Accessibility

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About 10% of New Yorkers have a disability with varying access needs. The environment can create barriers to meet those … Read more.

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About 10% of New Yorkers have a disability with varying access needs. The environment can create barriers to meet those needs, or remove those barriers.

For example, when someone who needs electric medical equipment has access to reliable and affordable energy, or someone who uses a wheelchair or scooter has access to smooth, crack-free streets and sidewalks, and transit stations with working elevators. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to ensuring accessibility in every context, there are so many ways to improve it: we can ensure ASL interpretation is available at doctor’s offices and safety trainings, evacuation plans for storms include guidance for people using mobility aids, and parks are close and easy to visit for physical activity.

Other examples include:

  • Tactile signage

  • Using plain, inclusive, accessible language for all digital and physical communications

  • Clarify the process for requesting accommodations


Get more resources about accessibility.

Concerned about this? Email your elected officials.

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Accessible subway stations

Accessible subway stations may include ramps, elevators, audio and visual information, or other access improvements, which can help New Yorkers with disabilities, those traveling with strollers, and older people use public transit more safely and reliably. Accessible infrastructure ensures that subway stations follow American Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

Walking distance to an accessible subway station

Population within a half mile of an accessible subway station. When more people have convenient access to the transit system, they're more likely to use it. Accessible subway stations may include ramps, elevators, or other access improvements that help New Yorkers with disabilities, those traveling with strollers, and older adults use public transit more safely and reliably. Accessible infrastructure ensures that subway stations follow American Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

Walking distance to a subway station

The percentage of population within a quarter-mile of a subway station entrance. When more people have convenient access to the transit system, they're more likely to use it. Subway access encourages active transportation, which improves the health of residents.

Bus stops with audio announcements

Bus stops equipped with button-activated audio announcements provide real-time bus arrival information for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Walking distance to an audio bus stop

Population within a half mile of an accessible subway station. Bus stops equipped with button-activated audio announcements provide real-time bus arrival information for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Public bathroom availability

Public bathrooms that are in service and open during scheduled hours. Public bathrooms help everyone take part in public life and make the city more livable for all New Yorkers.

Independent living difficulty (adults)

Adults reporting independent living difficulty due to a physical, mental, or emotional problem. People with disabilities may need additional support during extreme weather. For example, extra planning for safe travel out of evacuation zones during a hurricane, or back-up electricity to support medical equipment during power outages.

Difficulty walking

People with disabilities or access needs that make it difficult to walk or climb stairs. When transit and buildings have more accessible infrastructure like elevators and ramps it can make NYC easier to navigate for all New Yorkers. People with ambulatory difficulties may also need accommodation to navigate their home.

Cognitive difficulty

People reporting trouble remembering, concentrating, or making decisions. Individuals with this difficulty may have access needs or benefit from accommodations.

Hearing difficulty

People reporting serious trouble hearing. Individuals with trouble hearing may have access needs or benefit from accommodations.

Self-care difficulty

People reporting trouble practicing self-care. These individuals have trouble with essential self-care activities such as bathing, dressing, and getting around their residence. They may benefit from assistance or accommodations.

Vision difficulty

People reporting blindness or serious trouble seeing (even when wearing glasses). These individuals may have access needs or benefit from accommodations.

Home fall-related emergency department visits (age 65+)

Emergency department visits due to home falls (age 65+). Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults

Households using electric medical equipment

Households with someone using electric medical equipment. People who use electric medical equipment are more vulnerable during power outages or evacuations.