New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [307]
Contacts JiWire (www.jiwire.com). NYCwireless (www.nycwireless.net).
Internet Cafés Cyber Café (250 W. 49th St., between 8th Ave. and Broadway, Midtown West | 10019 | 212/333–4109 | www.cyber-cafe.com).
Other Internet Locations New York Public Library–Mid-Manhattan Library (455 5th Ave., at E. 40th St., Midtown East | 10016 | 212/340–0863 | www.nypl.org).
DISABILITIES AND ACCESSIBILITY
New York has come a long way in making life easier for people with disabilities. At most street corners curb cuts allow wheelchairs to roll along unimpeded. Many restaurants, shops, and movie theaters with step-up entrances have wheelchair ramps. And though some New Yorkers may rush past those in need of assistance, you’ll find plenty of people who are more than happy to help you get around.
Hospital Audiences maintains a Web site with information on the accessibility of many landmarks and attractions. A similar list, “Tourist and Cultural Information for the Disabled,” is available from New York City’s Web site. Big Apple Greeter has tours of New York City tailored to visitors’ personal preferences. The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library houses an impressive collection of Braille, large-print, and recorded books in a layout designed for people with vision impairments.
Local Resources Andrew Heiskell Library (40 W. 20th St., between 5th and 6th Aves., Flatiron District | 10011 | Subway: F, V to 23rd St. | 212/206–5400 | www.talkingbooks.nypl.org). Big Apple Greeter (1 Centre St., Lower Manhattan | 10007 | Subway: 4, 5, 6, to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall | 212/669–8159 | www.bigapplegreeter.org). Hospital Audiences (212/575–7676 | www.hospaud.org). New York City (311 in New York City, 212/639–9675 [212/NEW–YORK] outside New York | www.nyc.gov).
LODGING
Despite the Americans with Disabilities Act, the definition of accessibility seems to differ from hotel to hotel. Some properties may be accessible by ADA standards for people with mobility problems but not for people with hearing or vision impairments, for example.
If you have mobility problems, ask for the lowest floor on which accessible services are offered. If you have a hearing impairment, check whether the hotel has devices to alert you visually to the ring of the telephone, a knock at the door, and a fire/emergency alarm. Some hotels provide these devices without charge. Discuss your needs with hotel personnel if this equipment isn’t available, so that a staff member can personally alert you in the event of an emergency.
If you’re bringing a guide dog, get authorization ahead of time and write down the name of the person with whom you spoke.
RESERVATIONS
When discussing accessibility with an operator or reservations agent, ask hard questions. Are there any stairs, inside or out? Are there grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower/tub? How wide is the doorway to the room? To the bathroom? For the most extensive facilities meeting the latest legal specifications, opt for newer accommodations. If you reserve through a toll-free number, consider also calling the hotel’s local number to confirm the information from the central reservations office. Get confirmation in writing when you can.
SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
Most public facilities in New York City, whether museums, parks, or theaters, are wheelchair-accessible. Some attractions have tours or programs for people with mobility, sight, or hearing impairments.
TRANSPORTATION
Other than at major subway exchanges, most stations are still all but impossible to navigate; people in wheelchairs should stick to public buses, most of which have wheelchair lifts and “kneelers” at the front to facilitate getting on and off. Bus drivers will provide assistance.
Reduced fares are available to all disabled passengers displaying a Medicare card. Visitors to the city are also eligible for the same Access-a-Ride