New York City Travelers With Disabilities

Arrange transportation well in advance to ensure a smooth trip. Hertz, Avis, and National car rental agencies have hand-controlled vehicles at some locations. In the US both Amtrak and major airlines will accommodate disabled passengers if notified at least 72hr. in advance. Hearing-impaired travelers can contact Amtrak at ☎800-523-6590 (TTD/TTY). Disabled passengers receive a discount when booking in-person or by phone. Greyhound buses will provide half-price travel for a companion under certain circumstances; if you are without a fellow traveler, call Greyhound (☎800-752-4841) at least 48hr. before you leave.

New York is very accommodating to disabled travelers, although certain subway journeys can be a challenge. About 75 New York subway stations and all buses can accommodate wheelchairs. Call NYC Travel Information (☎718-596-8585) for details. The Elevators and Escalator Accessibility Hotline (☎800-734-6772, TTY 718-596-8273) is available 24hr. for those planning to use public transportation. Access-A-Ride door-to-door service is available for some (☎877-337-2017, TTY 718-393-4259, TTY Relay 800-662-1220), and personal care attendants ride free. Those with disabilities should inform airlines and hotels of their disabilities when making reservations, as time may be needed to prepare special accommodations. Call ahead to restaurants, museums, and other facilities to find out if they are accessible. Guide dog owners must license their dogs; it’s free with proper documentation. Contact Veterinary Public Health Services for details (☎212-676-2120; www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/vet/vetdog.shtml).

For those with hearing impairments the Hands On! Organization (☎212-740-3087, TTY Relay 711; www.handson.org) arranges sign language for many cultural events in NYC; Hospital Audiences (☎212-575-7676, TTY 212-575-7660; www.hospitalaudiences.org) provides an audio-description service blind visitors. The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (☎212-788-2830; www.nyc.gov/html/mopd/home.html) will send the book Access New York to people who inquire via telephone. The large-type book provides resources and accessibility reviews for cultural institutions, theaters, nightlife, sports venues, and tours.

Accessible Journeys, 35 W. Sellers Ave., Ridley Park, USA (☎+1-800-846-4537; www.disabilitytravel.com). Designs tours for wheelchair users and slow walkers. The site has tips and forums for all travelers.
Flying Wheels Travel, 143 W. Bridge St., Owatonna, MN 55060, USA (☎+1-507-451-5005; www.flyingwheelstravel.com). Specializes in escorted trips to Europe for people with physical disabilities; plans custom trips worldwide.
The Guided Tour, Inc., 7900 Old York Rd., Ste. 114B, Elkins Park, USA (☎+1-800-783-5841; www.guidedtour.com). Organizes travel programs for persons with disabilities in Canada, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the UK, and the US.
Mobility International USA (MIUSA), P.O. Box 10767, Eugene, OR 97440, USA (☎+1-541-343-1284; www.miusa.org). Provides a variety of books and other publications containing information for travelers with disabilities.
Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (SATH), 347 5th Ave., Ste. 610, New York, NY 10016, USA (☎+1-212-447-7284; www.sath.org). An advocacy group that publishes free information. Annual membership US$49, students and seniors US$29.