New York City Sightseeing by Wheelchair
How a Disabled Traveler Can Enjoy a New York Vacation
Oct 5, 2009
A typical traveler has concerns regarding transportation and accommodations. For someone who uses a wheelchair to get around, traveling presents even more practical concerns, specifically, can he get around without help? Can he take care of his basic needs, eating, sleeping, showering, and relieving himself, independently? Luckily, in New York City, the answer is yes.
Transportation to New York City
Starting the trip by Airline or Train is not a problem. Legislation requires all public transportation to be accessible to those with disabilities. The traveler must let the carrier know ahead of time what his needs are, like preboarding or aisle seating. Most wheelchairs are to wide to fit down the aisle so the airline has a specially designed narrow aisle chair available. Transferring into the chair before boarding will allow the attendant roll the traveler to the seat. The trains have ramps and lifts to ease him and his wheelchair onto the train. Once onboard there are seats designed to accommodate wheelchairs. On most trains, the restroom can also accommodate a wheelchair. The same cannot be said for airplanes. So plan accordingly.
Hotel Accommodations in New York City
Almost all of the major hotels have wheelchair accessible rooms, including roll in showers. Be sure to visit the hotels website. Most have photos of the restrooms so the traveler can see if it will meet his needs. The website Tripadvisor.com is also a great resource. Travelers give candid reviews of the accommodations; some even include photos of the rooms, bathrooms, etc.
Accessible Public Transportation
Venturing out further from the hotel than pushing distance is easy on the NYC public transportation system the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The MTA has an excellent interactive website. The bus system is the better way to go for someone in a wheelchair. The drivers are accustom to helping the local disabled passenger already, for one, but the real plus to traveling by bus is seeing the city above ground and discovering areas to visit on another day adventure. Another alternative is the subway, which has elevators at many stops (indicated on the MTA website) but finding even one nonoperational elevator could derail a perfectly planned day trip.
All of the major city attractions are wheelchair accessible including the Empire State building, MoMa, the Met and of course Central Park. Central Park does have some hills but nothing to steep or dangerous. Other than Central Park, the city is very flat and there are frequent cut curbs throughout the city and most of the establishments are easily accessible.
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