Accessible Manhattan?

[LaMemChose]

Looking for real life experiences anyone may have with wheeling and getting around in Manhattan and close environs in winter. There's a conference I'm looking to attend and my hope is not to be trapped in either my hotel or the site of the meetings.

TIA for any info re: cabs, subways, sidwalks (Are these regularly cleared of snow?), transport from airports, etc.

[wheeliecoach]

LaMem -

From my experience, the sidewalks (at least the main ones) are usually cleared. Mostly every corner has some sort of curb cut. I believe there are a few accessible cabs...but finding them...I believe you need to call in advance. Some subway platforms are accessible, so if you take it make sure your destination platform is also accessible.

It has been a while since I have been there. I am not too fond of being in Manhattan due to the sheer amount of people. I did not like it before I was disabled...and now...something about always looking at people's butts does not sit too well with me.

[Liz321]

Snow sucks anywhere. NYC gets slushy at the curb cuts. In Manhattan you should be fine. The mayor's office has a website (I posted it before somewhere) for visitors with disabilities.

Give United Spinal a call.

[carbar]

What part of town do you plan on staying in? And when you say winter, what month do you mean?
My experience of visiting Manhattan was overall pretty good but I still encountered difficulties from time to time. A lot depends on where you are staying and how often you need to cover longer distances. I used to live there before my accident so had people there to meet and help me out, but generally I found most others to be pretty helpful and patient too.

[LaMemChose]

Thanks all for the info and suggestions.

Carbar, it will be mid-town Manhattan and January.

[nancyt]

As Thomas Wolfe wrote in Bonfire of The Vanities, you are going to have to insulate yourself in order to be happy and safe on the Isle of Manhattan.

Advance Planning: You should be able to schedule important rides with an accessible taxi in advance. However, there is also Wheelchair Getaways where you could rent a vehicle. Parking and in and out is very good at the Holiday Inn on West 57th and many other buildings have in building parking--a real life saver in the wintertime. You just have to budget for the parking, Fortunately, it is probably one of the most reasonable places to park in town. You can drive into the Metropolitan Museum parking and it is easy to get into the building--there is a map online and this is a must as once you are in there is not much information(this is typical) on the accessible elevators. There are some eating venues inside but we do not find them to be that easy to access-so plan your meals for elsewhere but do visit the wonderful shop there for trip souvenirs. It is Pay as you Wish which can be $1.00 (you will be paying a lot more for everything else including parking).

Other restaurants will offer valet parking for you at the curb. The Time Warner Building has a huge mall and a parking garage in building so going outside is not an issue and you can get across the street from there to Central Park. Visit the Rose Center for a Jazz concert or Asiate for a great meal and view of the city.There are also other climate controlled fine restaurants and cafes in the indoor mall which are top rated.

Lincoln Center is nearby. Again-You can park in the building to go to the Met Opera. Seats in the Family Circle are only $25 each and you have the libretto translation to English which I personally love. The tour of the Met Opera is accessible too and we loved it. There is a great cafe there in the building that is a special treat and also a store for purchasing musical souvenirs.
You might enjoy this as much as a Broadway Show.
If you are coming around the holidays, get tickets to NY Ballet Nutcracker at Lincoln Center.

There is rarely snow on the ground in Manhattan before Jan 1 as most snowfalls are quickly melted by the street traffic and cleaned away. However, there can be snow surprises after Nov 15 and rainstorms can be very very heavy sometimes.That said, it is possible to spend a visit all cozy and inside to control all the weather issues probably easier than anywhere on earth with the proper planning.

Curb cuts can be weirdly available on one side of the street and not the other--the curb drops can be not so small. Do not even consider going on the Subway unless you are with Mike Bloomberg. Driving the city needs attentiveness and is not for sissies but is entirely do-able. BTW--in Manhattan MacDonalds home delivers.
At the Holiday Inn there are many many restaurants (Thai, deli, Indian, Chinese) who deliver and they have the menus in room which is especially great because you can manage to eat reasonably for two meals and splurge on the other.

Originally Posted by LaMemChose

Looking for real life experiences anyone may have with wheeling and getting around in Manhattan and close environs in winter. There's a conference I'm looking to attend and my hope is not to be trapped in either my hotel or the site of the meetings.

TIA for any info re: cabs, subways, sidwalks (Are these regularly cleared of snow?), transport from airports, etc.

[Soliloquy]

I would only rent a vehicle if you're planning to go to the outer boroughs or New Jersey. Traffic moves slowly in New York City, and parking garages are expensive. You should be able to take the bus or call 311 for an accessible cab. There is often a long wait for one as the drivers generally don't like the program, but if you call for an accessible cab at JFK, for instance, they'll send it to the head of the taxi queue for you. (There are absolutely no accessible cabs at Newark Airport though. Woe betide you if you fly into Newark and discover your wheelchair van has died.)

I would only advise taking the subway if you've double-checked both that the stations are accessible and that the elevators are working that day. If all the stars align, it is probably the most efficient way of getting around.

You might be able to get a temporary pass for Access-a-Ride, too.

Snow is generally cleared away quickly, though you might occasionally find that they've dumped it right on the curb cut. Do not go down a curb cut you can't see the ground clearly, even if the snow doesn't look deep. Do not feel shy about asking for help, New Yorkers are not as bad as their reputation.