For People with Disabilities
New York, like the rest of the country, has become more and more accessible for people in wheelchairs. All newer buildings and many of the older ones are wheelchair accessible, and city buses pick up wheelchair passengers at the curb by lowering the steps in the back-door stairwell.
Most hotels, major tourist sites, and theaters provide access for wheelchairs or anyone who cannot climb stairs. It is advisable to call ahead and ask where the entrance is and how to navigate once inside. Facilities like Madison Square Garden and other arenas, theaters, and stores have elevators. When booking your hotel, you should inquire about accessibility as well as in-room facilities such as hand railings in the shower or bathtub. Newer hotels are more likely to meet the needs of people with disabilities than older ones.
One significant program that is designed to assist travelers with disabilities is called the Access Project. It is associated with Big Apple Greeters, a volunteer program that connects visitors with residents of the city for three- or four-hour personalized visits/tours (see page 64). The Access Project works in conjunction with the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, the MTA, and other organizations to provide information and easy access to the sights, hotels, theaters, and transportation of New York City to people with a wide range of disabilities and mobility problems. The Access Project at Big Apple Greeter makes New York accessible to all visitors and can be reached at 212-669-3602, TTY 212-669-8273.
Other resources for travelers with disabilities include the following:
MTA (subway and bus) Travel Information Center
718-330-1234
MTA Information for People with Disabilities
718-596-8585
TTYS 718-596-8273
TA NYC Transit, Access-a-Ride, Paratransit
877-337-2017 (local)
718-393-4999 (out of town)
TTYS 718-393-4259
The Lighthouse (national service organization for the blind)
212-821-9200
TTYS 212-821-9713
There are two weekly publications for New York parents. You might want to call and ask for a copy of
Able newspaper
516-939-2253
New Mobility magazine
215-675-9133
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
212-788-2830
TTYS 212-788-2838
The Andrew Heiskell Braille & Talking Book Library
212-206-5400
TTYS 212-206-5458
Disability Rights
1-800-514-0301
TTY 1-800-514-0383
Ambulette services
Papi's Ambulette Service
212-662-4094
Mobile Wood & Ambulette
212-926-6210
Wheelchair Getaways
1-800-379-3750
718-375-0171
Vega Transportation
718-507-0500
1-888-507-0500
Tripway Services Ltd.
212-777-1277
