A trip to New York in a wheelchair, it’s possible!!!

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Are you dreaming of visiting New York but use a wheelchair?
Don’t worry because it’s possible.
As a matter of fact, I will give you all the great tips and tricks in order to enjoy a great trip even if you’re mentally disabled 😉
The city of New York has fought for several years to adapt all its public spaces for people with disabilities.
In partnership with the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA, New York has progressed dramatically since 1990 for people with physical, visual and hearing disabilities.
Here are some great tips:

Enjoy the streets of New York in a wheelchair

Since the sidewalks are large, especially in tourist areas such as 5^th avenue, which makes it easier to navigate in the streets of New York.
In each crossroads, the sidewalks are lower which allows you to cross and access the other side of the street easily.

New York buses are equipped with for people with physical disabilities:
– All New York MTA buses are built with lifts to allow access to people in wheelchairs.
– Then inside each bus, an area is reserved for wheelchair customers.

Is there a special rate for people with disabilities using the Subway?

Yes, a special rate is available for people with physical disabilities called the Reduced-Fare AutoGate Metrocard (here for the official website).

If you want to take advantage of the card, you’ll have to print and fill up the pdf form: http://mta.info/nyct/fare/pdf/disabled.pdf

This special rate is available for subway, buses and Access-a-Ride transportations.

How to access the bus especially equipped for wheelchairs called: Access-a-Ride?

MTA transportation has created buses exclusively for wheelchair customers called “Access-A-Ride”.
In order to use this service, you must call by phone 24 hours prior which is the only inconvenience, they are available at 1-877 337-2017 or 718 393 499.
The rate remains the same as a regular Subway and bus fare.
It’s available 24/24.
You have the right to have someone traveling with you.
Of course, “Access-a-Ride” is not a cab (taxi). You won’t be alone on the bus, and you won’t know if you’ll be the first to get off, and in that case, you’ll just have to wait for your turn patiently.
Make sure you are ready on time for your scheduled pick up since the bus won’t be waiting.
Besides, the MTA indicates on their website that the service Access-a-ride can arrive 5 minutes earlier or up to 30 minutes late in case of traffic. In that case, you have to be patient 🙂

Is it possible to use New York public transportations if you are in a wheelchair?

The MTA currently has a fleet of 4300 buses equipped with lifts.
In order to use the bus, just place yourself at the stop and wave to the driver.
The bus will stop and right away you’ll enter.
In case the driver doesn’t see you, ask someone to let the driver know you’re here.

Do not worry since Americans are very concerned about discrimination, so if a problem arises, someone on the bus will say something. It’s always impressive to see how nice people are on this matter 😉
Actually, a friend of mine just spent two weeks in New York City with its wheelchair. He rarely paid for transportation! Even the bus drivers let him in, no questions asked! At the subway stations, there was always someone to open the emergency door, so he could access the subway train!

How to take the subway in a wheelchair?

Unfortunately, not all subway stations are equipped to welcome customers in wheelchairs.
In an effort to welcome everyone, subway stations need to have elevators and since few stations are equipped with elevators that lead to subway platforms, make sure you always use an accessible subway station.

On MTA’s website, you’ll get a list of all subway stations accommodating wheelchairs customers.

Be very careful: in order to use the subway, you’ll have to make sure an elevator is working and available at the requested station!!
You can see the status of elevators here.

Is it possible to take the Amtrak train to Long Island, Washington DC for wheelchairs users?

Yes, all Amtrak trains and stations are wheelchair accessible.

Are all government offices (banks, post offices) are wheelchairs accessible?

Yes of course, nearly 100% of New York’s public spaces are wheelchair accessible.
In addition, most ATM machines are lowered to facilitate transactions.

What about tourist places?

All tourist places without exceptions are equipped for wheelchair users including: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, MoMA, Museum of Natural History, Guggenheim, Madame Tussauds’ museum and more.

Here for instance, you’ll find a list of all attractions with the New York City Pass that are wheelchair accessible.

For the Empire State Building: the observatory provides easy an easy access using the entrance on 34^th street between Bank of America and Hallmark. Note: the entrance “34^th Street Handicap” is open Monday to Friday until 6 pm. If you wish to enter at a different time then use the main entrance.

American Museum of Natural History: the Museum of Natural History is open to all visitors and provides exhibitions, programs and services available to all.

Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET): wheelchairs are available at the coat check.

Top of the Rock: the Top of the Rock is conformed to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which means that all access are wheelchair friendly.

Guggenheim Museum: the museum is accessible everywhere to wheelchairs except for the high gallery unfortunately. Wheelchairs are also available for free.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island cruise: all cruises welcomes wheelchair users.

Circle Line Cruises: all boats are accessible to wheelchairs except for bathrooms in some of the old boats.

Is it possible to see a Broadway Show in a wheelchair?

Yes, most auditoriums have been renovated lately, and now they welcome wheelchair users. For instance, here’s a picture below of one of the actors of the show “Spiderman”.

Take a cab in New York, is it possible?

Yes of course, it’s possible.
The driver will have to help get in the cab if you’re alone, fold the wheelchair and put it in the trunk.
If you have an issue with a driver, you need to know that in New York it’s against the law for a cab driver to refuse a ride because of your race, disability, or chosen destination. He has to drive you!!!
If there’s a problem, you can file a complaint by calling 311 and provide the cab number and its license plate.
But let’s not be pessimistic and let’s say that among 14 000 New York cab drivers, only a minority will cause problems 😉

Is it possible to rent a wheelchair in New York?

Yes it’s possible.
Just go to a pharmacy just like I did for a friend of mine. For the story, while vacationing on the East Coast for 3 weeks and just before coming back to New York, my friend injured her foot very badly in an amusement park in Atlantic City. As a result, she couldn’t walk normally, so we went to a pharmacy in New Jersey, and close to our hotel, we managed to rent a wheelchair for 3 days. Finally, she enjoyed the rest of her trip and discovered New York (see the picture above in the article).

Otherwise, you can also rent a wheelchair at Scootaround, for instance. They rent simple or motorized wheelchairs. Take a look on their website here: http://www.scootaround.com/

Conclusion

There’s no doubt to say that travelling to New York in a wheelchair is not that easy.
However, the city of New York has managed to provide multiple accesses to wheelchair users with many great attractions and tourist sites.
In addition, with the help of friendly and thoughtful New Yorkers, you’ll see that you’ll enjoy a great vacation in New York.
2020 marks the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a new I Love NY hub is now online to help you discover New York State.