Disabled and Mature Travelers

For elderly and people with disabilities, traveling in NYC may at first appear daunting. However, the city is, for the most part, well equipped to accommodate the needs of those with physical limitation. For public transit options check the MTA New Y... more
For elderly and people with disabilities, traveling in NYC may at first appear daunting. However, the city is, for the most part, well equipped to accommodate the needs of those with physical limitation. For public transit options check the MTA New York City Guide to Accessible Transit You may also call for information: Tel: 511 TTY: 711 Bus All of New York City's public buses are equipped with lifts so that wheelchair users can travel anywhere in the city. Subway Many subway stations contain elevators, ramps, visual display signs, accessible public telephones, and tactile and audio features on vending machines; passengers with disabilities pay reduced fares on most trips. That said, please note that not every subway station is accessible. Please visit the MTA website or call for more information Access–A–Ride – Public Para-Transit System Door-to-door service is available for eligible individuals unable to use public bus or subway service. This service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please visit website or call (877) 337-201. Taxi Taxis are required to accept passengers with service animals and those in wheelchairs. They must assist passenger with folding wheelchair a... more

For elderly and people with disabilities, traveling in NYC may at first appear daunting. However, the city is, for the most part, well equipped to accommodate the needs of those with physical limitation.

For public transit options check the MTA New York City Guide to Accessible Transit

You may also call for information: Tel: 511 TTY: 711

Bus All of New York City's public buses are equipped with lifts so that wheelchair users can travel anywhere in the city.

Subway Many subway stations contain elevators, ramps, visual display signs, accessible public telephones, and tactile and audio features on vending machines; passengers with disabilities pay reduced fares on most trips. That said, please note that not every subway station is accessible. Please visit the MTA website or call for more information

Access–A–Ride – Public Para-Transit System Door-to-door service is available for eligible individuals unable to use public bus or subway service. This service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please visit website or call (877) 337-201.

Taxi Taxis are required to accept passengers with service animals and those in wheelchairs. They must assist passenger with folding wheelchair and placing in trunk.

In addition there are a number if wheelchair accessible taxis that prowl the streets and are available for hailing.

However, in practice it would be wise to use the City's Accessible Dispatch program, which allows users to request wheelchair accessible taxi for pickup anywhere in Manhattan to to a destination anywhere in the five boroughs, Westchester County, Nassau County or Newark Airport.

To order: • Call 311 • Call direct dispatch: (646) 599-9999 • Text a request to: (646) 400-0789  • Use the mobile app “Wheels on Wheels” (WOW), powered by Taxi Magic available free at the  Apple iTunes Store  • Order online at

Finally, <a href=http://vegatransportation.com/">Vega Transport offers luxury wheelchair accessible service.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing A number of organizations work to brink NYCs immense cultural offerings to those with problems with hearing.

The Broadway Accessibility Initiative provides tools for some theatre offerings.

Hands On is a New York City-based service organization dedicated to providing greater accessibility to arts and cultural events for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Many theaters have infrared listening devices available to the hearing impaired. The Hands On! Organization arranges sign language interpreting for many cultural events, including museum exhibitions, theater productions and film screenings.

The Theatre Development Fund's Theatre Access Project offers open-caption and sign-interpreted performances for many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, and also arranges wheelchair access.

Additional Resources The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) works hand-in-hand with other city agencies to assure that the voice of the disabled community is represented and that city programs and policies address the needs of people with disabilities. Here is link to pdf of the Official Accessibility Guide.

The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH) at (212) 447-7284, provides extensive educational and resource material to expand travel opportunities not only in New York but also worldwide.

Renting Wheelchairs One of the best options is ScootAround. ScootAround's mission is to provide an easy, convenient way for mature and disabled travelers to enjoy their vacations and other excursions and not have to worry about their personal mobility. By contacting ScootAround through their Internet site or toll free number, they can arrange a scooter rental through their network of dealers all over North America.


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South Street Seaport Description

Disabled and Mature Travelers is located in the South Street Seaport neighborhood of Manhattan. For over 300 years, the seaport has been vital to New York's success as a port city. The South Street area in particular, however, fell into decline after the US Civil War when the Hudson River eclipsed the East River in accommodating large ships. Restoration of the area began in the 1960s, and now the area is home to a world-class maritime museum (it's actually the largest privately owned collection of historic vessels, in tonnage in the United States), as well as some of New York City's more unique views. There's also a unique period mall with more than 100 stores, cafes and restaurants. If you're craving seafood with a Pan-Asian flair be sure to stop at Pacific Grill, which features a dazzling maritime-themed interior with blue glass mosaic tiles and a copper bar. A few blocks away, is Harrys at Hanover Square, a continental steakhouse that's as elegant as it is innovative. In addition a small but thriving Neighborhood continues to grow and stake roots in a unique set of landmark protected buildings in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. Most of these buildings date from the 19th century and give South Street a unique period feel unlike any other neighborhood in the city. Adding to the historic feel is nearby Battery Park. Encompassing 23 acres of waterfront parkland, it's one of New York's oldest public spaces. The park gets its name as it's where a "battery" of cannons was erected by the first Dutch settlers 1623 and to defend what was then called New Amsterdam. Since that time, the area has been known as "The Battery" and is why the Park is so named. And while we're on the subject of history the New York Post, one of the oldest papers in the country and founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1801 has a historic presence on South Street. True history buffs however should definitely tour nearby Federal Hall, one of the most significant places in America's colonial history. After construction in 1700, it served as the seat of New York’s government; the Stamp Act Congress protesting "taxation without representation" was held here; the First Continental Congress and the infant US Congress met here; and George Washington was sworn in here as the first President of the United States in 1789. Sadly, however, the current building is not the original, which was torn down in 1812. You can also take a tour of New York’s historic harbor and the nearby Statue of Liberty via water taxi straight from Pier 17. The iconic statue is an obvious must-see destination by land and by sea. Additionally frequent special events at night, including a free summer concert series also lend a festive atmosphere to the area. There's also the nearby Spiegeltent, a wondrous 1920’s venue of billowing velvet, stained glass, teak, and a thousand mirrors, which offers great array of concerts, comedy and cabaret shows. The seaport is also in very close proximity to Chinatown, so you should definitely check out the cozy ethnic neighborhood while you're in the area. If you're looking to spend your stay in New York in this historic district, there are several notable hotels in the nearby area. Club Quarters Downtown, a superior first class hotel, is just a short walk away from the seaport. The hotel's Bull Run bar and restaurant is also popular after work and acclaimed for fine dining. The sophisticated Gild Hall is another posh option that borders both the Seaport and the historic Financial District. The Eurostars Wall Street Hotel a small, moderately-priced boutique accommodation is also another recommended option. And for those traveling with children there's always the family-friendly Hampton Inn.