Seeing NYC With a Disability: How To Do It All

New York City is undeniably a destination that remains toward the top of any traveler’s bucket list, whether you’ve been there before or not. However, for disabled travelers, the question remains: is this city suitable for me? Thankfully, the answer is yes – and here’s how to make the most of your time spent in the Big Apple.

Rent a wheelchair for when you arrive

One of the main things you’ll want to prepare before touching down in the Big Apple is having a wheelchair ready and waiting for you. Whatever you plan on doing in New York City, you’ll find there’s a lot of walking involved – and depending on the severity of your disability, it’s likely you’ll need a chair to get around.

Arguably the best way to take in the sights and the atmosphere of the city is by walking and taking it all in as its energy flows around you, and if you’re with a disability you shouldn’t have to miss out. Be sure to secure a chair to be waiting for you at your hotel as soon as you arrive and check in to avoid hesitation or delay.

Take one of the tour buses

Alternatively, consider taking an in-depth tour of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs on one of New York City’s many sightseeing buses. Although they can be costly, they’re worth every cent – the tour guides are often native New Yorkers, giving you an insight into every sight, every street and every building you come across, whether it be its relevance in terms of the city or an entertaining personal anecdote.

There are plenty of routes you can take, whether it be through Manhattan past the main sights or out to surrounding areas such as Brooklyn and the Bronx – and, if you’re a night owl, be sure to take a later tour to see the city’s bright lights up close.

Hail a cab that’s wheelchair friendly

Although New York City’s cabs are frequent, efficient and complete with friendly drivers, they’re often quite small and cramped – and chances are a disabled passenger wouldn’t even be able to ride. So, be sure to seek out the bigger vehicles, as they’re often able to accommodate, and the drivers will do everything they can to help you on board.

There’s even some dedicated numbers to phone should you be unable to find a suitable vehicle. The official NYC Accessible Dispatch Transportation Service is perhaps the best choice, allowing visitors to call or use an app in any of the city’s five boroughs.

Book a suitable hotel

It’s no secret that New York City – or Manhattan in particular – has a hotel seemingly on every single street. So, it won’t be difficult to find one perfectly suited to you, and it’s important you do to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Most if not all of New York City’s hotels are able to accommodate disabled travellers, but be sure you’ll be getting amenities such as accessible bathrooms, elevators and step-free access to and from the street, as echoed by Insurancewith. In any case, the staff at the hotel will more than likely go out of their way to help you with anything you need.

Don’t rule anything out

Last but certainly not least, it’s crucial you don’t fall into the misconception of something being off-limits. New York City is proudly one of the world’s most accessible destinations, with most – if not all – of its attractions, restaurants, bars and hotels welcoming disabled visitors all the same.

As a disabled traveller, you shouldn’t have to miss out on the biggest and the best of New York City’s offerings. And, thankfully, you don’t have to.