New York City with disabilities

[pannm]

My daughter is 11. She has mobility issues and requires the use of a wheelchair for anything more than 20 feet of walking. She had surgery on her foot and it will be a long and slow process to recover. She also has a few sensory issues and gets distracted/aggravated with loud sounds, crazy amounts of people.

My husband is going to New York for 2 days for work and we have the chance to go with him and make it into a longer family trip. We'd have good hotel, close to central park and all the main areas that we'd need to be in. He really wants us all to go but, I am nervous about our 11 year old!

I am concerned about the fact that we've #1 never been to New York before...#2 how is NYC with a wheelchair???? #3 How is NYC with sensory issues and #4 I'd rather go on a relaxing vacation (which is besides the point here, but it's another reason why I'd rather not go...)

Please give me some advise. I've heard NYC is difficult for people who've never been AND have mobility/health issues/sensory issues. I'm sure people who live there feel differently. There are some people who can't imagine living any place BUT NYC. We are not those people. Yes, we'd like to visit ONE DAY, but maybe waiting until she's more mobile again would be better?

How is getting around in a wheelchair in NYC?
On and off the subway???
Visiting museums, top attractions??? She's already mad about the fact that she can't go up into the statue of liberty!!! That is the one thing she was most excited about!
Getting around the streets with wheelchairs??? We had friends that went and told us that people were rude, they didn't move out of the way of wheelchairs...people were everywhere and didn't seem to even notice the wheelchair...is that going to be what we experience?

 

[buffettgirl]

Be prepared for a very crowded, city. In other words, people have their own concerns and worries and your needs aren't on their radar. It doesn't mean they're rude, it means that everyone else is trying to go about their business, just trying to get around in a very busy, and very crowded city. And they're not on vacation. Nothing personal, but I"m afraid you're going to take it that way if that's what your expectations are, already.

I'd say New York City is probably the last place I'd want to take my 11 year, in a wheelchair, with sensory issues who is bothered by noise and people. Well, maybe Disney might be the last place, and NYC the second to last place.

 

[NJlauren]

It is do able with a wherlchair especially considering your location. However as some one who isn't used to the subway Id probably stick to the bus or taxis. (Uber is a great taxi service/app) Not all subway stations have elevators, and it can be hard to navigate. It is do able but may not ideal.

As for museums they are totally do able, and enjoyable. Central Park as well. Restaurants are accomidating, so are stores, American girl (if she is into that). As for sensory issues I know some theaters have autism friendly preformances (I know she may not have autism, but I'm using this as an example of services available).

I do not think it will be relaxing for you if you are stressed out, do I think it's do able yes. If you aren't feeling it I don't blame you for wanting to pass.

Feel free to PM if you want to chat.

 

[HopperFan]

Used to live there, love it and have been back a few times but it's a different world. Lots of NYC experience with DS and major sensory issues plus others but no w/c. Ear protection a must, aside from all city noise the ongoing horns honking and sirens going can be unnerving. DS kept his iPod with wrap around headphones on all the time. People everywhere and they really do not yield to anyone let alone make eye contact. You can have a good trip if you know what to expect, PLAN and ANTICIPATE what you will need to do.

If you want to go high - go to Rockefeller Center's Top of the Rock. It is a full top to bottom glass wall so she will be able to see forever up there - the whole city. It's way better view than the Statue of Liberty. http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/ She won't have visibility at Empire State, they are high stone walls.

Look in to Circle Line Boat tour depending on weather. The cruises will take you close to the State of Liberty and have tours around entire island. http://www.circleline42.com/new-york-cruises/home.aspx

Everywhere we went folks pulled us out of line telling us that the handicapped got priority access. Empire State we were escorted past hundreds waiting. Always ask if there is any extra assistance. At the Half Price Tickets Center in Times Square for Broadway tickets they told us we go to the head of the line. It was a 3 hour wait. We did two shows half price. He could have never waited otherwise.

I would def study the NYC transportation options, that would be my biggest concern. The subway does not go under the park and depending on which museums you are going to and where your hotel is you will do best to walk east or west to the stations. If you all can get her in a cab and fold her chair that might be your best bet. I do subways all the time, always have but always be aware of your surroundings and never get on express trains.

Subway elevators - http://web.mta.info/accessibility/stations.htm#manhattan
Subway map - http://web.mta.info/maps/submap.html

 

[Magic Band Defender]

Many of the subway stations do not have elevators, and many that say they have elevators are broken!

I second Top of the Rock, which will give you amazing views of Central Park and the Empire State Building. Top of the Rock will probably also be closer to your hotel than Empire State Building.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I would be cautious going to NYC, or at least would have realistic expectations. I would avoid the subways with her completely. (And I always use them when I go to NYC, I am not anti-subway!) But the elevators can be broken, or of working, pretty gross.

My son has some of the same issues that you stated, we live in NJ, and I rarely take him into the city unless we drive. I even skip taking him to the Bronx Zoo (which is AMAZING) because it is so hilly, and pushing him up and down would be too hard for me (he is an adult now who uses a convaid chair at disney, museums, zoos).

At least the snow is now gone, we were in Brooklyn over the weekend and navigating the streets there with the piles of snow was difficult, and we did not have anyone in a WC with us.