclusion and neurodivergent-accessible design.
Criteria for identifying spaces that offer a welcoming environment for neurodivergent individuals include the following: (1) low noise levels, (2) soft lighting and visual calmness, (3) comfortable seating and shelter, (4) clear signage and wayfinding and (5) easily accessible. Full descriptions of the criteria are available on the KultureCity website.
Manhattan is home to 19 KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ certified locations, part of a network of 3,000+ venues that have partnered with KultureCity for certification. This designation includes continuous training, sensory bags, signage, lap pads, app integration and ongoing support. Venues and locations interested in becoming Sensory Inclusive™ certified can apply here.
“The spelling of ‘Neu’ York is intentional, with ‘Neu’ representing the first three letters of neurodiversity,” added Srivastava. “This reinforces our mission to create a city that is more inclusive and accessible for neurodivergent individuals. By integrating neurodiversity directly into the name, we’re emphasizing the focus on fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of sensory needs, can feel welcome.”
Note: This list reflects community-submitted suggestions. Visitors assume responsibility for their experience. Conditions may vary for suggested locations. Check websites for hours, accessibility, policies and fees, as they may change.
About KultureCity
Founded in 2014, KultureCity is the nation's leading nonprofit focused on sensory accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with invisible disabilities such as PTSD, autism, dementia and other conditions. With one in four individuals experiencing sensory needs, KultureCity works to create a more inclusive world by partnering with over 3,000 venues and events across the U.S. to create sensory-inclusive environments and provide essential resources. Sample partnerships include the NFL Super Bowl, MLB, NBA, NHL, AEW, Lego Stores, Coldplay, Lauren Daigle, Carnival Cruise Line, Madison Square Garden, Jackie Robinson Museum, and many more.
