A new retreat built to bring together people with disabilities is preparing to open on Fuller Road in Colonie.

It’s called Bring on the Spectrum (BOTS).

“It’s really just a means of building community, building alliances,” said BOTS founder Lisa Audi.


What You Need To Know

  • Bring on the Spectrum (BOTS) is a new space for people from around the Capital Region 

  • BOTS will feature a community space and sensory gym for children and adults

  • Organizers at BOTS expect to open their doors early next year

On Wednesday, neurodiverse individuals with the Living Resources art program painted a mural to welcome people to the new space.

Advocates say BOTS will address critical needs that were only exacerbated by the pandemic.

“The game-changer is the community space. It’s going to offer social, recreational and lifestyle activities,” Audi said. “That’s art. It’s yoga. It’s Zumba. It’s movie nights. It’s just a place where you can come and be comfortable.”

The space also features a unique sensory gym.

“What’s different is we have a children’s section and a teen-adult section,” Audi said. “We’re keeping individuals safe and separate.”

There are still some finishing touches to complete on the new space, but organizers hope to open early next month.