New York City, New York, USA

NEW YORK CITY : Overview

OVERVIEW

New York City is an exciting and dynamic destination. There are so many famous sights to visit, including Times Square, Wall Street, Broadway, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, and of course a multitude of restaurants, museums, and other attractions.New York City is progressing in becoming more accessible to the physically challenged traveler, but there are a few difficulties that exist, including securing ground transportation.

LANGUAGE

The national language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the US dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

NEW YORK CITY : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

New York City can be accessed from three main airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark International Airport.All airports are equipped to handle the disabled traveler. Loaner wheelchairs are available (if needed), as are individuals to assist with transfers and transport to and from their flight.

For travelers unable to walk on the plane, “aisle chairs” are available. These chairs are small enough to fit down the aisle of a plane, with the assistance of airport personnel.

We can’t recall if any of the three airports are equipped with family bathrooms.

All three airports can be quite busy, so it is best to notify the gate personnel immediately upon arrival if boarding assistance is needed. It takes the ground crew extra time to transport a wheelchair to the tarmac and load onto the flight, which can cause delays if put off. Plus, by notifying the gate personnel early, the traveler has a better chance of being able to board first, which offers the benefits of privacy and availability of overhead bins near their seat.

Wheelchair accessible taxis frequent all three airports. To obtain a wheelchair taxi, visit the taxi stand after retrieving baggage. The taxi stand has the ability to call up a wheelchair cab from the cue straight to the front – no need to wait in line.

“Do not count on a wheelchair accessible taxi to be available at the airport on arrival. There are very few in the city and you may have a long wait if you choose that as your source of transportation. If you can transfer, all taxis must carry your folded wheelchair in the baggage compartment free of charge.” Anna, 1/4/09

Add your accessible travel knowledge about airports for this destination.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

Wheelchair accessible taxis in New York City exist.Up until recently, the only way one could obtain a wheelchair accessible taxi is to either “street hail” (physically sit on the street and wait for one to drive by), or make a deal with one you befriend and get the driver’s phone number.A radio dispatch system has finally been launched, and is still in its “experimental” phase. To obtain a wheelchair accessible cab in New York City, dial 3-1-1.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about taxi services for this destination.

SHUTTLE

SuperShuttle: Offering wheelchair accessible transportation to all three major airports, SuperShuttle can be booked either by phone or through the internet. We have not used SuperShuttle in New York City, but we have used it in Los Angeles. The van was more than capable of accommodating me and my electric wheelchair, but also had plenty of room for two passengers and our luggage.

“I’ve ridden SuperShuttle to and from JFK. I am a manual chair user and made the reservation online. The vans I’ve experienced had either a side or rear lift and should be able to accommodate power chairs and several passengers. When arriving at JFK on a domestic flight, if the driver is not waiting for you, there are phones that will allow you to reach a dispatcher and you’ll be placed on the next available van.” Stefan, 1/5/09

Add your accessible travel knowledge about shuttle services for this destination.

RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

MobilityWorks: This company rents wheelchair accessible vans in New York City. Their service features hourly to weekly rentals, and the company can deliver the van to a specified location, for an extra charge.

Wheelchair Getaways: Wheelchair Getaways rents wheelchair accessible vans. According to the website, the company also provides 24 hour emergency vehicle service.

“I have used wheelchair Getawaways of New Jersey for rental van in NYC. Rental van was fine, but do not count on 24 hour emergency assistance.” Ray, 6/8/2010

“Used Wheelchair Getaways out of New Jersey. They will deliver to LaGuardia.” Wendy, 9/26/2011

Add your knowledge about wheelchair accessible rental vans for this destination.

BUS

MTA: All New York City buses are accessible, and feature a kneeling function for easy access. The MTA website is very detailed about the service offered and also has schedule information.

“At bus stops that service multiple lines, you will need to flag down the driver to make sure he knows you’re waiting for his bus and initiates the ramp/lift.” Anna, 1/4/09

Add your accessible travel knowledge about the MTA for this destination.

TRAIN (Light Rail)

MTA: As of August, 2008, 83 stations in the New York MTA subway system are wheelchair accessible.

“Even among stations that are considered to be accessible by the MTA, there are significant barriers that make it difficult for wheelchair users to use the trains including large gaps between the train and platform, poorly positioned columns on the platform, extreme crowding during rush hour times, and frequent elevator outages. Also, you will need a special metro card to open up the wheelchair gate if you’re traveling alone. If you’re with someone, they have to go through the turnstile and then open the wheelchair gate for you from inside. NYC has eliminated many station agent jobs and there’s rarely any personnel to help.” Anna, 1/4/09

Add your accessible travel knowledge about the MTA for this destination.

NEW YORK CITY : Accommodations

HOTELS

New York City is a large, modern city, and as such, has a variety of accessible hotels to choose from. On one visit, we stayed at the Muse Hotel, which is situated in the heart of New York, one block away from Times Square. On a second visit, we stayed at the W Times Square, again in the heart of New York and central to both Broadway and Times Square. On both occasions, we found the hotels to be quite accessible.

The London NYC: “Stayed at London NYC on 54th and 8th a few times. The accessible room we had on the 14th floor was huge. Great for families. 2 queen beds, a separate living room with space for a roll-away cot, “walk-in” closet are also big enough for a roll-away cot and a spacious bathroom with roll-in shower. I thought the rates were moderate. Excellent value for the amount of space. Good location for shows, shopping, etc.” Wendy, 9/26/11

Add your accessible travel knowledge about hotels for this destination.

LUXURY RESORTS

Add your accessible travel knowledge about luxury resorts for this destination.

NEW YORK CITY : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Family in New York: This company provides private sightseeing tours in New York City. They also offer wheelchair accessible tours, transportation, and hotel accommodations.  They will put together an entire accessible visit and they understand the needs of physically challenged guests.

On Location Tours: For 12 years, On Location Tours has been taking people to multiple locations from their favorite TV shows and movies filmed in New York City. Tours offered include the signature TV & Movie Sites Tour, Sex & the City Hotspots Tour, Gossip Girl Sites Tour, Sopranos Sites Tour, Brooklyn TV & Movie Sites Tour and Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour.

“Our tours are wheelchair accessible.  However, we do ask customers to contact us at least 2 weeks prior to the tour so we can ensure a wheelchair accessible bus.  On our walking tours, we can also accommodate wheelchairs, but request that customers let us know ahead of time so we can plan any alternate routes (via ramp) if necessary.” Lauren, On Location Tours

Add your accessible travel knowledge about sightseeing tours for this destination.

ACTIVITIES

Times Square: No matter what time of year or what temperature it is outside, Times Square is always buzzing with activity and beautifully lit. There is truly no other place like it, although Piccadilly Circus in London is pretty close. Times Square is accessible for the physically challenged traveler, and most of the major buildings are accessible as well.

Wall Street: The financial center of the US and arguably the world, Wall Street is an exciting stop while visiting NYC. Unfortunately, the NYSE is not offering tours at this time due to security reasons.

Broadway: On both visits to NYC, we took in a Broadway show. Both theaters were wheelchair accessible.

“Broadway – all theaters are wheelchair accessible but only at the orchestra level. For wheelchair users who wish to remain in their chairs for the performance, orchestra wheelchair seating can be obtained from the box office at the lowest price level in the theater for the wheelchair user and one companion. Transfer seating (aisle seats) is also available but at the full orchestra price. Wheelchair locations tend to be at the far left or far right of the theater.” Anna, 1/4/09

Central Park: Central Park is very accessible, even during the winter. There are large paths all over the park, a large ice skating rink, and all sorts of scheduled, varying activities. The park is very large, 843 acres in fact, so be prepared to invest some time in a visit.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Ellis Island is wheelchair accessible, and can be visited via ferry. The ferry is wheelchair accessible, and departs from both Battery Park in NYC and Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Tickets can be purchased here. We have not personally visited Ellis Island, so we can not speak to the extent of accessibility on Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty.

The Empire State Building: The Empire State Building has two observatories, one on the 86^th floor, and one on the 102^nd floor. The 86^th floor observatory is wheelchair accessible. Currently, the 102^nd floor observatory is closed for renovation until further notice.

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Located next to Central Park, the MET is wheelchair accessible and has many fantastic works of art. There is even a large Egyptian tomb (completely imported from Egypt brick by brick, and reconstructed) with an elevator on the side to allow wheelchair access.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about activities for this destination.

RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Katz’s Delicatessen New York: This was a fun, accessible stop for us. Katz’s is a famous deli in NYC, and has been around since 1888. Although the deli is a bit crowded and small for wheelchairs, it’s definitely worth a visit to try their hard salami sandwhich and pickled goodies.

Stanton Social: On our last visit to New York City, we had a great time at the Stanton Social. It’s an upscale, trendy hot spot in the lower east side of New York. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, however when making a reservation be sure to let them know you are in a wheelchair so they can plan, as the restaurant is a bit small and crowded.

“Despite the ADA, many restaurants and stores, especially in neighborhoods not as frequently visited by tourists, are not accessible. Check with the place before going. Also, many restaurants that are accessible do not have accessible restrooms.” Anna, 1/4/09

“NYC is surprisingly wheelchair unfriendly. Many of the sores and restaurants are not wheelchair accessible-they have a small stoop at the entrance. Many of your larger and newer attractions are wheelchair friendly.” Ray, 6/8/2010

Add your accessible travel knowledge about restaurants or nightlife for this destination.

NEW YORK CITY : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITALS

New York City has quite a few hospitals scattered throughout the city. Here is a short list: Bellevue Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, and Mount Sinai.

Add your knowledge about medical services or hospitals for this destination.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Chelsea Mobility and Medical Equipment: Chelsea Mobility and Medical Equipment serves the New York Metropolitan area. They rent a wide variety of medical equipment including manual and power wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds, and hoya lifts.

Add your knowledge about medical equipment rentals for this destination.

NEW YORK CITY : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Because the wheelchair accessible taxi radio system is still new and experimental, make sure you are very proactive with your transportation arrangements to make sure you are not stranded in NY.

“Be careful riding the subway. Not all of the stops are handicapped accessible and personel are rarely around to help. If you get off at the wrong stop, you may have trouble getting back on.” Ray, 6/8/2010

Popularity: 18% [?]