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Accessible Guide to Queens Museum

Finally reaching the Queens Museum was a triumph! We've faced numerous transportation challenges over the years because it's situated in Flushing Meadows Park without a clear building address. Navigating transportation has been one of our biggest challenges to exploring, but that's a story for another day. There's something quite extraordinary about stepping into a place you've longed to visit for a while, which for us included both the Unisphere and the Queens Museum.

Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by Glori Tuitt's mural, "Black, Trans, & Alive (Qweens Song)." This piece is a vibrant celebration of the Black trans community, highlighting their resilience and contributions with both boldness and beauty. It created a welcoming atmosphere for our visit, starting us off with visible disability representation—a serendipitous discovery.

Disability Pride Pins - Always Moving Foward

Webby Award Winning "Disability Pride Celebrations with Lincoln Center"

Summer For The City is for everyone to Remember, Reclaim and Rejoice!

Our love story with Lincoln Center started last year with their Passports for the Arts program , which was both virtual and in-person. We had a ball experiencing Cinderella. We enjoyed Passport for the Arts so much that we signed up for their spring session, delighting in yet another in-person program with the New York City Ballet at Family Saturday: A Magical Midsummer Eve. We were impressed again by the well-organized program, the entertainment on stage and the overall welcome. 

Showcasing New York City Accessibility

Contact [email protected] policy & disclaimer  .

New York City Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide

The Big Apple. Gotham. Metropolis. The city that never sleeps. The largest city in the United States. New York City is often considered to be the world’s city. Tourists fly to NYC from all points around the globe every day. A short stroll through central park will expose you to countless foreign languages. In the span of just five minutes, you could hear French, Dutch, Chinese and Russian, if not more! A trip to New York can be a trip across the globe, even if it is truly only a trip from Pennsylvania or Utah or Illinois.

Despite New York’s status as the “city of the world,” it is lagging in many critical areas of accessibility. The city’s subway system is complicated, crowded, and only partially accessible. The sights are worth the hassle, and the vast majority of NYC’s most popular attractions are open to all. Dig into this guide, and I’ll show you how to navigate this mega-sized metropolis.

Guide Contents

Airport accessibility.

You can reach New York City from three airports: JFK, LaGuardia and Newark.

Attractions & Sights

From Broadway to Fifth Avenue to Lower Manhattan, NYC has everything – seriously.

Hotels & Accommodations

Almost all hotels in NYC offer handicap accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers

Public Transportation

Avoid the subway and take the city bus – it will save you a major headache.

Wheelchair Taxis

More wheelchair-friendly taxis than any other city in the United States.

Sports Teams & Stadiums

Play ball! Wheelchair users won’t be left out at major sporting events in New York.

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Barrier-free travel NYC

Exploring new york city in a wheelchair.

Upon request by one of our lovingnewyork readers, we dived a little deeper into this important topic. Getting around New York City in a wheelchair: is that even possible? How barrier-free is New York really? We checked out the city’s sights and attractions to find out if it is actually possible to tour New York in a wheelchair.

At first glance, a city like New York seems to have insurmountable obstacles for someone in a wheelchair. Uneven sidewalks, hordes of people, staircases, lots of traffic. But I talked to several individuals in wheelchairs and the general consensus was: “Yeah, totally doable”.

Table of Contents

Willingness to help and compassion

Traveling in a city like New York with a disability is quite an experience – my personal observations indicate that the vast majority of people treat people with disabilities with compassion and demonstrate a willingness to help whenever necessary. Seemingly insurmountable hurdles can be conquered with the help of a bystander, and individuals in wheelchairs can often bypass long lines at attractions as personnel will often be willing to help.

Wheelchair ramps have made many shops only reachable via stairs accessible as well. New York City according to ur findings is generally well-equipped to handle the disabled. People who deal with wheelchair-bound individuals are properly trained and most New Yorkers show compassion for people with disabilities.

Of course, I am sure that not every experience is positive. Our reader Nicole found an appropriate comment on this subject: “Everyone of us should realize that there are limitations when one is limited by a disability and requires extra assistance. But that should not be a reason to forgo traveling. It is a little slice of heaven that should be enjoyed.”

Flying to New York: Barrier-free travel NYC

Travellers planning on a New York trip in a wheelchair should contact the airline in advance. All major airlines provide barrier-free flying but you need to make arrangements prior to travel. Please notify the airline of the circumstances at the time of booking, or at the latest, 48 hours prior to departure. British Airways, for example, provides a variety of extra services to make the flight as comfortable as possible for travelers with limited mobility. After landing, additional assistance is also available so that a long wait at immigration in New York City can be avoided.

Getting to your hotel in a wheelchair

After a long flight, it’s finally time to get to your hotel. The most comfortable option is taking a taxi. “Wheelchair Cabs” are also available at the airport to assist you in your travels. The taxi stand at the airport has an attendant managing the flow of traffic. Simply state your request to get a wheelchair-accessible taxi and one will be provided to you. If you have booked a package trip, hotel transfers are generally included. Please notify the provider of your needs.

Taking the subway all the way to Manhattan is another alternative. Information regarding connections and options can be found here:

Wheelchair-accessible hotel rooms

Be sure to contact the hotel directly when making a reservation for a wheelchair-accessible room. Several travelers report that not confirming a wheelchair-accessible room at the time of booking can lead to difficulties at check-in. In order to avoid any kinds of complications, send an e-mail or make a quick phone call to confirm that you indeed have a wheelchair-accessible room reserved for you upon your arrival.

The 53 Best Hotels in New York with a View in 2024 | The COMPLETE Guide

One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of New York City is the fantastic views the city has to offer! This is why we love rooftop bars and lounges as...

Sightseeing in New York: barrier-free attractions

All the major attractions, museums , and parks in New York City are wheelchair accessible. Touring New York City in a wheelchair is not an obstacle. You can even get to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty . Cruises are no problem and even  helicopter  tour  is an option. Hop-on Hop-off busses  also have ramps that make getting on and off easier.

Experiences of our readers show that travelers in wheelchairs get preferential treatment in wait lines. Many wheelchair-bound individuals can bypass the wait line altogether. Is it worth getting a New York pass for tourists in a wheelchair? You bet it is!

List of attractions that are wheelchair accessible (excerpt)

10 FREE Things to Do in New York City

This is our insider guide to the best free things to do in New York City. You don't always have to drop serious amounts of cash when checking the highlights of NYC off of your list,...

Getting around New York in a wheelchair: public transportation

I have received mixed reviews on this subject: while many state that getting from A to B in a wheelchair in New York is not a problem, they also acknowledge that it can be difficult. The most important part is knowing what your options are and which ones are the least complicated.

Here are a few tips for a day of smooth exploring in New York in a wheelchair:

Use the bus to get around in the city

MTA busses in New York have extendable ramps that the driver can lower at every bus station. Many wheelchair-bound individuals describe this mode of public transportation as the least complicated. While traveling by bus takes longer than taking the subway, you also get to see a lot more!

Can you take a taxi if you are in a wheelchair?

This option is also very popular among wheelchair users, however, it does not make sense to queue up at the curb to hail a regular taxi. Bee sure to contact New York Accessible Dispatch  as regular taxis cannot accommodate wheelchairs. The barrier-free Yellow Cabs are exclusively designed for wheelchair accessibility. There is a 24-hour hotline (646-599-9999) you can call to request that a wheelchair-accessible taxi be sent to your location. You can also do it online. To see how it works, click here .

A tip from a lovingnewyork reader: have the hotel arrange the taxi for you. This allows you to save on phone charges and any possible miscommunication due to language barriers.

3. Negotiating the subway in a wheelchair: problematic?

If you are in a wheelchair, taking the subway is a difficult undertaking. While many subway stations have lifts, changing trains at stations can be an obstacle because train platforms are often only connected via stairs. This may still be the case even if the station bears the “wheelchair accessible” sign. Our recommendation: take the subway only if you know for sure that you are traveling between two barrier-free stations. Changing trains should be avoided. Rush hour can be extremely busy and hectic on the subway (7:00am-9:00am & 3:00pm-7:00pm). Try to avoid using the subway at these peak hours. Here is a detailed map indicating which stations are wheelchair accessible .

New York nightlife in a wheelchair

New York City is particularly exciting at night. The best musicals, such as  Lion King , or Aladdin are performed nightly on Broadway – rooftop bars are an enticing place to have a party, and fabulous restaurants abound.

All current Broadway Shows provide wheelchair accessible spots in the auditorium. These spots are often located in the lower portion of the theater, either in the very front or in the back. When getting your ticket, please pay particular attention to the seating chart.

All rooftop bars that opened after 1992 must be ADA compliant (American Disabilities Act). My recommendation is 230 Fifth Avenue . It is one of the most popular and one of the biggest rooftop bars in the city. It also offers some of the best views of the Empire State Building – plus it’s completely barrier free! If you are unsure about the wheelchair accessibility of a particular bar, check on the website or give them a quick call to make sure you won’t run into any obstacles.

New York boasts numerous excellent restaurants and the selection is virtually unlimited. But are they wheelchair accessible? ADA compliance also applies to restaurants. If you are unsure about wheelchair accessibility, check the website or give them a quick call. Reserving a table is usually a good idea anyway.

The 45 Best Rooftop Bars in New York

New York’s rooftop bars are one of our personal highlights. Think about it - what could be better than enjoying stunning views of the city while slurping delicious cocktails? For that reason, we created the...

Is a New York pass a good idea for tourists in a wheelchair?

Up to 80 attractions and tours are included in the New York sightseeing passes. Almost all of them are wheelchair accessible. Learn more about the passes here:

Compare Passes Now

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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New York City: Top 15 Accessible Attractions

Get excited because there are tons of fun things to do in New York City ! You can go see a Broadway show, watch the ballet, listen to a symphony at the Lincoln Center, visit a museum, or take in some jazz at a jazz club. There’s something for everyone and the city never sleeps. New York City is full of adventures waiting to happen and even though I’m a native New Yorker, I still enjoy getting on a train and spending afternoons discovering new places.

That being said, as a wheelchair user, it can be a little challenging to be spontaneous when roaming around NYC because of accessibility issues. Lots of places have steps and narrow doorways, but with a bit of planning ahead, there are plenty of options for an amazing city trip. Many attractions are wheelchair accessible. To help you with your itinerary, I’ve compiled a list of 15 accessible things that you can do. While some of these activities might be considered “touristy,” I believe these are some of the best ways for first-time visitors who use wheelchairs to get a taste of some of what New York City is famous for.

15 Accessible Things to See + Do in New York City

Here’s to a fantastic wheelchair accessible New York City adventure!

 1) Statue of Liberty Cruise ( New York Water Taxi , Above All Cruises )

If you love being on the water and want beautiful way to spend an afternoon or a night, a cruise around the Statue of Liberty is perfect. You can take in the sites rain or shine since most of the boats have indoor areas. It’s likely that you’ll need assistance from people you’re with or crewmembers to push your wheelchair up the steep ramp into the boat. Also, keep in mind that while the boats are wheelchair accessible, the top-level outdoor top decks aren’t. Don’t worry though, because you can take in the view from the main deck! These cruises run about an hour or two.

• Location: 655 Third Avenue, Suite 1404 New York, NY 10017

On the night cruise with the particular company I used, Above All Cruises, there is a second indoor floor of the boat that isn’t accessible. However, the night cruise included dinner, and dinner was served on the main accessible level of the boat. Also, the boat did have an accessible restroom on board, but this may not be the case for every boat, so try to use a restroom in advance if you can, because these cruises run just under four hours.

• Location: Skyport Marina, 23rd St & FDR Drive

2) Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum  

You can brush elbows with (wax) celebrities and historical figures all in one awesome museum. The place is fully wheelchair accessible and you’ll be able to see everything, but certain exhibits have small steps to get up close and personal. Even so, there are plenty of photo opportunities! The front doors are not automatic, but they are always open anyway in order to entice visitors to come inside. There are multiple floors of exhibits, all of which are smoothly tiled. You can access each floor with the elevator. Also, there are accessible restrooms on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th floors.

• Location: 234 West 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues, Times Square New York NY 10036

3) Ellen’s Stardust Diner  

If you’re up for a slightly cheesy but completely cool experience, this diner will definitely make you smile. All of the waiters and waitresses put on show-stopping musical performances while they’re working. The main level is completely wheelchair accessible, though cramped because the restaurant is usually busy. You’ll get the full experience no matter where you sit. To enter, you must go through two doors, neither of which is automatic. However, it is absolutely possible for wheelchairs to fit through. I did not use the restroom here, but called to confirm that there is indeed a wheelchair accessible restroom.

• Location: 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019

4) Broadway Shows

I firmly believe that no NYC adventure is complete without seeing a Broadway show. There are so many amazing shows to choose from. The theaters are relatively wheelchair accessible, but you should absolutely double-check that the theater you’re going to will meet your specific accessibility needs. I recommend seeing Jersey Boys at the August Wilson Theatre . There are steps to the theatre, but people who use wheelchairs can roll onto a lift that will bring them up to the theatre level. Also, there is a wheelchair accessible restroom located right near the upper landing of the Stair Lift. Plus, accessible seating made it possible for me to sit near the front of the theatre, house left.

• Location: 245 W. 52nd St., New York NY

5) New York Public Library  

While this is a central hub for people who are working, studying, and researching, it’s also a great tourist stop. The architecture is gorgeous and the history is incredible. The library has elevators and the wheelchair accessible entrance is on the side of the building. Just so you know, for some reason, they require wheelchair users to “sign-in” with security near the entrance, and the doors to get in are not automatic. If you’re in need of the restroom, you’ll find an accessible one on the ground floor, but you have to ask security for a key.

• Location: Entrance is on 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues

6) The M&M’s Store  

This is such a fun place for all chocolate lovers, which means that the store is always quite crowded. The door is not automatic and you have to take a ramp off to the side of the main steps to get in. It can be a bit tough to navigate with a wheelchair, but it can most definitely be done.

• Location: 1600 Broadway New York, NY 10019

7) Radio City Music Hall  

For cool concerts or winter Rockettes shows, this historical theater is the place to go. I’ll admit, I saw Glee Live there about four years ago and had a blast. One thing to note is that if the performer gets the crowd on their feet, stage visibility might be a bit limited for attendees who use wheelchairs due to people standing up. There are also accessible restroom stalls available on different levels of the theater, and an elevator to take you to each level.

• Location: 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020

8) Ripley’s Believe it Or Not  

The NYC Odditorium is full of interesting stuff to see. It’s a good place for picture-taking and conversation starters. It’s relatively easy to navigate and there is an elevator to get to the second level. There is only one accessible bathroom, and it’s kind of cramped. Be sure to swing the stall door outwards and not inwards to ensure you have enough room to move around.

• Location: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036

9) Macy’s Herald Square  

There’s so much shopping to be done in the city and since I love shopping, it was hard for me to pick one place to go. While 5th Avenue is known for being NYC’s central shopping thoroughfare, I think you shouldn’t miss the original Macy’s in Herald Square. With seemingly endless displays and floors, there will be something for everyone. It’s important to note that there is only one central elevator bank and the wait can be long. You’ll need to get in the elevator to get to the restrooms, but there are definitely accessible stalls available for use. Also, some of the ramps to get to different areas are a bit out of the way. But, if you enjoy shopping as much as I do, it’s more than worth it!

• Location: 151 West 34th Street, NYC, NY 10001

10) American Museum of Natural History  

NYC is known for fantastic museums, and especially if you’ve seen the movie “Night at the Museum,” this is a fun place to visit. All of the floors of the museum are accessible via elevator, and the website has a detailed list of accessible entrances and accessible restroom locations.

• Location: Central Park W and 79th St, New York, NY 10024

11) Museum of Modern Art  

There are plenty of art museums to check out in the city, but since I’m a fan of modern art, I thought I’d add this to the list. All of the entrances are wheelchair accessible, and the linked webpage here includes a detailed explanation of where accessible restrooms are located. To access all of the floors of the museum, there are elevators available throughout.

• Location: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019

12) Lincoln Center

I’ve had the pleasure of taking a guided tour of Lincoln Center, a performing arts venue, as well as seeing a performance of Swan Lake there. It’s a perfect place to add a little culture to your NYC trip! There are definitely accessible restrooms available for use to patrons inside the building.

• Location: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

13) Madison Square Garden  

From sports, to concerts, to plays the Garden is huge and totally worth a visit. Check out what’s going on here during your trip – there’s bound to be something exciting. There are specific seating sections for people who use wheelchairs, and depending on the amount you’re willing to spend, you can get good seats. If you drive in, you can find accessible parking in nearby parking garages.

• Location: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001

14) One World Trade Center Memorial and Museum  

I wish with all my heart that I didn’t have a reason to list this, but it’s absolutely worth a visit to honor the memories of all the people who died in the 9/11 attacks. It’s a serene and beautiful place to reflect and take in the history. You won’t be able to go in the actual building, but you can take a tour through the museum and see the memorial reflecting pool. If you need to use the restroom, all of the facilities have accessible stalls.

• Location: Liberty St, New York City, NY 10006

15) Central Park  

Whether you want to roam or check out the zoo, you can easily while away a lovely afternoon in the park. The terrain varies throughout, especially in the zoo. Check out the linked webpage for a guide to the types of terrain in the zoo to determine what areas will be most easily accessible to you. Also, be sure to note that there are wheelchair accessible restroom facilities, but not all of the facilities throughout the park are accessible. Here , you can find a detailed list of accessible restrooms in Central Park.

• Location: Central Park is huge and spans much of the city, which you can see on this map .

While Out: Tips on Restaurants, Cafes + Eateries

There are a ton of great restaurants and foods to try. Because the city has older buildings, some restaurants have one step or some stairs to get in. Double-check by calling the restaurant or do what I did, use Yelp and hopefully find a picture of the restaurant from the outside. 

If there’s one step that is need to hop over to get into a restaurant, I will either ask if there’s a ramp, have someone  order me something inside so I can take it away and eat, or ask someone to help me lift my wheelchair to get in. Even though some wheelchair users don’t like having push handles on the back of their wheelchair because it doesn’t look cool or they’re uncomfortable, I usually put them on when I’m traveling and find them very helpful when other people need to help me.

Emily Ladau is a passionate disability rights advocate whose career began at the age of 10, when she appeared on several episodes of Sesame Street to educate children about her life with a physical disability. In the years that followed, Emily took on leadership roles in many advocacy initiatives. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in English from Adelphi University. Immediately after graduation, Emily was selected to participate in the prestigious American Association of People with Disabilities internship program based in Washington, D.C. Since completing her internship in August 2013, Emily has been both employed and volunteering with multiple organizations to foster employment opportunities and develop resources for the disability community, as well as to encourage people with all types of disabilities to develop their inner voice for advocacy. Emily blogs at "Words I Wheel By" about her experiences as a disabled young adult, challenging people to consider all aspects of the disability experience in new ways.

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There are a number of loosely organized sports & recreation programs in the NYC area and one is the the Achilles Foundation .

I am an 84 year old senior who has some mobility problems and is slow in getting about, but still have an intense desire to see the world. Any suggestions for a single senior who would love to travel on her own?

Of course Janet! What region of the country are you located?

My girlfriend is in a wheelchair and we are looking for things to do together. This looks good.

hi im in a 24 inch wheelchair and im obese i been in a wheelchair just 2 yrs im still not used to it ..i feel so ashame..i want to enjoy life as i am but are these places accomadate manuel wheelchairs as well…and would my husband be able to sit close by me and not in another section for those not in wheelchairs ? thank u

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Tips for Travelers with Disabilities in New York City

New York is more accessible to travelers with disabilities than ever before. The city’s bus system is wheelchair-friendly, and most of the major sightseeing attractions are easily accessible. Even so, always call first to be sure that the places you want to go to are fully accessible.

Most hotels are ADA compliant, with suitable rooms for wheelchair-bound travelers as well as those with other disabilities. But before you book, ask lots of questions based on your needs . Many city hotels are in older buildings that have been modified to meet requirements; still, elevators and bathrooms can be on the small side, and other impediments may exist. If you have mobility issues, you’ll probably do best to book one of the city’s newer hotels, which tend to be more spacious and accommodating. At www.access-able.com, you’ll find links to New York’s best accessible accommodations (click on “World Destinations”). Some Broadway theaters and other performance venues provide total wheelchair accessibility; others provide partial accessibility. Many also offer lower-priced tickets for theatergoers with disabilities and their companions, though you’ll need to check individual policies and reserve in advance.

Hospital Audiences, Inc . (tel. 212/575-7676 ; www.hainyc.org ) arranges attendance and provides details about accessibility at cultural institutions as well as cultural events adapted for people with disabilities. Services include “Describe!,” which allows visually impaired theatergoers to enjoy theater events.

Another terrific source for travelers with disabilities who are coming to New York City is Big Apple Greeter (tel. 212/669-8159 ; www.bigapplegreeter.org ). All of its employees are extremely well versed in accessibility issues. They can provide a resource list of city agencies that serve those with disabilities, and they sometimes have special discounts available to theater and music performances. Big Apple Greeter even offers one-to-one tours that pair volunteers with visitors with disabilities; they can even introduce you to the public transportation system if you like. Reserve at least 1 week ahead.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Tips for Traveling With a Disability in New York City

US Books Editor

There are plenty of resources that help make tourist attractions, theatre trips and other classic New York City activities more accessible for all. Here’s how to take advantage of them.

Though the definition of ‘accessible’ varies greatly depending on the needs of each individual, New York City’s government and accessibility organizations have made huge strides in this area thanks to initiatives such as greater wheelchair access in iconic tourist locations and sign-language interpretations of Broadway productions. Find out about accessibility options in hotels, theatres, transport hubs and more below.

Accommodation

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that hotels provide certain accessible accommodations, not all of these accommodations are created equal. Wheelchair Jimmy , created by frequent traveler Jim Parsons, is a website dedicated to wheelchair-accessible travel. It offers lists including wheelchair-friendly hotels , as well as accommodations to avoid. His criteria include being able to navigate the hotel’s common areas, and availability of roll-in-showers. Conrad New York and Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan are two of his favorites. NYCgo also provides a list of accessible hotel suggestions .

Getting around the city

Most New Yorkers navigate the city via the subway, but only 24 percent of stations are accessible to mobility-impaired customers, according to a survey conducted by the city controller. Find out which stations are equipped with elevators, as well as where those elevators are located, on the MTA website . The majority of MTA buses are wheelchair accessible, and the most up-to-date information on bus arrivals can be found via MTA Bus Time on your computer or cell phone.

If you have time to plan ahead, you can apply for the city’s Access-a-Ride paratransit service, which allows you to reserve an accessible vehicle in advance. The paratransit service extends to all areas covered by public transport. But beware: scheduling can be difficult and the vehicles rarely arrive on time. Accessible cabs might be your best bet, as they are much more reliable. While you may be able to hail one cab from the street, you can also call the dispatch or request a car through their Accessible Dispatch app. Many rideshare apps, including Uber and Lyft, also have options tailored towards the elderly and people with accessibility concerns.

Taking a tour

Walking tours are a great way to experience New York City, and many companies offer tours that are suitable for those who have accessibility concerns. Turnstile Tours is a great option, as they regularly work with tourists who are traveling with a disability, and they also offer autism-friendly tours. If walking tours are not the right option for you, bus and boat tours can be a great alternative. The team behind Classic Harbor Line make a special effort to ensure their tours are as accessible as possible. The city’s docks are not particularly wheelchair friendly, but the crew is there to make sure you get onto your harbor cruise safely.

Museums and historical sites

Most New York City museums are fitted with elevators, ramps and audio-assistive devices. There are also tours offered in American Sign Language (ASL) for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Some museums – such as the Brooklyn Museum, the American Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Modern Art – offer ‘ touch tours ’ and ‘touch exhibits,’ which give visitors with limited vision the opportunity for a more tactile experience. These tours happen on a regular basis or can be booked in advance. See individual museums for more detail.

Restaurants and bars

There are thousands of restaurants to choose from in New York City, but it can be hard to know which ones will suit your needs. Those looking for a quieter dining experience should download SoundPrint , an app that measures the noise levels of restaurants. And NYCgo offers information on restaurants that are wheelchair accessible and ones that have menus in Braille, among other useful accessibility details.

A night at the theater

Broadway theaters have taken steps to make their shows more accessible. Many have introduced wheelchair ramps, for example, and others have scheduled ASL-interpreted performances into their regular programming. The Autism Theater Initiative offers autism-friendly shows by reducing jarring lights and keeping the house lights on, among other adjustments. Theater Access allows users to search by show and accommodation needed. (It should be noted that ASL-interpreted shows are only offered on special occasions, so it might be worth planning your trip around the show you want to see. For people with less flexibility in their travel plans, Deaf NYC offers a list of events happening every day that are suitable for those with hearing difficulties.)

Check out Accessible NYC for even more accessibility information.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

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Public transportation for people with disabilities

Access-a-ride paratransit service (aar) | metropolitan transportation authority (mta), 1. how it works.

Access-A-Ride (AAR) Paratransit Service provides public transportation for eligible customers with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from using the public buses and subways for some or all of their trips. AAR operates 24/7/365.

• This includes an area three-quarters of a mile beyond fixed-route service across the NYC border to parts of Nassau and Westchester counties.
• AAR is a shared-ride program. This means you may ride with other customers.
• origin-to-destination service or feeder service for eligible customers.
• non-priority trips with maximum ride times based on trip distance.
• Fares are the same as full fare on public transit.
• Participants can book and manage their trips online.
• complies with federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
• provides free interpretation and document translation services. These are available during the application, eligibility, and scheduling processes.

Next section:

2. Determine Your Eligibility

More ways to get help with this program

Visit the website

Get more information from the MTA about Access-A-Ride.

Ask about Access-A-Ride.

Call Access-A-Ride

Call 877-337-2017 (from NYC) or 718-393-4999 (from other area codes) for more information.

2. Determine your eligibility

You may be eligible for Access-A-Ride if:

• you have a disability that prevents you from using accessible buses or subways for some or all of your trips, and
• if your needs match the ADA’s requirements.
• You could also be eligible if you’re recovering from surgery, have a long-term condition, or are seeking Paratransit Service during your visit to NYC.

While applying for AAR, you will be asked to show whether you can:

• go up or down subway stairs,
• travel to a subway or bus station,
• get on, ride, and exit a subway or bus,
• and ride or navigate the bus or subway system on your own.

3. What You Need to Include

3. What you need to include

You will need medical documents that prove your transportation-related disability.

4. How to Apply

4. How to apply

Here are your options..

Apply by phone

• If calling from the NY metro area and adjacent counties, call 877-337-2017 .
• From other area codes, call 718-393-4999 .
• Interpretation services are available if your preferred language is not English.
• For the hearing impaired (TTY), call AAR using a preferred relay service or the free 711 service relay.
• After completing step 1 above, you will get an AAR application form in the mail. Complete and bring the form with you to your scheduled assessment.
• At your in-person assessment, you will have a personal interview with a healthcare professional as well as functional testing.
• You can schedule a free Paratransit ride to and from your assessment, if you need.
• If you are eligible, information for booking rides on AAR will be included.
• If you are denied or given conditional eligibility, you can appeal the decision within 60 days of being notified.
• It takes around three weeks for a decision to be made. If you have not received a decision after weeks, you can call AAR at 877-337-2017 to check.

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Top Tour Companies for Travelers With Physical Challenges

These five travel organizations help those with physical challenges explore the world.

Wheelchair user Elissa Fischer, 64, has ataxia, a brain disease that affects her speech, coordination and ability to walk. Nonetheless, the retired Floridian and her husband recently spent eight days exploring Iceland, the Nordic island nation known for its rugged landscape and challenging outdoor adventures. Their itinerary included taking a dip in the country’s famous Blue Lagoon. Fischer couldn’t have made such a trip without the help of Iceland Unlimited, a Reykjavik-based travel company that specializes in accessible tours.

Companies like Iceland Unlimited work hard to make travel accessible to people with all types of physical challenges, including those that come with age, such as less stamina and balance problems. They host their own tours to bucket-list destinations, focusing primarily on making travel easier and doable for their clients by carefully vetting hotels, restaurants and attractions to ensure truly accessible accommodations; using accessible vans with lifts to eliminate transportation issues; arranging for wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and other special medical equipment, as needed; securing accessible cabins on cruises, and more.

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In addition to their guided tours, some also provide travel agency services, such as booking trips their clients want to take on their own — always focusing on their clients’ special needs.

Below is more information on Iceland Unlimited, as well as four other accessible-focused companies.

Easy Access Travel

Debra Kerper, a bilateral amputee, found few options when looking for travel experiences she could do given her disability, so she founded Easy Access Travel in 1995. Since then, the Carrollton, Texas–based company has hosted a variety of trips both on land and at sea. Plus, as a travel agency, it helps clients plan and book both domestic and international travel, with Hawaii and New England topping the list for U.S. getaways.

Kerper’s philosophy for serving her special client base is simple: “Eliminating surprises and informing clients of possible situations remain paramount for successful planning,” she says.

Just two of the many ways the company ensures client satisfaction are by using guides in each locale who are accustomed to working with special-needs travelers, and by following routes for various excursions that are specially designed to be easily navigated by wheelchair users. It currently has accessible staterooms set aside for an Alaskan cruise this summer and for a Mediterranean cruise in October, both with Royal Caribbean. Itineraries for 2023 are still in the works; check the site for updates.

EasyAccessTravel.com ; 951-202-2208

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Iceland Unlimited

Jón Gunnar Benjamínsson, a former tour guide, launched Iceland Unlimited in 2010 when he began using a wheelchair following a serious car accident. The Reykjavík-based company offers three types of trips: self-driving tours, tours with private drivers and guides, and small-group guided tours. Trip planning begins with a phone consultation to determine which of the three fits a client best.

No matter the physical challenge, everyone is accommodated. “No one is ever turned away,” says Lisa Zacchia, the company’s managing director. For example, a recent client who uses a wheelchair wanted an adventurous tour with his family, so the company arranged for them to ride atop a glacier in a modified Jeep. From there, they went snowmobiling atop Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, a thrilling experience for the entire family. Guides helped the man into a snowmobile that one of them then drove.

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Clients can book either day trips or multiday tours ranging from five to seven days in length. Besides glacier exploring, adventure activities include taking a wheelchair path to a nearly 200-foot-tall waterfall and touring an active geothermal area.

IcelandUnlimited.is ; [email protected]

Morocco Accessibility Travel

Morocco may seem like an unlikely destination for physically challenged travelers due to the country’s centuries-old buildings (not built for elevators) and its lack of accessibility requirements. Enter Jeremy Schmidt, a U.S. physiotherapist who moved to the African nation and founded Morocco Accessibility Travel along with a partner in 2016.

The company offers day trips and five- to 14-day guided tours. Clients can visit imperial cities and venture into the Saharan Desert and other rural areas of the country. Other possibilities include wheelchair trekking through 1,200-year-old Fez Medina structures, chilling on an Agadir beach, riding on a camel with the help of an adapted saddle, and more.

“I will never forget sitting on that camel and looking out at the sand dunes in the Moroccan desert,” says Cory Lee, 32, whose usual ride is a powered wheelchair. “It was an experience I never thought would be accessible for me, but in that moment, I realized just how accommodating the world actually can be.”

Lee’s mother, Sandy Gilbreath, 52, who traveled to Morocco with him, is grateful that companies can make such adventures doable for her son. “When I see Cory showing others that anything is possible, regardless of one’s abilities, it makes me incredibly proud,” she says.

For those who prefer to travel independently, the company also provides accessible airport transfers from several Moroccan cities and rents medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and bedroom and bathroom mobility aids.

MoroccoAccessibleTravel.com ; [email protected]

Tapooz Travel

Years of volunteering with an organization providing outdoor adventures for people with disabilities led spouses Aïcha Nyström and Laurent Roffé to launch San Francisco–based Tapooz Travel in 2012. “While I volunteered as a sea kayak guide and Aïcha served as a ski instructor, we were continually inspired by how much the disabled could do with a little help,” Roffé says, adding that they decided to open up more of the world to this community by starting a travel company focused on this market.

The company offers a comprehensive selection of individual and hosted trips. They range from five to 21 days and take clients to 30 domestic and international destinations, with California wine country, the  Pacific Northwest  and  national parks  ranking among the U.S. favorites. For getaways abroad, the Netherlands, Nepal, Scandinavia and Switzerland are popular.

Given the couple’s background, the trips feature adventure aplenty, including hot-air ballooning, kayaking, skiing, skydiving and surfing. Adaptive equipment and guides with extensive experience working with the disabled and seniors make such activities possible. “Having guides that truly understand the psychological and physical issues makes all the difference,” Roffé says.

TapoozTravel.com ; 415-275-2009

Wheel the World

Even though paralyzed by a spinal cord injury, Chilean Alvaro Silberstein trekked through the mountainous terrain of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park in 2016 with the help of friends and a modified wheelchair. “Reaching the top of the mountain provided a boost in my self-confidence,” Silberstein says, adding that it taught him he could do anything, despite his disability, with the right attitude and a little help. That revelation led him to launch this four-year-old company that gives other people like him the assistance they need to have amazing travel experiences.

In its short life, Wheel the World has grown quickly and now provides multiple travel services. Coming up in 2022, the company has accessible group tours to five destinations:  New York City , Costa Rica, Greece, Israel and Morocco. On this summer’s five-day Big Apple trip, travelers can take an accessible stroll through Central Park, visit St. Patrick Cathedral, wander the streets of Little Italy and much more. The international trips vary from seven to 10 days.

For those not interested in a group tour, the company maintains an online platform travelers can use to book hotels, activities and multiday packaged trips in more than 80 destinations in the U.S. (Maui,  Miami  and  San Francisco  are especially popular) and abroad. The platform provides detailed accessibility information based on exhaustive vetting by the company’s own customer service team. Among the information included in hotel listings, for example, is whether front desks have lower check-in counters, whether restaurants are step-free, and how much turn space there is in guest-room bathrooms. Activity listings note the availability of accessible bathrooms, whether wheelchair users will encounter any obstacles, and more.

WheelTheWorld.com ; 628-900-7778

New York City–based freelance writer Terri Marshall contributes to Girl Camper Magazine, World Footprints.com, TravelingMom.com and other publications and websites. ​​

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Traveling to New York with a Disability

The United States is one of the most committed countries with people with disabilities and New York , as a first class tourist destination, is a city well prepared for physically challenged people .

Here is the review of a person who has visited New York in a wheelchair:

Arrival in New York

• The airports of New York have people who help and assist you until you leave the airport . They will help you with the luggage and to pass the security control.
• The airports are completely accessible and have information points that will assist you with anything you need.
• Transport from the airport to the city center is also accessible with a wheel chair.

City transport

• The   Subway is quite old and not well prepared . Few stations are suitably accessible (only about 20%).
• The   New York City  buses have wheelchair ramps .
• In New York there are lots of taxi cabs with rear ramps . If you ask for a taxi or request one at your hotel, they can specifically ask for one with a rear ramp. 
• The ferries to the Statue of Liberty or to Staten Island are quite accessible , though you will probably need help to climb the ramp. Tour boats also fulfill the necessary conditions.
• The vast majority of the sidewalks have ramps and nobody parks on the corners of the streets, so it is easy to get around.
• If you need more time to cross a street , people understand and respect you while you cross .

Visiting New York

• Major stores and shopping malls are all completely accessible . Normally, you will find a normal access door next to any revolving one.
• In the main tourist attractions ( Empire State , Top of the Rock or Grand Central Terminal ...) you will find signs to help you and you will also avoid the lines.

Accommodation

Approximately 70% of hotels in New York are adapted for disabled people. When looking for accommodation online, don’t forget to tick the space for “accessible rooms" and that way you will find a hotel perfectly adapted for your needs. 

• Hotel search engine Introducingnewyork.com

As you can see, having reduced mobility should not be a problem when visiting New York .

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Getting around.

Getting around New York City is very easy. Most streets and avenues in Manhattan are numbered and form a grid, so you won't need a map to find your way around.

Learn about the foundation of New York City in the 17th-century and find out how it has changed throughout the centuries, becoming one of the main financial centers in the world and the most populated city of the United States. 

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A Local's Guide to Accessible NYC: Things to Do, Where to Stay, and How to Get Around

New York City is full of accessible attractions that are ready to welcome visitors of all abilities, from world-class museums to hidden gems that you’ve got to see to believe they’re in New York. From navigating public transportation to picking an accessible place to eat, let this be your guide to a New York that is welcoming to all. As a wheelchair user and almost life-long New Yorker, these are some of my favorite things to do and tips and tricks to navigating the city on wheels.

Originally published 07/22/2022

Jump To:  Midtown | Uptown | Chelsea | Downtown | Bronx | Where to Stay | How to Get Around  | Tips

] WHAT TO DO

DAY 1: Be in the Heart of It All in Midtown

Credit: @live.love.new.york on Instagram

Start your day in Times Square ! While the area is often extremely crowded, going in the morning will help you avoid the masses, making rolling around and finding the perfect selfie spot all the easier. Unless you’re grabbing a hot dog or some steaming hot candied nuts from a street vendor, you’ll be better served to do your eating in Hell’s Kitchen. A stroll down Ninth Avenue or 10th Avenue between 42nd and 54th streets will reveal a foodie haven filled with authentic cuisine choices spanning Afghanistan, Thailand, Italy, Peru, and so much more.  

Credit: @mickmicknyc on Instagram

From Times Square, you’ll be in walking or rolling distance from all the Broadway theaters. Stop by the box office to secure your accessible seats. Each Broadway show reserves several seats in the orchestra for wheelchair users and up to three companions, as most theaters have no elevator access to the mezzanine. All theaters, except for the Shubert, have accessible restrooms (Shubert patrons can use the restroom at Sardi’s across the street from the theater).

If you’re looking to see a popular show, you can also call the box office when planning your trip to secure accessible seating in advance. Broadway shows are mask-optional, but if you are looking for a more COVID-safe option, some off-Broadway theaters require masks for certain performances. 

If you’re traveling with kids, or just want to get in touch with your inner 007, a visit to Spyscape , a museum dedicated to the history, art, and science of espionage is a must. Here you can uncover your superpowers and discover what type of spy you’d be through a series of interactive exhibits. 

Credit: @bigjerbearr on Instagram

Make your way to Rockefeller Center and head up to the Top of the Rock  (pictured) for a bird’s eye view of the city. Many popular NBC shows are taped at 30 Rockefeller Center. You can learn how to reserve tickets to be a part of the studio audience during tapings of SNL, Fallon, and more at NBC.com . If you’re an early riser, you can join the crowd outside the Today Show studio to see all your morning faves in person. Every Friday during late spring and summer months, the Today Show hosts free concerts with top music acts that have ranged from Celine Dion to Harry Styles and Lizzo. There is a separate ADA section and guests with disabilities are instructed to go to the front of the check-in line, and inform the TODAY Plaza staff or security of their accessibility needs. 

Credit: Anna Pakman

The Rockefeller Center area is also great for shopping. You’ll find everything from major brands like Kate Spade New York (be sure to check out the I LOVE NY collection!) (pictured) to the iconic FAO Schwarz toy store to La Maison du Chocolat , where you’ll find some of the world’s most delicious chocolate concoctions. Whether you’re just window shopping or looking to add a bit of couture to your wardrobe, you’ll find runway-worthy looks at the luxury boutiques lining Fifth Avenue .

Credit: Phoebe Baker 

Head down to Bryant Park (pictured) to relax in the shadow of the Beaux-Arts main building of the New York Public Library , whose very Instagram-able Rose Main Reading Room is worth a visit in its own right. Make a very New York picnic of it by grabbing a slice or two from Joe’s Pizza , located on Broadway between 40th and 41st streets, or baked goods from the Breads Bakery kiosk right in the park, as well as a slice of mille crepes cake from Lady M Cake Boutique . During the warmer months, you can play a round of chess or take in a free movie screening . In the winter, the park turns into a veritable wonderland with a full ice rink and holiday shopping village featuring goods from local artisans.

Credit: Marta Zielinska

If the Empire State Building  (pictured) is on your must-see list, be sure to also stop by East 32nd Street between Broadway and Madison Avenue for a visit to nearby Koreatown. Restaurants, karaoke bars, food courts, and stores are stacked in buildings, often identified only by a placard near the entrance, much like in Seoul. Sit down for an authentic Korean BBQ experience where you can grill your own meat, then reserve a private karaoke room and sing the night away at 5 Bar Karaoke . If puzzles are more your style, put your skills to the test at Escape Room Madness , where all games are private (rooms are generally accessible but some items may be hard to reach from a seated position). 

If you’re going back to see a show on Broadway, book a table and take advantage of the pre-theater prix fixe deal at La Grande Boucherie  (pictured), which offers one of the city’s most beautiful indoor-outdoor dining rooms that will have you feeling like you’ve traveled back in time to Belle Epoque Paris while you dine on mouthwatering French delicacies (order one of everything, but especially the steak frites) and sip creative cocktails.

DAY 2: Head Uptown for the best of Central Park and the Arts 

Credit:  @simplyakil on Instagram

If there’s one thing that most locals can agree on it’s that Central Park  (pictured) is the city’s crown jewel. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the park is an 843-acre oasis that serves as a common meeting point and favored picnic spot for New Yorkers. Most areas of the park are quite accessible and consulting the Central Park Conservancy’s Access Map is the best way to see which paths to take to iconic locations like the Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Central Park Zoo, or Harlem Meer. 

Take it all in over a leisurely meal at Tavern on the Green , a historic restaurant inside the park that has been a part of more than a few movies over the years. 

If you’re visiting during the summer, the Delacorte Theater (pictured), an open-air amphitheater nestled in the park, offers performances of Free Shakespeare in the Park  (pictured) with a wide range of accessibility accommodations including step-free seating, wheelchair accessible seats, low-vision seating, and ASL interpreters. To score a ticket, enter the lottery on the TodayTix app or visit the Delacorte box office the morning of the day you want to attend a show. You’ll be able to register and wait on a separate ADA line until tickets are handed out at 12pm. Note: Shakespeare in the Park is on hiatus for the 2024 season due to the remodeling of the Delacorte Theater. 

Central Park also happens to be bordered by some of the city’s best museums. Head on an art crawl with a visit to the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art (AKA the Met). The Met offers a broad slate of programs for visitors with a range of disabilities (some require advanced reservations) in addition to a collection of over 490,000 paintings, objects, and sculptures from around the globe. While there is no disability discount, caregivers of visitors with disabilities are admitted for free and can pick up a ticket at a Museum ticket counter. The neighboring Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum is an architectural marvel as the default access for all visitors is via a quarter-mile-long spiral ramp (elevators are available between levels if you get tired of pushing or while the ramp is temporarily closed). Visitors with disabilities get discounted admission for themselves and free admission for a “care partner.”

If you’re traveling with little ones, you may want to stop by the Matthew P. Sapolin Playground , which offers an inclusive space with accessibility features like accessible bridges and adjustable basketball backstops that can be lowered for a game of wheelchair basketball. 

Finish your day with a memorable dinner at Contento  (pictured), a Peruvian fusion restaurant in East Harlem that is owned and operated by people with disabilities. Whether you choose to sit at the wheelchair-height bar, opt for a table in the restaurant’s intimate dining room, or pull up to the beautifully decorated covered patio outdoors (heated in colder months), you’ll appreciate the attention to accessibility and the availability of adaptive utensils and braille menus for those who need them. If you imbibe, enjoy a glass of responsibly-produced wine off the restaurant’s extensive wine menu, hand selected by co-owner Yannick Benjamin, one of the only wheelchair-using working sommeliers in the world. Toast to disability pride as you dig into inventive dishes like quinoa biscuits, ceviche, and duck fried rice that are truly out of this world. 

DAY 3: Food Meets Fun in Chelsea & the Hudson River Waterfront  

Credit: @elisabomer on Instagram

Beat the crowds to Chelsea Market  (pictured), a food hall boasting a diverse array of stalls and restaurants serving everything from Jamaican jerk chicken to whole-boiled lobster trays and one of the best brownies you’ll ever try (you may recognize Fat Witch Bakery from Sex & the City reboot And Just Like That ). Specialty stores like Chelsea Market Basket, Pearl River Mart, and Imports from Marrakesh are great for souvenir shopping with an international flair. As you pass mouthwatering temptations, you can learn about the building’s history as a Nabisco factory, including its Oreo cookie assembly line, from photo exhibits lining the market’s walls. Access to the market’s main concourse is via a ramp around the corner from the coffee bar. 

Credit: @andra_wonderer on Instagram

Take your goodies to a covered outdoor terrace, or walk/roll a couple of blocks to Little Island Park  (pictured), a unique park built on 132 tulip-shaped piers over the Hudson River. In addition to a casual food court area, the island offers gorgeous views of the river and Lower Manhattan from a hill that can be accessed via a gently sloping ramp. During the summer, you can find free performances throughout the island, as well as a series of ticketed events in the open air amphitheater, aptly named “The Amph,” which offers several wheelchair accessible seating locations in the back row, as well as additional wheelchair seating in the front row with advanced notice. 

Modern art lovers will enjoy a visit to the Whitney Museum of American Art  (pictured). Visitors with disabilities can take advantage of discounted admission and a free ticket for one care partner. Braille materials and other accommodations like ASL interpreters, CC, and verbal description are available for public programs with a request to [email protected] or (646) 666-5574 (voice) in advance. The Whitney’s Access Programs team puts on ASL and touch tours, as well as family-friendly programs for those with autism.

Not only is Chelsea home to world-class museum collections, but it’s also full of unique independent galleries featuring some of today’s most exciting work. Pure Vision Arts hosts incredible artists with a wide range of disabilities. Not only can you take a look at their creations, but you can also go home with an original piece of art to add to your collection for as little as $15 for a set of greeting cards or $150 for a painting: a bargain in the gallery world.   

Credit: @sandystrail on Instagram

Take a stroll along the High Line  (pictured), a former railway turned elevated greenway with stunning views of the Hudson River and a changing set of contemporary art exhibits to explore. The park is wheelchair accessible thanks to elevators at Gansevoort Street, 14th Street, 23rd Street, and 30th Street. At the northern end of the High Line, you’ll find an entrance to the Hudson Yards complex. Hudson Yards is New York’s newest neighborhood, and its eponymous retail center offers luxury shopping coupled with exciting new restaurants. For foodies, Mercado Little Spain is a destination in and of itself – don’t miss the liquid olives that you can order at any of the bars, all of which offer a lowered section for wheelchair users!

Credit: @usa.fotos on Instagram

Head over to Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum  (pictured) to learn about American military and maritime history aboard a real WWII aircraft carrier. Even though the Intrepid is a National Historic Landmark, most areas of the Museum have been made wheelchair accessible, including the core exhibits, flight deck, hangar deck, and mess deck. The museum also offers a series of programs for individuals with disabilities and their families including early morning openings, sensory-friendly evenings, verbal description tours, and maker camps for kids with developmental disabilities. 

After your museum visit, unwind at the swanky Press Lounge rooftop bar or bite into a burger made with fine American wagyu at Kings of Kobe .

DAY 4: Downtown History and a Governors Island Excursion

Pay your respects to the heroes who risked their lives to save others and learn more about the tragic event that deeply impacted New Yorkers from all walks of life at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum (pictured). The museum is fully accessible and the memorial  was designed in such a way that a person who is seated or of short stature has the same view of the inner Memorial voids as those who are looking at it from a higher vantage point.

Next, head over to Statue Cruises to board a ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty  (pictured) and/or Ellis Island (advance booking recommended). While the interior of Lady Liberty’s pedestal is accessible, getting up to her crown involves going up multiple staircases. The National Park Service website does an amazing job of laying out the accessibility of various aspects of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island visitor experience. If a full visit isn’t in the cards but you still want a close-up of the Statue, hop on the nearby and totally free Staten Island Ferry for a leisurely cruise on the water.

Credit: @wewandernyc on Instagram

When you’re back on the Manhattan side, stroll through The Battery and go for a spin on the wheelchair accessible nautical-themed  SeaGlass Carousel  (pictured). Then hop on another ferry for a 5-10 minute ride to Governors Island . Originally a fertile foraging and hunting ground for Native Lenape, the island went on to play a strategic role in the Revolutionary War and eventually became a base for Army and later Coast Guard operations.

Today, the island is a recreational paradise with sweeping views of New York Harbor, the Lower Manhattan skyline, and Lady Liberty herself. On weekends, the island hosts a variety of events, in addition to art exhibits spread across its 172-acre expanse, rotating food trucks, New York City’s only lavender farm (pictured), a luxurious Italian-style spa, glamping resort, a Mexican beach club, and more. During the summer months, ferries back to Manhattan depart as late as 10pm, leaving plenty of time to take in a stunning sunset with a tropical beverage in hand at the island’s tropical waterfront bar, Island Oyster .

DAY 5: Boogie Down in The Bronx

Credit: @accessibletravelnyc on Instagram

While you may have read about the hippest of the hip hot spots in Brooklyn in most visitor guides (and you should totally go!), The Bronx remains one of New York’s best kept secrets and you can easily get there by taking the Metro-North Railroad to the Botanical Garden stop. Start off with a visit to the 250-acre New York Botanical Garden  (pictured), the largest in any city in the United States. There you can see seasonal exhibits and blooms, take a ramp-equipped tram tour, and more. Seasonal exhibits include giant pumpkins and gourds, a holiday-themed train show, and an orchid extravaganza. One personal care assistant is eligible for free admission when accompanying a visitor with a disability.

Credit: @amparo.the.photog on Instagram

Next to the garden, you’ll find the Bronx Zoo  (pictured), one of the largest zoos in the world and home to over 10,000 animals. One of the best ways to see the zoo is by taking a narrated ride on the Wild Asia Monorail, which offers one car that is accessible to most types of wheelchairs. Visitors using some larger chairs that won’t fit on the monorail have the option of transferring to a zoo-provided manual wheelchair for the ride. The zoo also offers a ramp-equipped shuttle to help conserve wheeling energy. 

Make your way to nearby Arthur Avenue (a 15-minute roll/walk), for a visit to Bronx’s Little Italy . Check out the Arthur Avenue Retail Market (pictured) to shop for delicacies from the old country. Stop by the Mike’s Deli counter for the best mozz you’ll ever taste. Want a sit-down meal? Get a pizza at Zero Otto Nove or try the most excellent meatballs and penne a la vodka at Enzo’s.

If there’s still time left in the day, head to Wave Hill  (pictured), an idyllic public garden with views of the Palisades or head to City Island for New England fishing villages vibes and fresh seafood. 

WHERE TO STAY

Credit: @pobz_iv on instagram.

New Yorkers’ favorite way to get around is walking, or rolling, so you’ll be well-served by staying in either Midtown or Downtown Manhattan, depending on which attractions you are most interested in visiting.

While lodging can be less expensive outside of Manhattan, it’s best to weigh the cost of lodging against the cost and availability of accessible transportation. If you do decide to stay in the boroughs, look for lodging near a NYC Ferry stop as that will be the most accessible and cost-effective way to reach Manhattan using public transportation. Wheelchair-accessible taxis and ride shares are plentiful in Manhattan and surrounding neighborhoods, but can quickly add up if cost is a consideration. Avoid short-term apartment rentals as the stock of legal vacation rentals in the city is very small due to local regulations that limit their availability, and accessible rentals are extremely rare. 

A few options to consider:

Park Hyatt New York - Just two short blocks from Central Park, the Park Hyatt offers spacious rooms with luxurious bathrooms. ADA rooms are available in the following configurations: one king bed with a roll-in-shower, two double beds with an accessible bathtub, studio suite with a roll-in-shower, and a terrace suite with an accessible bathtub. An indoor saltwater pool with a chair lift provides a welcome oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city.  

Hilton Garden Inn New York - Times Square Central - If you really want to be in the middle of it all, check into an ADA room with views of the New Year’s ball or city skyscrapers. A great home base for theater lovers, the hotel is walking/rolling distance to Broadway theaters. Rooms with roll-in-showers are available in king or two queen bedded configurations. Rooms with two queen beds and an ADA tub, hearing accessible rooms, and connecting rooms are also available. 

Hilton Garden Inn New York/Midtown Park Ave - Located near the Empire State Building, the hotel is convenient to the East 34th street stop on the NYC Ferry connecting you to the hippest neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens, and is just around the corner from New York City’s Koreatown. Rooms with roll-in-showers or ADA tubs are available in king or two queen bedded configurations. Hearing accessible rooms and suites are also available.

Downtown Manhattan

Conrad New York Downtown - For an upscale stay near sites including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, look no further than the Conrad. One of the only all-suite hotels in the city, the Conrad is a great option for families. Accessible suites featuring roll-in showers are available in one or two double bedded configurations, as well as suites with two double beds and an ADA tub. Hearing accessible suites are also available. 

Hotel Indigo Lower East New York - To get a real New York feel, stay where New Yorkers live in one of the city’s most eclectic neighborhoods where trendy bars and restaurants border tenement-style buildings, and the sights, sounds, and flavors of Chinatown and Little Italy are just minutes away. ADA rooms with city views and a boutique hotel feel come in one king bed and two queen bedded configurations with bathrooms with roll-in showers. There's also an accessible king suite with one king bed, a bathroom with roll in shower, and a furnished, private terrace.

AC Hotel New York City Downtown - Stay in stylish digs next to the Seaport District, where you’ll find a mix of fun outdoor bars, sleek new restaurants, and easy access to downtown attractions and ferries. ADA rooms have a variety of configurations including king/roll-in-shower, two double beds/roll-in-shower, king/ADA tub, and two double beds/ADA tub. Rooms can be setup to accommodate hearing impaired guests with advance notice. 

HOW TO GET AROUND

Credit: @jonathankamensky on Instagram

MTA Buses - 100% of NYC buses are accessible. Most have ramped entries at the front of the bus, with a few routes being served by buses with lifts at either the front or mid section. Each bus has designated spaces for two wheelchairs. Passengers with disabilities pay discounted fares.

NYC Ferry - The main deck of all NYC ferries is wheelchair accessible. An interior cabin offers seating, while outdoor deck space offers an al fresco ride between key points on the waterfront of all five boroughs. 

Yellow and Green Taxis - Roughly a third of NYC’s yellow and green taxi fleets offer wheelchair accessible vehicles with ramped entry through the back. Most accessible taxis are either a Nissan NV100 that offers seating for a wheelchair user and one companion or a Toyota Sienna that can seat up to four companions in addition to the wheelchair user. You can hail an accessible taxi on the street (watch for vehicles with a wheelchair symbol on their hood); from a taxi queue outside major transit hubs including JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Port Authority Bus Terminal, Penn Station , and Grand Central station; by calling 311, through the Accessible Dispatch app or call center at 646-599-9999; or through apps like Curb. If your wheelchair is collapsible, you may also use a non-accessible taxi and drivers are required to help you stow the chair in the trunk. All taxis are also required to accommodate service animals. If a driver refuses to provide service or has a non-operational ramp or doesn’t have or know how to use their tie downs, you can file a complaint with the Taxi and Limousine Commission by calling 311 (note medallion number).  Taxis at Newark Liberty International Airport are regulated by authorities in New Jersey and do not have wheelchair accessible options. 

Rideshares - Popular rideshare apps, including Uber and Lyft, offer accessible service within the five boroughs. Rates are comparable to UberX and standard Lyft rides. Most wheelchair accessible vehicle rides are served by back entry Toyota Siennas and Mercedes Metris vans that can seat a wheelchair user and up to four companions, along with Dodge Caravan vans with side entry that can seat a wheelchair user and up to three companions. If you need an adapted vehicle, you must select the Uber WAV or Lyft Access option in the respective app. If you have a collapsible wheelchair and don’t require the ramp, you may order any service option. Wheelchair accessible Uber and Lyft vehicles can pick up at JFK and LaGuardia, but are not available at Newark Liberty International Airport. Like NYC taxis, Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services are subject to the same anti-discrimination policies and are regulated by NYC’s Taxi and Limousine Commission. 

Paratransit - If you receive paratransit services at home, you can register for temporary reciprocal access to Access-a-Ride , NYC’s paratransit system, which provides door-to-door service across the city. To learn more about how to apply, call 877-337-2017 and choose option 1 after selecting your language.   

Subway - About a third of New York City’s subway stations are currently ADA accessible, with some of the accessible stops being convenient to major attractions. Take care while using the subway as elevators are often out of service, there is a sizeable gap between train cars and the platform, there may be obstructions that hinder the ability to get to the designated boarding area without wheeling on the yellow line. If you choose to use the subway, be sure to check elevator status immediately before setting out and always board at the designated area on each platform (look for the placard and raised area) for smoother entry. People with disabilities can pay half of the base fare with a Reduced-Fare Metrocard (need to apply for this in advance).

Regional Commuter Trains - LIRR trains connect NYC and Long Island, Metro-North links the city to the Hudson Valley, and NJ Transit serves routes to and from New Jersey. All regional train lines offer wheelchair access within the city. While the train is not even with the platform, a conductor can bring a bridge plate and assist with boarding. Not all stations outside NYC offer wheelchair access so consult route maps when choosing travel.  Passengers with disabilities and one companion are eligible for discounted fares.

Amtrak - Amtrak’s national network of trains offers accessible transit to New York City’s new Moynihan Station , where you’ll find modern accessible amenities. Amtrak’s red cap service helps with boarding and alighting via bridge plate, so be sure to note your needs when making a reservation and remind the train conductor to call for bridge plate assistance. Passengers with disabilities and one companion are eligible for discounted fares.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Walking/Rolling - Know that famous movie line “Hey, I'm walkin' here”? Well it’s true, people in NYC will often walk as long as an hour to get to their destination, preferring their own feet or wheels to transit, especially at times with a lot of traffic. Because New York is very much a pedestrian city, you may want to rent a wheelchair or scooter from a company like Scootaround or Big Apple Mobility to help with the distances even if you don’t usually use one at home.

Accessible Bathrooms - If you’re out and about and need an accessible restroom, hotel lobbies and bars work in a pinch – and offer a great excuse to pause your whirlwind tour for a quick drink or cup of coffee! Some museums also have restrooms in the lobby before you reach the ticket line and department stores and malls like Bergdorf Goodman, Hudson Yards, and the Deutsche Bank Center (fka the Time Warner Center) have great accessible facilities. Restaurant bathrooms can be hit or miss, especially at smaller establishments in old buildings, so call ahead to make sure. The @got2gonyc TikTok account has a great collection of posts about public bathrooms in NYC, most of which are accessible.

More Resources - To get even more ideas for great accessible places to visit, check out the resources our friends at NYC & Co. and the Accessible Travel NYC Blog put together. For trip ideas in New York State beyond NYC, check out the Accessible New York section of our website. For more COVID-safe places to visit, including museums, shopping, and theaters, head over to the New York City Mask Guide website  created by local residents.

Don't forget to post photos of your New York adventures on  Instagram  and  Twitter  with #iSpyNY and tag us on  Facebook !

Author: Anna Pakman

Anna Pakman is VP of Digital Marketing for Empire State Development / NYS Division of Tourism. She’s an avid traveler and foodie.

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All livery, black car, and limousine bases are required to provide service in wheelchair accessible vehicles when requested.

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Hail an Accessible Taxi

• Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) are required to take trips originating anywhere in the five boroughs and ending either in the five boroughs, Westchester County, Nassau County or the three regional airports. Visit Taxi Fare for more information.
• Passengers pay the normal metered taxi fare in New York City from the point of pick-up to destination. There are no extra costs to passengers.
• WAV taxis can be identified by the wheelchair accessible symbol on the hood and the side of the taxi. WAV taxis can be green or yellow.
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• WAV drivers are required to provide proper service regarding entering, exiting, and securing passengers with mobility devices upon their request.

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Jazzy® Zero Turn

The Jazzy® Zero Turn features panted-pending iTurn Technology™ for the ultimate in maneuverability, along with CTS suspension, LED lights, under-seat storage, and feather-touch disassembly for a truly innovative travel scooter.

Come see us at Booth #503 and test ride!

Plan Your Visit to Abilities Expo

Don’t miss our life-enhancing exhibits, dynamic workshops and fun events for kids of all ages!

View the 2020 Los Angeles Show Directory

All Day, Every Day

Friday, may 3, 2024, saturday, may 4, 2024, sunday, may 5, 2024, disability services for expo-goers.

In our efforts to ensure a positive show experience, Abilities Expo endeavors to accommodate the disability community with a host of special show services including loaner scooters, sign language interpretation, free wheelchair, captioning services for the workshop and so much more!

Special Show Services for People with Disabilities

Loaner Scooters and Wheelchair Repair

Free loaner scooters are available during show hours on a first come, first served basis. Wheelchair need a tune-up? Swing by the Sunrise Medical Free Wheelchair Repair Pavilion for minor maintenance.

Sign Language and CART Services

American Sign Language interpretation will be available for those who need translation. All workshops are captioned through CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) services.

Large Print Accommodations

Large print versions of the exhibitor list as well as the events and workshops schedule will be available on demand at the Expo. Please request your copy at the registration counters.

Don't forget to register.

Assistance Animals Play Critical Role

Animals have become an intrinsic part of the disability community. Some are essential to the healing process, while others help their human partners become more independent.

All About Service Dogs

Presented by: Kristin Hartness, Executive Director, Canines for Disabled Kids

Friday, May 3: 12:00 - 12:45 pm Sunday, May 5: 2:30 - 3:30 pm Discover how service dogs are meeting the needs of people with many different disabilities. Find out the many ways service dogs can help achieve independence in people's lives – from picking up a cell phone to providing physical stability, even counting money! Service dogs are available for many different types of disability, including vision and hearing loss, mobility, autism and seizure/allergy alert. Learn about funding support, the process to acquire a dog, and what to expect from your service dog provider organization.

Integrating Animals: How Animals Contribute to Holistic Health

Presented by: Carolyn Beisiegel, COTA/L, C-AAIS, CTRI, CARSS II, DIR-BASIC

Saturday, May 4: 11:45 am - 12:45 pm Animals have been healers for a long time, and it is just recently that they have been recognized as an important part of holistic health. This presentation will provide an overview of different animals and the ways they contribute to our livelihood. It will break down the differences between the types of working animals such as therapy, service, emotional support, and facility, as well as the ways in which we integrate them into daily practices such as in therapy, education, counseling, and recreation.

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Learn the Latest Adaptive Dance Moves

Dancing is great for the body, and even better for spirit! Don't miss your change to get in the groove.

Inclusive Dance Performances

Dance-based exercise for self-care and mindfulness.

Saturday, May 4: 4:00 - 4:30 pm The ZCO/Dance Project Self-Care Dancing Mindfulness Workshop will connect you to dance-based exercises which work on cognitive and physical skills to replenish the body. Class participants will be guided to break old habits, find new pathways, and discover their own movement conceptions.

Dance with The Rollettes!

Sponsored by: IndeeLift, The People Picker Upper

Friday, May 3: 3:30 - 4:00 pm Saturday, May 4: 10:30 - 11:15 am (Special Performance) Join us for a high-energy, live performance by The Rollettes - the incredible team of wheelchair dancers from Los Angeles! These women have created a community that redefines what it means to be strong, female, and resilient. With dance, community outreach, education programs, and content creation they dazzle and push barriers out of their way. It's not just a performance; it's also your turn to get out on the dance floor and learn some moves! Come fulfill your dreams to dance!

The Special Rollettes Performance on Saturday morning before the Expo begins is full. If you would like to be added to a waiting list, please click here .

Every Body Dance!

Saturday, May 4: 12:00 - 12:30 pm Join the Center for Modern Dance Education (CMDE) for a short performance featuring a physically integrated cast of dancers, followed by an interactive dance workshop for all ages and abilities! Stretch your body and your imagination through the language of dance. Founded in 1962, CMDE is an award-winning nonprofit organization with the mission to make dance available to everyone.

Michael Jackson Dance Program for Special Needs

Sunday, May 5: 2:00 – 2:30 pm Students of all ages and all abilities will perform the most famous Michael Jackson dances from the Moonwalk to Thriller. All original choreography is taught by a professional Michael Jackson Tribute Artist. Come enjoy the performance and learn some of the most popular Michael Jackson dances of all time.

Never Miss a Chance to Dance

Saturday, May 4: 1:00 - 1:30 pm Enjoy a live dance performance featuring members of Envision Dance Exchange (EDE) and choreographed by Artistic Director Susan M. Coutts. Then it's your chance to participate! Join the dancers and discover their spirit of dance! Dance Innovations & EDE is proud to once again be a part of the Abilities Expo and look forward to seeing you all there!

Tap-Dancing Hands Down

Sunday, May 5: 1:00 - 1:30 pm Experience all-abilities tap dancing! Learn how Tap-Dancing Hands Down works. Join in by tapping with the performers using your own abilities. Next, divide into groups to learn and have fun with "follow-ups" and "call and response" (standard tap-dancing skills). There will be a challenge between a tap dancer and a dancer using Tap Dancing Hands Down. The Tap: On Tap Dance Company conclude with a performance combining Tap-Dancing Hands Down with traditional tap dancing.

Get in the Game with Adaptive Sports & Fitness

The sidelines are no place for you so take your pick from a variety of interactive, adaptive sports. Not only will you get the blood pumping, improve fitness and build confidence, the fun factor is off the charts!

ADAPTIVE SPORTS & FITNESS

Adapted Wheelchair Basketball Adaptive Climbing Wall Adaptive Golf Power Wheelchair Floor Hockey Tennis for All! Wheel With Me Adapt Fit

Adapted Wheelchair Basketball

Saturday, May 4: 2:45 - 3:45 pm Presented by: Henry Viscardi School Wheelchair Basketball Program

Come try out some adapted wheelchair basketball! The Adapted Wheelchair Basketball Program was created to give children of all levels of physical abilities the opportunity to play together as a team and to reach their highest potential as athletes. The game is structured to allow each child to have fun as independently as possible. The program teaches the players to respect each other's individual needs and limitations as well as providing guidance for learning individual skills, team skills and good sportsmanship.

Adaptive Climbing Wall

Presented by: Coloplast and Mark Wellman, No Limits

All Day, Every Day The Adaptive Climbing Wall is open to people of all abilities! There is no better person to learn adaptive climbing from than Mark Wellman of No Limits. Mark is a former Paralympian and Park Ranger, and he is the first paraplegic to summit El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Come climb the wall using Mark's innovative adaptive climbing techniques and adaptive sports gear. Climbing has tremendous benefits—building confidence, developing goal-setting skills, increasing strength and improving flexibility.

Adapted Golf

Presented by: Gianna Rojas, The One Handed Lady Golfer and Founder, AdaptiveGolfers.org

Friday, May 3: 4:00 - 1:45 pm The game of Golf provides a wonderful recreation opportunity for all. But Golf is so much more than just a leisure game or a sport. It can be a therapeutic activity as well. Adaptive Golf means understanding how to apply one's own abilities to enjoy Golf by making modifications (big or small) to how the game is learned, swing techniques and equipment used to allow an individual to play golf to their fullest potential. Come try the sport at this interactive demo!

Power Wheelchair Floor Hockey

Presented by: Philadelphia Flyers Powerplay

Sunday, May 5: 11:45 am - 12:30 pm Power Hockey is essentially floor hockey for power wheelchair users. The sport follows the rules and regulations of the United States Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (USEWHA) and is open to all competent power wheelchair users. The Philadelphia Flyers Powerplay team is made up of about 30 players with various disabilities including Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, and Spinal Cord Injuries.

Tennis for All!

Presented by: Presented by: Henry Viscardi School Wheelchair Tennis Program

Friday, May 3: 2:00 - 3:00 pm Come discover how tennis offers opportunities for anyone to play and enjoy the sport! Join us to try both wheelchair tennis and adaptive tennis. Learn how you can play wheelchair tennis in the NY metro region. All ages and abilities are welcome!

Wheel With Me Adapt Fit

Presented by: Jesi Stracham and Nikki Walsh, Wheel With Me Adapt Fit

Saturday, May 4: 2:00 - 2:30 pm Wheel With Me Adapt Fit is helping wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users achieve their health and fitness goals. This event is a place to provide education surrounding nutrition and fitness, as well as to build a community where we can all celebrate each other and encourage each other to live our best lives!

AT Showcase: Interact with Tomorrow’s Technology Today

Explore how assistive technology can help you or your loved ones bridge the gap between ability and disability!

Assistive Technology Showcase

Explore how assistive technology can help you or your loved ones bridge the gap between ability and disability! The Showcase will feature an array of assistive technology for people of all disabilities to experience hands-on. In addition, the staff will offer suggestions and share their extensive knowledge to help determine the most appropriate technology match for your abilities and situations. Advancing Opportunities provides services and support to individuals with disabilities and their families so they can lead fuller lives at work, home, school and play. Their team of technology specialists will be available for free hands-on demonstrations of technology and tools. From low-tech tips to advice about sophisticated software, we can help you find solutions.

Learn more .

We'll see you there!

Getting to Abilities Expo

New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837

Transportation

Directions, parking and transpo, get directions to the expo from any location.

From Route 1& 9 Southbound:

Exit at “Bonhamtown” onto Main Street, continue for ½ mile to the traffic light. Turn left at the traffic light onto Route 514 East (Woodbridge Avenue). Turn right at the Sheraton Hotel into Raritan Center. Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL .

From Route 1 Northbound:

After crossing the Raritan River Bridge, get into the right lane. After passing, “Open Road Honda”, take the 3rd right hand exit for Route 514/Woodbridge Avenue. Follow Woodbridge Avenue for 3-4 miles. Make a right at the Sheraton Hotel into Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL .

From Route 287 South:

Follow 287 South to Route 514 West labeled “Raritan Center”. Follow jug handle on the right hand side to traffic light and then follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL .

From the NJ Turnpike (NORTH AND SOUTH)

Follow the NJ Turnpike to Exit 10. Bear right after you go through the tollbooth, following Route 514 West to Raritan Center. Take the first exit marked Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL .

From the Garden State Parkway Southbound:

Follow the Parkway to Exit 129. Take Route 287 North to Route 514 West. Follow Route 514 West to the first exit marked Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL .

From the Garden State Parkway Northbound:

Follow the Parkway to Exit 127. Follow Highways 287N/440S to Route 514 West. Route 514 West is the first exit from this route.  Follow Route 514 West to the first exit marked Raritan Center. Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL .

From Route 35 & Route 9 North:

Follow Routes 35 & 9 over the Driscoll Bridge, bear right at the end of the bridge. Take the second exit labeled “Raritan Center/ Riverview Drive”. Get into the far right lane and take the Raritan Center Exit. Follow this route all the way down to the second light. Make a right onto Parkway Place. At then, make a left onto Raritan Center Parkway. Follow signs from here which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL .

From Route 278 Westbound:

Take the Goethals Bridge onto the New Jersey Turnpike South. Follow the Turnpike to Exit 10. Bear right after you go through the tollbooth, following Route 514 West to Raritan Center. Take the first exit marked Raritan Center and Follow signs, which are posted throughout the Industrial Park for the EXPO HALL .

From Brooklyn & Staten Island Via Outerbridge:

Take the Staten Island Expressway (RTE 278) to Outerbridge Crossing into New Jersey. Three miles from the bridge are signs for Route 514, Raritan Center. Be in the right lane so you can exit at 514 West Bonhamtown . Follow signs to Raritan Center, exit there and follow jug handle to light. Follow signs for EXPO HALL located throughout the Industrial Park.

From Brooklyn & Staten Island Via Goethals Bridge:

Take the Staten Island Expressway (RTE 278) to the Goethals Bridge. This will bring you into New Jersey. Follow signs to the New Jersey Turnpike South to Exit 10. After Toll Plaza, Bear right and follow signs to 514 West/Raritan Center. Stay in two right lanes and follow jug handle to light. Follow signs posted throughout the Industrial Park for EXPO HALL.

From New York City, Philadelphia, or anywhere in New Jersey by train or bus:

Please visit www.njtransit.com to plan your itinerary. The closest train station to the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center is Metuchen Station. For example, if you are coming from Manhattan, log onto www.njtransit.com  and find the Trip Planner at the top of the home page. Enter Penn Station New York in "Travel From," enter Metuchen Station in "Travel To," indicate your preferred day and time of travel, and click the Accessible option if appropriate. The travel planner will do the rest!

For maps and directions, please visit here .

Parking and Drop-off:

Parking is free and located all around the convention center property. If you would like to drop off any passengers before you park, please do so at the flag pole in front of the EXPO HALL.

Transpo to the Expo

Free shuttle from metuchen station.

Provided by Abilities Expo

Accessible, round-trip transportation from Metuchen Train Station to Abilities Expo will be provided free-of-charge to expo-goers travelling to the event by train.

Shuttle hours:

Friday, May 3: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday, May 4: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday, May 5: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Two shuttles each holding 2 wheelchairs plus seating for non-disabled passengers will do laps between Metuchen Station and the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center during the hours of operation. The ride will take approximately 30 minutes, one way.

The shuttle will feature an Abilities Expo sign prominently on the side door panel. Those travelling southbound from New York City should exit the rear of the train to meet the shuttle at the wheelchair accessible ramp at Pennsylvania Avenue and Station Place, pictured blow:

Passengers returning to Metuchen Station will be dropped off at Woodbridge Avenue and Main Street, pictured here:

Free Shuttle from Local Hotels:

One shuttle and two wheelchair accessible vehicles will pick up and drop off passengers at the Delta by Marriott, the Hilton Garden Inn and the Sheraton Edison Hotel. Shuttle hours are: Friday, May 3: 10am -12pm; 4pm-6pm Saturday, May 4: 10am-12pm; 4pm-6pm Sunday, May 5: 10am-12pm; 3pm-5pm

NJ Transit’s Access Link:

Access Link is the public, paratransit service for people with disabilities who are unable to use the NJ Transit local fixed route bus systems. In order to use Access Link, you must first apply for eligibility. Click here for more information.

Access Link service is comparable to the bus in that it is available during the same days and hours as the regularly scheduled local fixed route bus service, including weekends and holidays.

Eligible individuals may make transportation appointments to the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center for Abilities Expo any day between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:30 pm by calling (973) 491-4224 [TTY (800) 955-6765]. Same day reservations can not be accommodated. Click here for more information on Access Link’s riding policies.

NJ Transit:

From New York City, Philadelphia, or Anywhere in New Jersey by Train or Bus:

NJ Transit provides accessible travel via rail and bus from all over New Jersey, New York City and Philadelphia. Please visit www.njtransit.com to plan your itinerary. The closest train station to the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center is Metuchen Station. For example, if you are coming from Manhattan, log onto www.njtransit.com  and find the Trip Planner at the top of the home page. Enter Penn Station New York in "Travel From," enter Metuchen Station in "Travel To," indicate your preferred day and time of travel, and click the Accessible option if appropriate. The travel planner will do the rest!

Other Transportation:

• Gold Medal Transport (732) 994-9929

Meet the Ambassadors

Local disability activists spearhead Abilities Expo's community outreach initiatives.

Ambassador Program

Meet the impressive individuals who have chosen to represent Abilities Expo to the Community.

Ian James Brown

Ian James Brown graduated from the United States Air Force Academy. Extremely active, he played football, rugby and volleyball as well competed in boxing, power lifting and martial arts.

Ian became a paralyzed veteran during his service in the United States Air Force.

Undaunted, Ian began a post-baccalaureate program to finish the pre-requisite courses in preparation for medical school.

A native New Yorker with Cerebral Palsy, Sarah resides in Westchester County, just outside of New York City. She is determined and driven to go places and do things that she is passionate about. She says, "I get things done because I have learned that nothing in life comes easy. Everything requires work. Sometimes the work is very, very hard, like physical therapy. It is difficult for me to walk because of my CP, but I try.  I work on my muscles and coordination." Sarah currently works in the Marketing Department for Convaid Products, a pediatric mobility equipment manufacturer. She loves to spend time with her family and friends and her service dog, Edison. 

"I am so thrilled to be part of Abilities Expo and love the strong sense of community it creates," she said. "I truly enjoy meeting all the people who attend the expo and have made great friends along the way!"

Sign up for the Expo!

Sign up for the Abilities Buzz

Stay in the know on disability news and info.

Cruising Altitude: Progress for disabled travelers is not coming fast enough

I was on a family trip to Israel a few years ago and as soon as we landed, it was obvious something was wrong. I’d flown over from New York with my parents and we were supposed to be meeting some cousins from London, who’d arrived hours earlier to Tel Aviv.

But my British family was still in the airport when we touched down. EasyJet had left my little cousin Max’s wheelchair off the plane, meaning Max, who has Cerebral Palsy, had no reasonable way to get around. Because the airport didn’t have any child-sized wheelchairs available to loan out, we wound up needing to rent one for Max from a hospital and it took days for his own wheelchair to eventually get to us from England. In the meantime, he wasn’t able to sit properly in the rental chair and he was uncomfortable as we schlepped around to different tourist sites.

Last week's Cruising Altitude: What to know about getting bumped from a flight when airlines overbook

I’ve been acutely aware since that trip of how tough flying can be for disabled travelers. This year, I’m working on a project to highlight incidents of airlines in the U.S. mishandling mobility devices. But telling peoples’ individual stories is only one piece of the puzzle. Real change requires action from regulators and airlines, and I’m hoping to use my reporting to help push for some of that change.

Please reach out with one of your own stories.

According to the Department of Transportation, which has been required to track these incidents since 2019, airlines damage or otherwise mishandle about 1.5% of the mobility devices they transport each month, translating to 11,389 incidents reported in 2022. That number is hardly comprehensive. Not everyone reports their damage to the airline in the first place, but it does give a sense of how great the problem is.

“Imagine if Americans were to see that this particular airline broke 700 wheelchairs last year, but substitute ‘legs’ for ‘wheelchair,’ ” Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., told me during a recent phone conversation. “We would be calling for all sorts of fixes.” 

To that end, Duckworth introduced a bill earlier this month that, if passed, would require both Congress and airlines to do more to address these incidents beyond just tracking them.

And advocates say there’s so much more to be done to make air travel accessible to everyone, too. Not all disabilities require the use of a mobility device, they point out, meaning all the focus on mobility-related issues in air travel can leave other needs unaddressed.

'We want the aisle chair to go away'

“This is part of the work that I’ve been doing over time,” Duckworth, who uses a wheelchair, said. “The next thing we need to know is the extent of the damage and also it would be helpful to know for those who are traveling with assistive devices, whether the aircraft can carry their devices.” 

Duckworth was instrumental in getting Congress to pass the requirement that airlines report mobility device incidents separately from baggage mishandling, but she said that’s just a first step.

To properly enact change, incidents need to be quantified and responsibility assigned. 

Under the Mobility Aids On Board Improve Lives and Empower All (MOBILE) Act, which Duckworth introduced earlier this month with Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the DOT would be required to evaluate the frequency and types of damage to mobility devices and develop a plan to research the technical feasibility of accommodating passengers in wheelchairs in the main cabin, among other provisions.

Don't panic: Southwest Airlines pilots vote to strike. Here's why your trip probably won't be affected.

“We want the aisle chair to go away,” Heather Ansley, associate executive director of government relations at Paralyzed Veterans of America , told me. In an ideal world, she said, “you’re either riding in your own device or transferring from your own device to the seat.” 

Many advocates say that having a dedicated space on board aircraft to secure wheelchairs to allow disabled passengers to fly using their own devices is a key goal.

“We do it on buses, we do it on trains,” Duckworth said. “In many ways, that is safer for the person with a disability, especially someone who has paralysis or is more medically fragile, to be strapped into a wheelchair which is basically molded to their body.” 

What else needs to happen?

Beyond the provisions in Duckworth’s bill, advocates say future regulations should consider a broader scope of disabilities.

“This is a problem across the disability spectrum,” Laura Saltzman, a transportation policy analyst at Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago , told me. “The number of people I talk to over an entire range of disabilities who don’t want to make a stink about it … This can intersect issues of race or a combination of disabilities where people might feel less comfortable.” 

Ansley also said that travel can be difficult for those with other kinds of disabilities as well.

“People who are deaf or hard of hearing, announcements on aircraft are not accessible, they’re barely accessible if you can hear sometimes,” she said. “It is true that air travel discriminates against just about every group of people with disabilities.” 

Saltzman said airlines should consider taking a page out of the book of their existing best practices in other areas to figure out how to treat their disabled customers better.

“Checklists are mandatory for safe flights,” she said, wondering why there isn’t a more standardized procedure for how to accommodate disabled passengers. “A checklist for: This is what I have to do for wheelchairs to make sure the wheelchair is secured and not rained on and a piece is not broken off.” 

A very important component: Restroom access needs to be improved too

Ansley also said that lavatory access on airplanes can be a huge problem for travelers with mobility issues. 

“Having access to a lavatory on board, that means having a safe, usable onboard wheelchair that can get you to that accessible lavatory,” she said. “If you change the structure of air travel you can actually eliminate a lot of the barriers and make it a little less labor intensive in terms of physically moving and lifting people, and instead just being there to assist as the person needs.” 

Single-aisle airplanes like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, some of the most popular aircraft in the sky today, are not required to have accessible bathrooms by the DOT. 

Charlie Brown, president of Paralyzed Veterans of America , said being transferred in and out of a wheelchair can be dangerous for travelers who rely on their devices to get around too.

“Our devices, which were modified for us or built for us specifically, are put in the cargo hold,” he said. “I was dropped to the jetway one time being transferred from (my) chair to the aisle chair and it broke my tailbone,” resulting in an infection and a monthslong hospital visit.

All the advocates I spoke to for this column said airlines need to face steeper penalties for damaging mobility devices or otherwise not providing the proper accommodations for disabled travelers. 

Story continues below:

Is the Department of Transportation doing anything?

The DOT released a bill of rights for disabled airline passengers last summer, but in a statement this week, the department acknowledged there’s more to do to make air travel accessible to everyone. 

“USDOT is using all the tools available to make air travel more accessible – from formal rulemaking processes on wheelchair handling and lavatory size, which inherently are more long term, to more immediate actions like instituting the first Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, expanding enforcement of the Air Carrier Access Act, and working directly with the airlines to ensure all passengers are treated with dignity,” a department spokesperson said Tuesday in a statement to USA TODAY. The statement also said the DOT is working on making airports and other forms of public transit more accessible as well. “Everyone deserves safe, efficient and accessible travel,” the statement said.

It’s clear that there’s still much work to be done to make flying truly accessible for all travelers, and I’m committed to continuing to cover this important topic.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

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House Passes Legislation to Improve Air Travel, Sending Bill to Biden’s Desk

The bipartisan vote to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration also greenlit measures to strengthen consumer protections and address safety and work force issues plaguing the skies.

By Kayla Guo

Reporting from the Capitol

The House on Wednesday passed legislation to reauthorize federal aviation programs and improve air travel at a time of intense passenger woes and dysfunction in the system, sending the bill to President Biden, who was expected to sign it into law.

The House approved the bill 387 to 26, days after the Senate passed it on a vote of 88 to 4.

The measure provides more than $105 billion to the Federal Aviation Administration and another $738 million to the National Transportation Safety Board for safety programs, airport modernization and infrastructure projects, technology upgrades and next-generation aviation systems. It also supports the hiring and training of air traffic controllers, codifies airlines’ refund obligations to passengers, restricts seating fees for families with children, strengthens protections for passengers with disabilities, bolsters aviation work force development programs and protects access to air travel at rural airports.

“For over a century, the United States has led the world in aviation safety and innovation, and this bill is critical to ensuring America remains the global leader in aviation,” Representative Sam Graves, Republican of Missouri and chairman of the Transportation Committee, said in a statement after the vote. “It’s vital to our economy, to millions of American jobs and to the millions of passengers that depend on our National Airspace System every single day.”

The final package, which lawmakers heralded as a timely and necessary investment in the nation’s aviation system and a win for consumers, was the product of months of negotiations between the House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over federal aviation programs. It was approved after Congress had repeatedly passed short-term extensions, blowing through several deadlines during a tumultuous period in the skies that included a spate of runway near collisions , plane malfunctions and flight disruptions.

Representative Rick Larsen of Washington, the top Democrat on the Transportation panel, said the legislation “will create a safer, cleaner, greener and more accessible aviation system here in the U.S.”

In a statement, he highlighted the measure’s safety and infrastructure improvements, the addition of well-paying aviation jobs, policies for putting forward new aviation technologies and “robust protections for airline customers.”

Among the consumer protections in the roughly 1,000-page bill is a provision codifying a new rule announced by the Transportation Department that requires airlines to “automatically” issue passengers full refunds when a flight is canceled, delayed or significantly changed. It also imposes a standard requiring that any travel credits airlines provide in lieu of refunds be viable for at least five years, and it seeks to ensure that families can sit together on flights without being charged additional fees.

The package also aims to address safety and work force challenges that have dogged the aviation system. It requires the F.A.A. to supercharge the hiring and training of air traffic controllers to help bolster a work force pushed to the brink . It directs the agency to increase the deployment of safety technologies to help stem runway near collisions. And it mandates cockpit voice recordings be preserved for 25 hours, up from two hours, to better support investigations into future safety incidents.

Lawmakers, led by Senator Tammy Duckworth, a former Army helicopter pilot who uses a wheelchair after an attack by Iraqi insurgents took her legs, inserted measures aimed at improving air travel for passengers with disabilities. The bill requires the F.A.A. to re-evaluate evacuation procedures on planes to account for passengers with disabilities and older fliers; mandates training for airport workers on handling wheelchairs; and strengthens enforcement mechanisms to ensure planes are accessible to people with disabilities.

“This F.A.A. reauthorization is a true bipartisan win for our entire economy as well as a landmark improvement for aviation safety that will benefit the flying public and consumers across this country,” Ms. Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, said in a statement last week after the Senate passed the bill.

She called the legislation the “most significant effort by Congress in over a decade to make flying safer, easier and more accessible for passengers with disabilities.”

A number of policy disputes and regional battles slowed approval of the bill. Considered one of the last must-pass items in this Congress, the measure had become a magnet for dozens of other policy initiatives that threatened to muck up its path to passage. But those were dispensed with in the Senate last week.

The legislation prompted a bitter regional fight over a provision that will add five new long-distance round-trip flights out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport outside Washington, D.C., something that Delta Air Lines and members of Congress who rely heavily on the airport had long clamored for.

The four senators from Maryland and Virginia sought to strike that change, arguing that the airport maintains the nation’s busiest runway and could not support additional flights.

They were the only votes against the bill in the Senate, after Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, the top Republican on the Commerce Committee, blocked a vote on their proposal to give the transportation secretary final say on adding the new flights based on a safety and consumer experience evaluation.

The House, which passed its version of the bill last summer, had narrowly rejected a bipartisan proposal to add seven round-trip flights to Reagan National. On Wednesday, several Washington-area lawmakers voted against the bill in protest of the addition of the five round-trip flights.

“We should not accept a backroom deal between senators just to reflect special interests,” Representative Donald S. Beyer, Democrat of Virginia, said on the House floor before the vote. “It’s painful that this measure is still in the bill despite widespread bipartisan opposition. I cannot support a bill that hurts my constituents, disrespects all the elected leaders from Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. and directly harms our airport and the passengers who use it.”

The bill held the mandatory pilot retirement age at 65 after a clash over whether to raise it to 67. Proponents argued that doing so would ease a strained pilot work force. But opponents in both parties said it would not fill gaps in the work force, and would instead lead to a constellation of logistical, legal and safety concerns , as pilots older than 65 are generally barred from flying internationally.

After a fight over changing a rule that dictates the type and amount of flight time pilots must accrue to fly commercially, Congress also rejected attempts to count more hours of simulated flight time toward the 1,500-hour requirement and maintained the existing standards, which were imposed after a plane crashed near Buffalo in 2009 , killing everyone aboard.

Kayla Guo covers Congress for The New York Times as the 2023-24 reporting fellow based in Washington. More about Kayla Guo

Our Coverage of Congress

Here’s the latest news and analysis from capitol hill..

Aviation Bill: The House passed legislation to reauthorize federal aviation programs  and improve air travel  at a time of intense passenger woes and dysfunction in the system, sending the bill to President Biden.

Addressing A.I.: A bipartisan group of senators released a long-awaited legislative plan for A.I. , calling for billions in funding to propel American leadership in the technology while offering few details on regulations.

A White-Collar Indictment: Representative Henry Cuellar started from humble origins, but records show he welcomed the trappings of power afforded by his position. Here’s how an indictment shattered his blue-collar image .

Biden Impeachment: A crop of freshman Democrats on the House Oversight Committee has countered Republicans’ allegations against Biden with attention-grabbing charges of their own .

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