While every attempt has been made to ensure the greatest degree of accuracy of the contents within, 20 States on Wheels makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this book and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this book. No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, contents of this book or its URLs to other Internet resources. Reference in this the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by 20 States on Wheels. Many of the photographs used in this book were taken directly by team members of 20 States on Wheels. All photographs not taken by our team members were posted online under Creative Commons 2.0 copyright licensing, and an attribution to the photographer is listed.
for Haley Rue, fellow adventurer, whose spirit lives on.
New York City, NY by Cyn
“Where’s the key?!” each of us repeated over twenty times while searching the hotel room for our car key. It was our last day in New York. To this day, it is still a mystery to me how we managed to lose it. We it. Worse thoughts came into my mind: “what if we left the key in the car and it got stolen?” New York is not a city to leave your car unlocked. I thought back to when
(the subway is not easy for wheelchair users to use, as many stations are not accessible). Had we forgotten the key and somehow left it in the parking garage? We searched our memories, and were almost positive that we had brought the key. But where was it? Brad and You-Myeong took the subway all the way back to the garage to check to see if the key was in the car. To their relief, the car was still there, but the key was nowhere to be seen inside. We called Hertz and they sent a tow truck. But when starting to run out of ideas. Fortunately, Brad’s family had a AAA membership, and they were able to send a locksmith to fashion a new key for us. To make sure we didn’t waste time, the rest of us booked tickets to go review the Rockefeller Center, the last attraction on our list, while Brad stayed behind to wait for the locksmith. Finally, with a new key, after such a stressful last day in New York, we still had a long drive to Brad’s aunt’s house in Connecticut. We were very relieved when we arrived safely and collapsed on the soft beds in her house.
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Basics Weather widely. Here are some basic guidelines: Spring Spring brings a lot of rain, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s and 40s. Bring an umbrella and rain jacket.
Autumn Although it does not last very long, fall is said to be the best time of the year to visit NYC, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. Bring a sweater.
Summer A very hot and humid season, with highs in the 90s and lows in the 70s. Bring light clothing.
Winter Be prepared for bitter cold and heavy snowfall, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s or colder with the windchill. Bring winter gear.
Parking with a Disability Placard New York DOES accept disability placards from other states. However, New York City does not set aside reserved spaces on its streets for persons with disabilities. Designated handicap parking spaces are only available and college campuses. In New York City, people with disability placards cannot park for free at parking meters. The NYC Department of Transportation issues a special City permit allowing drivers with severe disabilities to park at most curbsides on NYC streets. For more information or to obtain an application for a NYC permit, call (718) 433-3100.
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New York City, NY
Accessible Van Rental The following are some companies in New York that rent wheelchair accessible vans: Bussani Mobility Toll-Free: (888) 379-4709 Local: (718) 530-6150 41-43B 39th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 www.bussanimobility.com Bussani Mobility rents wheelchair accessible vans with hand controls. Be sure to reserve at least 3-4 weeks in advance during peak season. Wheelchair Getaways New Jersey Toll-Free : (800) 344-5005 Local : (973) 546-1900 www.wheelchairgetaways.com 255 US Hwy 46, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 Wheelchair Getaways rents wheelchair accessible vans with hand controls. This New Jersey location charges a fee to deliver vans to airports in New York. Be sure to reserve at least a week in advance. AMS Vans Toll-Free: (866) 968-2947 Local: (585) 939-7915 www.mobilityvansny.com/rent-wheelchair-vans-in-new-york.php AMS Vans rents wheelchair accessible vans but does not offer vehicles with hand controls. Wheelers of New York Toll-Free: (855) 339-2916 Local: (718) 530-0606 x 303 19-57 Steinway St. Astoria, NY 11105 wheelersvanrentals.com/US/new-york-wheelchair-van-rentals/ Wheelers of New York rents wheelchair accessible vans but does not offer vehicles with hand controls.
Accessible Taxi the dispatch center at (646) 599-9999. You may also request a wheelchair accessible cab via the Accessible Dispatch mobile website at www.accessibledispatch. com or download their app: WOW, or Wheels on Wheels. To use the app, you do
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Basics Public Transportation Airtrain Service From JFK or Newark airport, an Airtrain service is available to downtown New York. All Airtrain stations are equipped with elevators and all trains are accessiBroadway and 106th Street for a price of $2.50. Bus All buses are accessible in New York City. Subway: Not all subway stations in New York are accessible. Accessible stops are labeled below with the international handicap sign and the station is highlighted yellow. local trains only. For a complete map of the entire New York subway system, see our website at 20statesonwheels.com.
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Attractions
New York City, NY
Courtesy of Terabass
Over 330,000 people pass through Times Square every day.
Times Square
Times Square, New York, NY 10036 (212) 768-1560 www.timessquarenyc.org Parking
several commercial parking garages available
Broadway Walking Tour: Time Daily at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. Leaves from The Actor’s Chapel, 49th St between Broadway and 8th Ave Price $30.00 per person Times Square is one of the most recognizable commercial neighborhoods in people pass through Times Square every day. While the streets and sidewalks wheelchair users, and we recommend having assistance when visiting here. This shopping, eating, and entertainment district also is home to the Broadway theater district. Ticket discounts and wheelchair seating are available for many
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leave from The Actor’s Chapel on 49th St between Broadway and 8th Ave. 20 States on Wheels New York City, NY
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A lake at Central Park. Skyscrapers are visible in the distance.
Central Park Central Park, New York, NY, 10029 (212) 310-6600 www.centralparknyc.org Bathroom
accessible restrooms are available at the following locations: Delecorte Theater Charles A. Dana Discovery Center North Meadow Recreation Center Conservatory Garden
Parking Hours
The Arsenal Loeb Boathouse commercial parking garages available nearby Daily 6:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
through all parts of the park. Most areas in the park are not too hilly and are accessible, although a few parts are steep and some buildings have tions about which areas you plan to visit. 354
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Attractions
New York City, NY
Visitor Centers: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center New York, NY 10029 Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Belvedere Castle Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Dairy Visitor Center Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Chess & Checkers House Hours:
November to March: April to October:
Wed – Sun, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tues – Sun, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Columbus Circle Information Kiosk Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Flat paved sidewalks throughout make many areas of the park accessible.
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Attractions
New York City, NY
The Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028 (212) 535-7710 www.metmuseum.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Price
Hours
accessible entrances by plaza at 81st Street and on 5th Ave garage with designated handicap parking available donation of your choice, with suggested admission: Adults: $25.00 Seniors (65+): $17.00 Students: $12.00 Members/Children (under 12): Free Mon-Thurs, Sun: 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Fri-Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. The main entrance to the MET is not accessible due to stairs.
If you believe that museum attendance is a necessary part of being an educated citizen, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the museum you need to visit. This massive of art from all over the world and would take many days
Courtesy of Fcb981
main entrance is not accessible. An alternate accessible entrance is located by the plaza at 81st Street. Inside, the museum is fully accessible by elevator, and accessiavailable at the information desk. Wheelchairs are avail-
Signs guide wheelchair users to the accessible entrance. 356
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Tourists enjoying an exhibit of sculptures inside the museum.
served basis for free.
All areas of the museum are accessible by elevator.
Courtesy of Ed Schipul
Museum of Modern Art 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 (212) 708-9400 www.moma.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Price
Hours
fully accessible main entrance level and entry level of Cullman Building street parking Adults: $25.00 Seniors: $18.00 Students: $14.00 Children (16 and under): Free Summer (July 1 - August 31) Sat-Wed: 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Thurs-Fri: 10:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Regular Hours Sat-Thurs: 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Fri: 10:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Courtesy of Alsandro
The Museum of Modern Art in New ential modern art museum in the world. The entrance is at street level and the museum has clear markings for accessibility in large letters and signs. Elevators provide
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garden is accessible by ramp. The inner courtyard area is accessible by ramp.
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Attractions
New York City, NY
9/11 Memorial and Museum 200 Liberty St, World Trade Center, New York City, NY 10006 (212) 312-8800 www.911memorial.org Entrance Bathroom Parking
Price
Hours
fully accessible main entrance accessible restrooms available Memorial does not offer parking. The Memorial website directs visitors to the nearby Battery Adults: Seniors (65+)/Veterans/Students: Youth (7-17):
$24.00 $18.00 $15.00
U.S. Military (with valid ID): Free 9/11 Family Members: Free Tuesdays after 5:00 p.m.: Free for all visitors. Last admission at 7:00 p.m. Memorial Waterfalls: Daily 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Memorial Museum: Daily 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. The 9/11 Museum, dedicated in remembrance of the lives lost and the communities profoundly affected on Morial Waterfalls. The memorials are dug into the ground below street level, and the railing might obstruct a seated wheelchair user’s view. Inside the museum, wheelchair users have to make slight detours to get to the elevators, but every part of the museum is fully accessible.
Courtesy of Edward Stojakovic
The 9/11 Memorial fountains as seen from above.
This steel beam was the last column removed from Ground Zero. 358
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Courtesy of Cadiomals
The main entrance to the American Museum of Natural History is not accessible.
American Museum of Natural History Central Park W & 79th St, New York, New York 10024 (212) 769-5250 www.amnh.org Entrance Bathroom
Parking
Price
Hours
accessible entrance on 81st Street accessible restrooms are available at the following locations: Lower level near the subway entrance Lower level, Rose Center for Earth and Space
lot with designated handicap parking at 81st entrance donation of your choice, with suggested admission: Adults: $22.00 Seniors/Students with ID: $17.00 Children (2-12): $12.50 Daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. The American Museum of Natural History, situatlion specimens of natural, cultural and historical artifacts, and is one of the largest museums in the world.
Roar! A dinosaur skeleton at the Museum of Natural History.
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though you may have to wait in line as there are many people waiting to use the elevator. Several accessible restrooms are available throughout the museum. 20 States on Wheels New York City, NY
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Attractions
New York City, NY
Tourists boarding the ferry. Staff will assist wheelchair users in boarding.
Liberty and Ellis Islands / Statue of Liberty Battery Park, New York City, New York 10004 (877) 523-9849 www.statuecruises.com Entrance Bathroom Parking Price
Hours
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Ferry: accessible entrance by ramp with staff assistance Museum: fully accessible main entrance Ferry: Museum: none Adults: $18.00 Seniors (62+): $14.00 Children (4-12): $9.00 Children (under 4): Free To book tickets online: Mon-Sun: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. For more accurate schedule please check:
20 States on Wheels New York City, NY
The Great Hall in the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, where millions of immigrants passed into the country from 1892 until 1954.
Don’t miss this chance to see the Statue of
The Statue of Liberty is a worldwide symbol of freedom and of the United States. Enter the ferry to Liberty Island via a ramp that, while slippery and steep, is attended by crew members who will assist with boarding. The boat shakes quite a bit before it heads off to the islands. Once it starts, you can enjoy the same majestic view of the Statue of Liberty that millions of immigrants and countless tourists have seen. Crown Tickets to the top of the Statue should be reserved online several months in advance. The base of the statue is accessible with lifts, but the outdoor observation deck and balcony at the top are not wheelchair accessible. There is one accessible bathroom. All areas of the museum at Ellis Island are accessible. An elevator leads to the upper
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and Ellis Islands Information Desks. 20 States on Wheels New York City, NY
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Attractions
The Rockefeller Center as seen from street level.
Courtesy of ArtBrom
Rockefeller Center 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10111 (212) 698-2000 www.rockefellercenter.com Entrance Bathroom Parking Price
Hours
fully accessible main entrance accessible restrooms available at Top of the Rock observation deck “Top of the Rock”: Adults: $30.00 Seniors (62+): $28.00 Children (6-12): $20.00 Daily 8:00 a.m.- Midnight (last elevator goes up at 11:00 p.m.)
The Rockefeller Center is a sprawling commercial center in Midtown and a National Historic Monument. The Center includes the famous Radio City Music Hall and the headquarters of NBC, and is home to several highly prominent late-night television shows. An observation deck called the “Top of the Rock,” located on the 67th, city skyline. All entrances to the Top of the Rock are accessible and the Rockefeller Center is accessible throughout by elevator. Accessible restrooms are also available. 362
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A long study room in the Schwarzman Building.
Courtesy of Alex Proimos
New York Public Library - Stephen A Schwarzman Building 5th Ave at 42nd St, New York, New York 10018 (917) 275-6975 www.nypl.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Price Hours
accessible side entrance on 42nd St towards 42nd St side street parking Free Mon, Thurs-Sat: Tues-Wed: Sun:
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is the main branch of the system and a designated National Historic Monument. The building houses 15 million historic items and a wide collection of research in the humanities and social sciences, as well as several public reading rooms
The library’s main entrance is not accessible.
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Wall Street
The New York Stock Exchange is located on Wall Street.
Wall St, New York, NY 10005 (212) 608-0130 www.thewallstreetexperience.com Parking
cial parking garages available nearby
-
Financial Crisis Tour: Time Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 10:00 a.m. Price Adults: $50 Children (under 15): Free Wall Street Insider Tour: Time Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 1:30 p.m. Price Adults: $35 Children (under 15): Free tor of the United States. Tours of the area give histories
The famous Wall Street bull. The area around the bull is quite bumpy.
although one building has stairs there is an alternate entrance with a ramp in the back of the building. It can also just be fun to walk around this area. In addition, be sure to check out the “Charging Bull,� a huge bronze statue of a bull that serves as a physical symbol of Wall the road at Broadway and Morris Street). Wheelchair bull, as the area around it is quite bumpy.
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Attractions
New York City, NY
The Brooklyn Bridge as seen from below.
Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY Parking
commercial parking lots available
Courtesy of Jim Henderson
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States and an iconic symbol of New York. The Bridge is just nice to look at from any point on the city’s southern waterfront, but the walk across the bridge is well known for its scenic views of the city, and is a nice thing to do for free in New York. Enter the pedestrian walkway on Centre St across from the New York City Hall. The entire bridge is one mile long, and if you plan to walk back across, plan for an
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here has a slight incline and this can make it quite a workout over a long distance. The pathway is slightly sloped, which can make it tiring over a long distance.
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Hotels
in New York City
This randomly compiled list displays some of the hotels with accessible rooms in New York City.
Hotel Name
Star Rating
Mayor Hotel
2
79 Division St, New York, NY 10002 (212) 966-1988
Da Vinci Hotel
2
244 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019 (212) 489-4100
Comfort Inn Manhattan Bridge
2
61-63 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002
(212) 925-1212
Hotel Pennsylvania
2
401 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001
(212) 736-5000
The Hotel Newton
2
2528 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
(212) 678-6500
Days Inn Bronx-Yankee Stadium
2
(718) 993-6600
Days Inn NYC-Broadway
2
215 W 94th St, New York, NY 10025 (212) 866-6400
Extended Stay America LGA Airport
2
Hampton Inn Manhattan-Madison Square Garden Area
3
Wyndham Garden Chinatown
3
The Solita Soho Hotel
3
159 Grand St, New York, NY 10013 (212) 925-3600
414 Hotel
3
414 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036 (212) 399-0006
tone, NY 11357
Phone
-
(718) 357-3661
116 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001 (212) 947-9700 93 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
(646) 329-3400
3
156-08 Rockaway Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11434
(718) 977-3300
Warwick New York Hotel
4
65 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019
(212) 247-2700
Martha Washington
4
29 E 29th St, New York, NY 10016
(212) 689-1900
Andaz 5th Avenue
4
485 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017
(212) 601-1234
Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York
5
28 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 (212) 790-8800
JFK Airport
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Address
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# Accessible # with Roll-in Shower Designated Distance to Rooms Showers Accommodations Handicap Parking Downtown (miles) 5
0
none
parking not included
1.2
3
2
none
parking not included
4.7
4
4
chair by request
parking not included
1.4
25
25
built-in bench
parking not included
2.9
6
6
chair by request
parking not included
6.4
4
1
none
yes
11
6
6
built-in bench
parking not included
6.4
6
2
built-in bench
yes
17.4
4
2
built-in bench
parking not included
2.8
5
5
chair by request
valet parking
1.2
12
12
built-in bench
parking not included
1
2
0
none
parking not included
4
2
2
built-in bench
yes
16.9
11
5
chair by request
valet parking
3.9
8
8
chair by request
parking not included
3.2
6
6
built-in bench
valet parking
3.7
7
7
built-in bench
valet parking
6.1 20 States on Wheels New York City, NY
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