I was fully prepared to take on New York City. I had my cash, my purse on my lap (not hanging on the back of my chair like usual for fear of pick-pocketers), my tourist-guide, and I even watched dozens of Mad About You and Seinfeld episodes. I was mistaken.
TV’s romanticized view of NYC is great, but is sucks if you’re a naive Midwesterner like me. I was shocked. My numb, paralyzed self was buzzing with freaked out nerves throughout my entire New York experience. New York City is a place unlike anywhere else. It is the city of dreams for millions, but for me, it was the city of surprising inaccessibility.
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There were delightful moments that happened, so I can’t totally bash New York. I can however give you an “in” on the city before you decide to stretch your small-town wings in the Big Apple. Use my experience as a guide in order to decide if NY is the place for you.
We trekked across the Midwest in our adorable ’94 Plymouth Voyager (lift equipped!) all the way to the East Coast. After two days we finally made our way to our home base for the rest of the trip: East New Brunswick, New Jersey.
This article will cover all you need to know about tackling and enjoying New York City. Accommodations, transportation, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island will all be covered.
March 22, 2008 Deaf Mom said:
I was just in NY a few days ago and learned that they now have 144 accessible taxis.
Karen, aka DeafMom
March 22, 2008 ChenChen said:
I went to NYC about a year ago with my parents and brother. I was surprised by how many things were not accessible but the people were for the most part very helpful. I also figured since my mom and I had made our way through Mexico (successfully) the summer before we could take on NYC. There were some interesting times but we made it through and I hope to return again.
March 26, 2008 arjanger said:
As someone who visits New York regularly, I know it takes some preparation and accomodation. So, to add to the article: Restaurants and theaters are more often than not accessible; although, they may need warning to make a place for you and to give assistance. Accessible toilets, however, are a problem. Many are down stairs and are too small for a wheelchair. You gotta call and ask. As for driving, I drive with hand controls in the city. I concede it ain't easy, but not because of the hand controls. Finally, I have found New Yorkers uniformly helpful and anxious to give assistance, even in small things like opening doors. Oh, there are some baddies, but I have found them very rare.
April 10, 2008 speedy1354 said:
I was just in NYC over my last spring break. I had a blast and can
t wait till I go back.
Words of Caution:
DON'T use the subway!! Along with, I believe, 15% only accessible stations, many of the platforms are not even with the subway car. Just don't use it. Instead, use the bus. They were friendly and knew how to work the lift, I don't believe you have to pay either. I know when I flew in that my taxi, Super-Shuttle, didn't get the message that my flight was late so they left! Granted I got in at 1am but I was stuck their till 5:30am.
Downtown-Midtown:
Once your their, you're pretty much set. There are a bunch of ramps (not really around the noth side of Grand Central Station).
Attractions:
-Food: Carmines = AWESOME, but $$$. They have a elevator in the back to get upstairs.
Local shops are a great cheap place to get food.
-Theater: DON'T get your tickets at the hotel! When you go to the theater box officer, you can get two tickets at lower level for the price of ONE! This is a must do in NYC.
-Central Park: Easy to get around, try to go early in the morning, less people.
-Empire State Building: We you go in, the people a great and you AND your party bypass EVERY line. Its crowed at the top so have someone run clearance for you.
Its a great trip once your there.
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