Disabilities & Accessibility in New York City

Disabilities & Accessibility

New York has come a long way in making life easier for people with disabilities. At most street corners, curb cuts allow wheelchairs to roll along unimpeded. Many restaurants, shops, and movie theaters with step-up entrances have wheelchair ramps. And though some New Yorkers may rush past those in need of assistance, you'll find plenty of people who are more than happy to help you get around.

Hospital Audiences maintains a Web site with information on the accessibility of many landmarks and attractions. A similar list, "Tourist and Cultural Information for the Disabled," is available from New York City's Web site. Big Apple Greeters has tours of New York City tailored to visitors' personal preferences. The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library houses an impressive collection of braille, large-print, and recorded books in a layout designed for people with vision impairments.

Local Resources

Andrew Heiskell Library (40 W. 20th St., between 5th and 6th Aves., Flatiron District. F or V to 23rd St. 212/206-5400. www.talkingbooks.nypl.org). Big Apple Greeters (1 Centre St., Suite 2035, Lower Manhattan, New York, NY, 10007. 212/669-2896. www.bigapplegreeter.org). Hospital Audiences (212/575-7676. www.hospaud.org). New York City (311 in New York City; 212/639-9675 (212/NEW-YORK) outside of New York. www.nyc.gov).

Sights & Attractions

Most public facilities in New York City, whether museums, parks, or theaters, are wheelchair-accessible. Some attractions have tours or programs for people with mobility, sight, or hearing impairments.

Transportation

Other than at major subway exchanges, most stations are still all but impossible to navigate; people in wheelchairs should stick to public buses, most of which have wheelchair lifts and "kneelers" at the front to facilitate getting on and off. Bus drivers will provide assistance.

Reduced fares are available to all disabled passengers displaying a Medicare card. Visitors to the city are also eligible for the same Access-a-Ride program benefits as New York City residents. Drivers with disabilities may use windshield cards from their own state or Canadian province to park in designated handicapped spaces.