accessibletravelnyc1

New York Accessible Travel Conference

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:55:54 GMT

New York’s first Accessible Travel Conference—bringing disabled voices, tourism, culture, and government together to set a new standard for access, belonging, and impact.

A dynamic recap of the inaugural New York Accessible Travel Conference, bringing together disabled travelers, public-sector leaders, tourism and hospitality businesses, and community partners to explore accessibility, representation, and the practical steps needed to build a New York that truly welcomes everybody—for stronger experiences and business growth.

The New York Accessible Travel Conference marked a historic moment for the tourism and meetings industry, placing accessibility and disability inclusion at the center of the conversation from the start. Designed to be intentionally accessible, the conference convened leaders from tourism, arts and culture, transportation, government, and destination organizations to share knowledge, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies to move New York toward inclusion for all.

Conference highlights include:

New York’s first Accessible Travel Conference, built accessible from the ground up
Disabled voices and lived experience centered throughout sessions
Cross-sector collaboration creating shared strategy and accountability
Practical case studies demonstrating impact and ROI beyond compliance

Accessibility:
Closed captions are available on the YouTube video link.
A descriptive transcript (including spoken dialogue and visual descriptions of on-screen content) is available at:
A downloadable descriptive (PDF transcript) including spoken dialogue and visual descriptions of on-screen content.
A downloadable descriptive (Google doc transcript) with spoken dialogue and visual description of on-screen.

The New York Accessible Travel Conference is presented by Accessible Travel NYC in partnership with Queens Economic Development Corporation.

Global Partnerships in Accessible Travel

Accessibility is a global conversation. In 2024, Accessible Travel NYC partnered with Visit Flanders to exchange accessible travel knowledge in Belgium through a multigenerational family journey.

In 2025, Visit Flanders continued that commitment by supporting the New York Accessible Travel Conference, joining tourism leaders and cultural institutions working to strengthen accessibility across destinations.

Flanders Unlocked: A Family’s Story of Travel, Inclusion and Purpose ( Link to the Visit Flanders article )

Disability Pride and Joy Through Art: An Inclusive Workshop at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

accessibletravelnyc@gmail.com (Lakshmee Lachhman Persad) — Tue, 27 May 2025 21:39:58 GMT

Creating space for disabled joy, storytelling, and connection—one piece of art at a time.

Disability-Led and Community-Focused
There’s always a first time for everything, that “first” looked like a powerful new chapter for inclusive arts programming & a celebration of Disability Pride in NYC. On July 25th, 2024, Annie and I brought Disability Pride, Disability Joy, Exists to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, creating an unforgettable afternoon of accessible art-making, community storytelling, and identity celebration. What was originally intended as a “drop-in” event quickly evolved into a vibrant, full-hearted celebration of disability pride, creative expression, and human connection.

Opening the Conversation with Storytelling
We began by introducing ourselves with visual descriptions and sharing why we created Accessible Travel NYC, a disability-led organization committed to disability inclusion and accessibility within all areas of travel and tourism.

As part of our workshop, we explored the four models of disability—medical, charity, religious, and social justice—and how these impact the way people understand and relate to disability. Our family shared personal stories of moving from shame into pride, which resonated deeply with attendees.

Participants were especially interested about the Disability Pride Flag—its history, meaning, and symbolism. Annie introduced her own five reimagined designs of the flag , reflecting a powerful intersection of disability, identity, and culture. Conversations blossomed, with attendees asking questions and engaging with disability in a thoughtful way.

When Art and Advocacy Meet
Though advertised as a drop-in accessible art workshop, every attendee stayed the entire duration. Some dipped brushes into paint, others collaged, drew, or painted rocks while others were satisfied to sit and observe. Laughter and conversation flowed freely across tables and into the garden’s open-air spaces.

We provided a range of traditional and adaptive art supplies—heavy colored stock paper, small rocks, stickers, colored pencils, markers, paint sticks, waxy crayons, pipe cleaners, paint pens, dot markers, and egg crayons—to ensure access for all abilities and sensory needs.

Participants of all ages created visual narratives of activism, resistance, and joy. It was a moment of disability visibility, and a reminder that art-making can be a radical act of pride and joy.

A Community That Grows Together
Some folks proudly shared their artwork, which reflected their lived disability experiences and intersectionality.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden captured the heart of the day beautifully in their reflection:

“ The collaboration was both eye-opening and inspiring, especially seeing so many people attending the program who were open to sharing their stories, giving them the opportunity to show their disability pride. As we look toward the future, we are excited about further collaboration and expanding our partnership with Accessible Travel NYC .”

This is what inclusive community programming looks like: creating space where disabled and non-disabled people alike can grow, learn, and create together.

Leaving with Disability Pride (and a Pin)
As the sun dipped lower and jazz began playing nearby, each participant received one of Annie’s custom Disability Pride pins and her floral art cards. These keepsakes are part of her broader project highlighting disabled artists and intersectional disability representation—carrying the message that beauty and creativity flourish in disability, not despite it.

People left smiling, carrying more than art supplies—they carried a sense of belonging. The general sentiment was one of deep gratitude—for creating a program and a space centered on Disability Pride, where Disability Joy could truly exist

Disability Pride Programs ADA 35 July 2025!

If you’re looking for disability-inclusive events in NYC July 2025, accessible family programming, or ways to explore disability pride through creative expression, we invite you to join us. Our program is thoughtfully curated for many access needs.

We’ll be back at BBG on 6-7 PM July 24th, 2025, for another round of inclusive arts programming, deeper storytelling, and community joy and at NYBG July 19th from 10:30-12 noon.

Disability Pride Programs ADA 36 July 2026!

We’re currently seeking partners!

A collage of 5 photos. Photo 1: A group of folks are actively creating art. Photo 2: 5 Stripes with colors of the Disability Flag is painted on it and nearby is Annies' Disabiliy Pride Flag pin. Photo 3: A yellow paper decorated with Pride sparkly star stickers in a forward moving wave. Both sides contain black and brown art details too and there is a neon pink wheelchair icon on top of two black and brown waves created with waxy sticks. Photo 4: Braille and large print materials of Annie Disability Pride pins. On top of it is a pink paper colored with the Disability Pride flag colors. Text written on top says Disability Pride at BBG. Photo 5: Annie and Lakshmee beaming at each other with Lakshmee holding up a peace sign using her fingers and holding onto the signage with the Disability Pride flag on it.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 22:00:38 GMT

Etched into the New York Skyline!

This past winter marked our long-anticipated visit to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, a dream two years in the making for our family. Partnering with SUMMIT to create a video about Accessibility + Disability Inclusion made our visit uniquely special, igniting our excitement beyond words. With each adult born in Guyana or Trinidad, the iconic New York City skyline has always held a special place in our hearts; it's been a symbol of hope, a better life, and the American Dream. So, having our adventurous daycation captured in a video against the New York City skyline, inside of SUMMIT and surrounded by icons familiar to us our entire lives, meant the world to our immigrant family.

Our shoot and visit date was set for a winter day in February, and as always, there's a hope that a major snowstorm doesn’t appear in the heart of winter. We lucked out! Our venture into this iconic landmark wasn’t only about being a part of the ‘in-crowd’ or snapping selfies at the ‘most Instagrammable’ place in New York City, per Elle Magazine; it was also about weaving a new thread into the colorful fabric of our family’s story through highlighting accessibility with authentic disability representation.

Upon arrival, excitement buzzed through the air. Warm and eager to accommodate, the staff and crew made our whole family feel welcomed at the first meeting. This genuine embrace of inclusivity set the tone for a day filled with exploration, filming and joy.

We skipped past the entrance's short movie and photo op, eagerly drawn more towards the allure of the observatory. Choosing the bright, flashing elevator was a hit with everyone! The Hall of Light acted as a quick mellow transition before we encountered the vastness of the Transcendence. The panoramic views were as splendid as we hoped, with the mirrored room creating an impressive infinity effect. Seeing Kusama’s art was particularly memorable for us. Annie, being an artist, was intrigued by seeing new forms of Kusama's work beyond her signature polka dots. This space also offered a moment to quietly reflect.

Entering the Affinity room, alive with playful, shimmering silver, giant balloons, was a must-do, quickly becoming a favorite moment for us all. There, joyful laughter and cackling filled the air, especially around Annie, whose playful anticipation of being hit by a balloon made it a standout experience. Taking the service elevator to Transcendence’s second floor, we found ourselves in another large mirrored-glass space with a massive view of downtown New York City. People watching here added a unique layer to our experience.

Annie and the children were most excited for Levitation—glass boxes that extend out 1100 ft. over the city. It was a thrill for them, and a bit of a nerve-wracking experience for Mom and me, but the sensation was unforgettable. Adrenaline rush ? Definitely !

While the rest of the family explored Unity, enjoying the colorful cloud display and uptown views, I chose to avoid the large moving images to save myself from a vertigo induced episode. Instead, I found stillness in observing the intricate details of the Chrysler Building, with such a close up view.

Who doesn’t like a cocktail floating in the middle of the New York City skyline ? Ending our Day 1 visit with cocktails was our celebratory moment, literally elevating us to cloud nine. Neil and I had a wedding anniversary that past weekend, and we patiently waited to cheer with the entire family over bubbles, cocktails and mocktails! What a day to remember, what a memory to celebrate, and what a way to have our visit captured against a skyline that was elusive to us as children from Guyana and Trinidad.

As people with disabilities, we're proud to show up as our full selves, bringing our pride and creating new joys here. We hope the memories of us in the space captured on video will have a lasting positive impact for future visitors as well as everyone from management, Team Members and the full crew who worked with us to create and capture this very special video.

Below are two video links. The first is ASL and Closed Captioning Version and the second is Audio Described.

Accessibility Tips:

To enhance your accessible experience, we recommend reserving your tickets in advance and reaching out to SUMMIT to secure a dedicated Team Member who will guide you through the experience.
A few hours before sunset and sunset are the busiest hours at the observatory. Early mornings and after sunset are quietest which makes it easier for wheelchair users to enjoy and maneuver in the space.
Early morning weekday visits are the quietest with less guests in the space.
Dress in layers, some of the rooms get really hot while some are cooler. There is no coat-check available.
Apres and the outdoor bar are busy during sunset hours, it may be difficult to navigate these areas and find a space to enjoy.
Take the sunglasses they offer, some areas are very bright in daylight and reflect off of the mirrors.
There are limited seating areas on each floor.
Plan to spend approximately 2 hours here.
Guests using mobility devices or those with apparent disabilities can request to be moved to the front of the line.
Team Members are happy to assist with taking photos.
Accessible restrooms with changing tables are on each floor of the observatory.
SUMMIT shares comprehensive Accessible Information for many kinds of disabilities. Click here to view them to plan for your visit.

Highlighting micro moments of joy & setting expectations.
Micro-moments of joy are brief, simple experiences that significantly uplift mood and enhance well-being, reminding us to appreciate life's small pleasures amidst our larger pursuits. I want to acknowledge those reading this: your visit may not mirror ours due to the personalized attention we received for the video production, but we hope sharing our experience with transparency would give you a glimpse of what your visit might entail.

As much as we all looked forward to the grand moment of visiting SUMMIT and realizing a dream materialized, it was some of the micro-moments of joy that stood out: observing others captivated by the skyline; the kind, beautiful human interactions with staff; listening to our children's banter; and catching a family member's genuine smile at the precise moment they experienced their own micro-joy, such as Annie's when she saw herself in one of the giant silver balloons and Mom timidly making her way onto Levitation. These unexpected micro-moments of joy added much enrichment to our visit. So even if your visit isn’t as grand as ours in getting a video produced, we hope you have many, many micro moments of joy that will bring reflective smiles for years to come.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://summitov.com/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Disability Pride Pins - Always Moving Forward

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:28:32 GMT

A Disabled Artist journey in creating and spreading Disability Pride and Disability Joy.

My dearest reader,

It’s Annie writing to you all! Many of you know me from our family adventures we've shared on this platform , showcasing visible disability representation across New York City! You may not know it but I’m an artist and thrilled to share the realization of a project incredibly dear to my heart: Disability Pride Pins - Always Moving Forward. This journey, inspired by my art highlighted on the Metropolitan Museum of Art front page of their website , began almost four years ago and has since reached a significant milestone—the successful funding of my Kickstarter campaign and the creation of the real, wearable Disability Pride pins. Thanks to those of you who helped fund this!

My motivation for this project was created by the desire to elevate the Disability Pride flag, a symbol of our community's resilience and unity. Despite its significance, it remains largely unknown to many. The original flag, created by Ann Magill ( click here to read more about the original flag ), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s call for submissions from Disabled Artists for their Art & Activism ADA 30 Celebrations, inspired me to reimagine the flag’s design. My reimagined design, shows the zig-zag stripes ascending from the bottom left to the top right, representing my collective hope for ongoing, upward progress in accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities.

During the pandemic, my family and I were heartbroken over the general state of our beloved city, with so many businesses shuttered and even more at risk. We, like many others, struggled financially but kept thinking of small ways in which we could offer support. As places began opening up with safety guidelines, we found ourselves going back to the spaces where we felt most welcomed and could afford - the arts & cultural institutions. In these times of heartbreak, we did whatever we could to support these institutions. Wearing merchandise that supported small businesses became a general symbol of pride, showcasing our love for home. This inspired our New York City tote bag idea, born from a deep, burning desire to show our love for New York City and support businesses in whatever way we could. It was through this endeavor that we became proud pin collectors, adorning our New York City tote. It was also through this endeavor we realized the complete absence of any Disability Pride merchandise in the many shops we visited. This huge gap motivated me to become the change I wished to see.

By this time, my version of the Always Moving Forward - Disability Pride design was already featured on the Met Museum’s website, so gathering up my close team, I set out to work to create the entire series of 10 progressive Disability Pride pins. The design process was influenced by my personal creativity, artistic vision, and listening to the community's feedback. The original zig-zag band represents how disabled people must navigate around and transcend barriers, and the creativity wielded to do so. However, the vibrant colors and the zig-zag design created a strobe effect on computer and phone screens, which could worsen symptoms for individuals with seizures and migraines. So, I created a newer, more accessible version of the Disability Pride flag with a gentle wave, still representing navigating barriers and less saturated colors (seen in the modified version of the original design), where my redesign pays homage to the original zig-zag while ensuring visual accessibility. This project also serves as a tribute to a digital art piece I contributed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2020, emphasizing the impactful role cultural institutions plays in championing disability rights when they choose to do so.

Through my various pin designs, I aim to show that individuals with disabilities are capable of 'reaching for the stars,' given the right support in advocacy, accessibility, and adaptive technology depicted in my Shooting Star versions. Another version showcases an empowered wheelchair user, moving away from the common depiction of us as faceless people without personality by featuring a smile shown in a tiny gold heart on the face. I also introduced the color Brown which is a nod to Philly and their Progress LGBTQIA+ flag. It represents the Black & Brown folks who are disproportionately and systemically marginalized but are nonetheless at the forefront of the Disability Rights Movement. There is also a tremendous overlap, solidarity, and allyship between our Disability and the LGBTQIA+ Communities which I want to acknowledge and highlight here in gratitude. These designs stand as a testament to us: Disabled + yet Always Moving Forward.

It's important for you all to know about the colors used in the original Disability Pride flag, and I've kept my design true to the original meanings from Ann Magill’s version, with each color representing different aspects of disability.

Green for sensory and perception disabilities

Blue for psychiatric disabilities
White for invisible, non-apparent and undiagnosed disabilities
Yellow for neurodivergence
Red for physical disabilities affecting mobility and motor function
Black to reflect the challenges and discrimination people with disabilities face
Brown, my personal addition, highlights the systematic marginalization yet important role of Black and Brown folks in the Disability Rights Movement.

By presenting two design options—the classic zigzag and my gentle wave—I aim to highlight that expressing Disability Pride isn't one-size-fits-all, giving folks options to wear their pride however they wish to express themselves, while acknowledging the community's affection for the original vibrant zig-zag flag.

As so many people have come together in support of my Kickstarter campaign, I am reminded of the collective power of our voices and our interdependence. Thank you for helping me take my design from an idea to beautiful (yes, they really are!) actual products. This project extends beyond creating wearable art; it is to spark conversations to educate about Disability Pride, continue to build community, and celebrate the diversity and strength inherent in people with disabilities. We are creatives and creators, too!

Thank you for your unwavering support in spreading Disability Pride and doing your part in fostering a community where every individual, AND their disability is recognized, celebrated, and empowered as a full human being.

If you'd like to shop these pins, you can do so here: www.accessibletravelnyc.com/Shop . If you encounter any issues with the online shopping store, please contact us at llachhmanpersad@gmail.com .

With love, solidarity and beaming with Disability Pride,
Annie

Accessible Guide to Queens Museum

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:10:06 GMT

Supporting Artists with Disabilities!

The art installation sits within a bright, modern gallery space. At the center is a white circular platform adorned with numerous colorful flowers arrayed in shades of red, pink, and burgundy. Long ribbons in purple and red drape from the ceiling, converging on a single white pole—a symbolic white cane—at the circle's center. Three white dog figures, sculpted in a human-like form, are positioned around the platform. They interact with the pole and ribbons in what appears to be a dynamic and possibly celebratory fashion, injecting life into the scene. The wall art around the installation features stylized trees with leaves in shades of dark and light green, a blue crescent moon, and a full orange circle representing the sun. The ambiance is one of serenity, with the installation drawing viewers into its playful and colorful space. Lakshmee and Annie are in the back of the room on separate ends.

Finally reaching the Queens Museum was a triumph! We've faced numerous transportation challenges over the years because it's situated in Flushing Meadows Park without a clear building address. Navigating transportation has been one of our biggest challenges to exploring, but that's a story for another day. There's something quite extraordinary about stepping into a place you've longed to visit for a while, which for us included both the Unisphere and the Queens Museum.

Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by Glori Tuitt's mural, "Black, Trans, & Alive (Qweens Song)." This piece is a vibrant celebration of the Black trans community, highlighting their resilience and contributions with both boldness and beauty. It created a welcoming atmosphere for our visit, starting us off with visible disability representation—a serendipitous discovery.

With Annie being an artist, supporting the work of other artists with disabilities is important to all of us. This made the extra effort we put into getting transportation to Queens even more meaningful, as it ensured that we could experience Emilie L. Gossiaux’s “Other Worlding”.

Emilie L. Gossiaux is a blind artist and with this exhibit, she imagines a world where disabled and non-disabled beings, including animals, live together as equals. Inspired by Donna Haraway's idea of a fair society without hierarchies, Gossiaux creates an art installation featuring her guide dog, London, as a life-sized figure dancing around a huge white cane. This cane, a symbol of independence for blind and low-vision people, is made three times larger, drawing attention to its role in providing freedom. In this space, London is free from her leash, showing a world where everyone can move freely. The exhibition, with its mix of fantasy elements like dog-women and an oversized cane, celebrates the joy of disability and autonomy.

While we came for the art, we were captivated by another unexpected highlight: The Panorama of the City of New York. This expansive miniature offers a glimpse into the city's architectural history. As we walked around it, we enjoyed spotting as many landmarks as possible, marveling at the creativity on display. Make sure you check this out as it's quite unique!

We spent a significant amount of time in the gift shop, delighting in the wide selection of books that celebrated a variety of identities and stories (quite possibly more than we had seen in any of the museum shops in the city). Dining out is always a treat, and our infrequent visits to Queens made the discovery of various culinary delights in the spacious cafeteria all the more enjoyable. From the sweet Vietnamese coffee and tasting the rich Kuro Goma (Black Sesame) Latte for the first time to the savory Halal pastrami and the array of gluten-free desserts, these treats captured the diverse spirit of Queens. Our time was enriched by engaging conversations with the welcoming staff.

Our excursion to the Queens Museum transcended a mere outing; it was a collective celebration of the arts honoring diversity and disability inclusion, challenging perspectives on who can be an artist (power to Emilie!), and fostering local community connections. Coupled with the discovery of unexpected treats, it was precisely the type of day we treasure in our city, filled with new experiences and lasting memories.

Suggested Duration: approx. 2 hours

Accessibility Information:

The entire museum has an airy feel with couches and benches scattered throughout the open areas. Some of the gallery rooms are smaller but the pathways are all wide enough for a wheelchair user.
Wheelchair accessible restrooms and changing table available on the first floor.
Service Animals are welcomed.
The museum offers a comprehensive accessibility information, click here to view .
The museum offers ArtAccess Guided Tours and Workshops, click here for more details .

Location:
Queens Museum
New York City Building
Flushing Meadows, Corona Park
Queens, NY 11368
Phone: +1 718-592-9700 ext. 130
Website: https://queensmuseum.org
Email: artaccess@queensmuseum.org

Admissions:
Free for Caretaker

Suggested Admission
Adult $8
Senior $6
Student $6 with ID

Transportation: It is complicated to get to because of its location in the park. Their website provides detailed information, click here to view .

Dining: There is a cafe on premise and we enjoyed their small selection of local treats. There are a few hot items offered and a majority pre-packaged treats.

An unexpected delight, Accessible Resource Materials!
After our return home and during the writing of this blog post, I realized that there were accessible materials available for Emilie's art. We were able to order a braille description package and a Tactile graphic of Emilie Gossiaux's "Londons Dancing with Flowers" (11 x 16"), easily a framable piece of art!

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit their website https://queensmuseum.org/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Webby Award-Winning "Disability Pride Celebrations with Lincoln Center"

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Our video with Lincoln Center has won a Webby Award!

"Disability Pride, Disability Joy, Exists"

We're Webby Award Winners!

We're honored to be a Webby Award winner! Our work on the Disability Pride event at Lincoln Center won the 2023 People's Voice Award for Social Impact – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion . Rooted in our motto, Disability Pride, Disability Joy, Exist! , this recognition reinforces our commitment to inclusivity and impactful storytelling. Watch our 5-word Webby Speech and see the award-winning work linked here .

Original Post Summer for the City Summer 2022

Summer For The City is for everyone to Remember, Reclaim and Rejoice!

Our interest in visiting Lincoln Center developed years ago when Annie suggested it as a place to visit and bookmarked it. She talked about checking out the grounds with her day program and how much she enjoyed the welcoming outdoor spaces. Seeing the beauty and splendor of the interior from the outside and knowing its prominence in pop—and non-pop—culture created a strong desire to attend indoor events as well. That same desire is echoed by our family’s awareness of Lincoln Center’s reputation for stellar, year-round performing arts programming.

Our love story with Lincoln Center started last year with their Passports for the Arts program , which was both virtual and in-person. We had a ball experiencing Cinderella. We enjoyed Passport for the Arts so much that we signed up for their spring session, delighting in yet another in-person program with the New York City Ballet at Family Saturday: A Magical Midsummer Eve. We were impressed again by the well-organized program, the entertainment on stage and the overall welcome.

During this particular visit we spotted the giant 10-foot disco ball being built in Josie Plaza. By that time I had heard about their thoughtful and inclusive lineup for the #SummerForTheCity festivals. I had a positive, visceral reaction to the program's performance lineup, and was moved by the plethora of experiences depicted and how they encompassed a range of emotions from grieving (a rarity!) to joy, and incorporated artists from a multitude of cultures. The festival’s themes are Remember , Reclaim and Rejoice , with each element focusing on experiences that encourage people to show up as their full selves as we – hopefully - emerge from a time of so much loss, anxiety and social upheaval. I was intrigued by it all, especially the activities planned under the disco ball. We knew we wanted to be there in the midst of all the good vibes, emotions and energy.

And so our love story continued to build well into the summer with many memorable performances..

We kicked off summer with a Second Line Jazz Performance, a New Orleans tradition among African Americans that celebrates and mourns the lives of those who’ve passed on. It was particularly meaningful because it was the exact two year anniversary our granny died in the pandemic. We brought hers and our dad's kerchiefs to wave as we marched behind the band. We were happy to have an opportunity to Remember our granny and our dad with space both for grieving and for celebrating their lives. Also, if you’ve read the About Us story, you know we try to explore “much of the world’s culture in New York City” because Annie is unable to travel long distances without her wheelchair, so it was a gift to be able to experience one of the great New Orleans traditions while still at home.

On our visit that followed, we chose to enjoy the GATHER installations by artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, whose artwork we’ve seen around the city in support of the Asian Community. Considering our ancestors are from India (our family’s migration to Guyana is part of the painful indentured laborer story), the visuals for this exhibit piqued our interest as it reminded us so much of our own traditional celebrations. We purposefully chose to experience the rituals because seeing a reflection of one’s own culture is a powerful experience that we don’t often see. The theme for this was Reclaim , and while performing the rituals and being immersed in the outdoor spaces, we felt connected to our past and the power of being in a time & space to Reclaim and celebrate our own heritage and identity. We ended this special ceremonial experience by tying our hopes onto the trees knowing they're in the faith of the universe.

Later that evening during the same visit, we had the opportunity to dance under the 10-foot-tall disco ball! Our “bust-a-move” moment is now certainly filed under stories to be talked about for our lifetime. We claimed that moment to Rejoice , and you can watch it all here and learn about our mission of spreading #DisabilityPride and #DisabilityJoy.

A final note on our full circle love story with Lincoln Center. Our sorrows live with our joys and our joys live with our sorrows and Lincoln Center's diverse, inclusive and accessible lineup purposefully created space for these human emotions to flow. The catharsis derived from these experiences prove that the arts can heal and and the arts can bring joy back. Thank you Lincoln Center!

Accessible Information:
- The facilities are accessible with accessible restrooms, concession stands (get the Orange Chocolate Gelato, it's everyone's fav!) and staffs are trained to welcome people with disabilities.
- We found the accessible restroom in Damrosch Park to be larger than the one on the Concourse level.
- All events are free and open for general admission. For guests unable to stand in line due to a disability, they can check in at the Welcome Tent on the Plaza near Columbus Avenue and 63rd Street a half hour before the venue opens for seating to gain access on a first come, first served basis. Lastly, we are offering a number of captioned and ASL-interpreted performances. For guests who are interested in captioning or ASL-interpretation, ticket requests can be ahead of time on their website.
- Full details on accessibility here .

Summer For The City: Lincoln Center has summer programs every year and includes many disability specific programs for various communities. Please visit their website here for up to date information .

Transparency: This content is not sponsored. We worked with their Press & Access Team for the filming of the Disability Pride video. The write up reflects our authentic experience.

Award Winning! Metropolitan Museum of Art: Frame of Mind Podcast

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 00:19:52 GMT

Our powerful story episode: "Access to Inspiration"

Signal Award Bronze Winner Spring 2023! "The Met’s small-but-mighty podcast about art’s connection to wellbeing just won a Signal Award , which seek to “honor and celebrate the people and content that raise the bar for podcasting.” It’s their inaugural year and with more 1700 entries, we’re honored that Frame of Mind won a bronze in the Arts & Leisure category."

Our initial post:
The Met Museum is by far one of Annie’s favorite museums because of her love for Art especially during the Impressionist period so when they reached out to us for a podcast series, well… you can only imagine the excitement!

Listen to us share our story in 15 minutes where we touched on many topics ranging from the challenges of finding accessible information, to celebrating and sharing Disabled Artists stories and the fact that we too belong in these spaces. There are also takeaways tips for cultural institutions to do better on Disability Inclusion & Accessibility.

A very special highlight in the podcast is Annie, a Disabled Artist whose artwork which was featured on the Met’s Museum website front page for its Art & Activism online collection and celebration during the American with Disabilities Act 30th anniversary. This artwork is currently being created into a variety of Disability Pride pins rolling out Summer 2023 on Kickstarter! You can get notified of our launch here .

Click here to listen to the podcast and view the entire transcript .

Thanks to the team at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for including us and our story in this special podcast!

Accessible Travel NYC receives the Sapolin Award from Mayor Eric Adams

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 21:06:41 GMT

for "Shining a Light For Others"

Every year during the celebrations of Disability Pride month in July, the Mayor’s Office presents the Sapolin Awards to individuals and organizations that are actively working towards the wellbeing and inclusion for people with disabilities in New York City. This year at the celebrations of the Americans with Disabilities 32nd anniversary our work at www.accessibletravelnyc.com was recognized and received the Public Accommodations Award from Mayor Eric Adams and Acting Commissioner Martha Jackson. We’re tremendously humbled to receive this honor knowing our work positively impacts the Disabled Community by showcasing positive Disability Representation & Accessibility within the travel and tourism industry.

Accessible Travel NYC was created during one of the darkest times in our families lives so to receive this honor of “shining a light for others” is extremely meaningful. A huge shout out to our family, especially my sister Annie, for their unwavering support as we seek out joys to heal ourselves around our beloved New York City and share it for other people with disabilities to see themselves represented.

We recognize our privilege of living in New York City, a city where much of the world converges to create this unique energy that is palpable and vibrant in a myriad of ways for an immersive experience of world-class Art & Culture, Sightseeing & Dining. We also recognize our privilege of having the financial means and connections to be able to enjoy our day-cations around the city. Please know that we’re planning ways for local families like ours to be able to enjoy these day-cations, too. More to come on that front, progress is slow but steady.

Thanks to Peter Slatin for his nomination of our work for this award.

Our hearts are brimming with joy for the recognition and support. ♥️

Full press release from the Mayor's Office is linked here .

Accessible Travel NYC at Grand Central

Sat, 14 May 2022 14:48:58 GMT

Our life-size ad with MTA Away and lunch at the famous Oyster Bar

It’s been a long time New York City! We haven’t been out in months due to the high Covid numbers during the colder months but we made our way into the city to see ourselves represented on some massive ad campaigns across Grand Central Terminal on some MTA Away ads . Yes, you read that correctly, check out the photo above! While we haven’t explored much and shared on our digital platforms, we’ve been actively engaging with many institutions across the city on advocacy, disability representation and inclusion and storytelling. More details on this type of work will eventually present itself on this platform so stay tuned.

One of our favorite things to do while in the city is eating out and since we were in Grand Central, which has plenty of options to choose from on the Dining Concourse level, we decided to visit the Oyster Bar, a restaurant steeped in rich history. It is widely known for its design grandeur and aesthetics with curved tiled ceilings, the secret Whispering Wall and some of the freshest seafood in New York City. We leisurely enjoyed our delicious and freshly prepared meals with good, friendly services.

Accessibility Tips:
We were able to get around Grand Central on the ramps and elevators.
The table height at the Oyster Bar was too short to fit Annie’s wheelchair comfortably under so she sat at a different angle as seen in the photo in this post.
We checked on the accessible restroom in the restaurant which wasn’t accessible to us because a caretaker couldn’t fit in the restroom to assist the wheelchair user.
Based on information from staff at Grand Central, there are accessible stalls in the public restrooms in Grand Central and there is family restroom in the Station master office next to the Transit Museum. Check out their FAQ linked here for more information .

Transportation Accessibility:
We expected to use an accessible yellow taxi the Grand Central station to get home and after waiting 45 minutes, one came and the ramp was broken. We then attempted to use Accessible Dispatch and couldn’t get a taxi for more than 30 minutes at which time the anxiety starts to build up so we opted to use the Express Bus home which had its own issues but worked. We’ve been told that during rush hour on a Friday, it’s difficult to get an accessible taxi so please keep this in mind during the ongoing pandemic.

Visit Oyster Bar and Grand Central websites for up to date information prior to planning your trip.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit each website for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Lincoln Center's Passport for the Arts

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 20:04:47 GMT

And a ball at the Metropolitan Opera

We literally had a ball seeing the perfect final dress rehearsal for Cinderella at the Metropolitan Opera during the holiday season as part of the Passport to the Arts program. Words like magical, grandeur and fairytale come to mind for this performance at Lincoln Center, and the best part is that it was all for free. Yes! The Passport to the Arts from Lincoln Center was created in 1989 on the premise that performing arts are not for the privileged few but for the many. It provides access to classes, performances, and custom-designed experiences for children, teens, and adults with disabilities and their families built on the principles of accessibility, inclusivity, affordability in a welcoming spirit.

Annie had been wanting to visit Lincoln Center for a couple of years now and considering the pandemic, we couldn’t go in person for a while and were unable to get tickets for the Restart Stages summer program. Therefore, as soon as I saw the announcement on their social media to sign up for the 2021 Fall Session, I did. I opted for us to attend Cinderella via Zoom and was then later given the option to attend the final dress rehearsal of Cinderella in person.

During the program’s season you can expect to choose from variety of options from the American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Guild, The Metropolitan Opera, CO/LAB Theater Group, Lincoln Center Theater, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Currently a majority of the programs are held via Zoom with a select few in person events which is subject to change depending on safety guidelines during the pandemic. Families can opt to attend dance, music or drama classes, watch exclusive performances (as in our case), and check out plenty of behind-the-scenes content.

The Metropolitan Opera House is as opulent as depicted and even more so in person. Its cool travertine exterior is balanced with the richness of its prominent ruby red interior, massive Marc Chagall murals, golden details and many sparkling Austrian crystal chandeliers. This post wouldn’t be honest if I didn't reveal a couple of questions I had prior to attending which were “Is the Metropolitan Opera affordable and What is the Dress Code for fitting in?” Since Passports for the Arts is a free program the answer to the first question is ‘YES’ and the answer to the other is "Go as dressed up or as casual as you’re comfortable with".

Interested for more the Lincoln Center ? Check out this editorial piece “The Accessible Guide to Lincoln Center” I wrote for NYC Tourism + Conventions.

Access at Passport for the Arts Virtual Cinderella:
- A few days before our virtual program we received information with technical info on Zoom. We also got a visual schedule with plenty of easy to read instructions and photos of what to expect.
- We were welcomed to bring art materials and encouraged to wear or bring a costume.
- CART was available to provide live captioning as well as ASL interpretation.
- The program was at a pace where it was somewhat easy for Annie to contribute or for her to tell me what to relay.
- We thought the staff and event were entertaining, welcoming and inclusive.

Access at Lincoln Center in-person Cinderella:
- Prior to our visit we received an email with a written synopsis, an illustrated visual synopsis, a visual schedule with plenty of easy to read instructions of what to expect on the day of our visit.
- It was easy to get from the street entrance at Columbus and 63rd via a ramp and lovely to stop for a photo at the famed waterfall at the Josie Robinson Plaza.
- Upon arrival you are able to pick up hardcopies of the social narrative and synopsis. Noise-reducing headphones and fidgets are available to borrow.
- Our tickets were for the Dress Circle Level, which was easy to access by an accessible pathway from entry to the elevator to our seats. The wheelchair spot was in the back of this area.
- The accessible restroom on the Dress Circle Level is tight for a caretaker and a wheelchair user but was doable in our case.
- Click here to read about Accessibility at Metropolitan Opera directly from their site. https://www.metopera.org/visit/accessibility/
- Staff available that day to welcome visitors were all friendly and some were proactive in approaching us in case we needed assistance.

Dining: There are many dining options on campus which you can check out here . Note we've only eaten from the food trucks on and around the campus so no we have no restaurant reviews to offer.

Transportation: Public buses M5, M7, M10, M11, M66, M104 stops here.

Contact:
Accessibility at Lincoln Center (212) 875-5375 or email Access@LincolnCenter.org
165 West 65th Street, New York, NY 10023

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://lincolncenter.org/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Adaptive Bike Ride NYC

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 16:45:02 GMT

Looking for adaptive sports in New York City ? InTandem provides bike rides for free.

I didn’t think I’d ever ride a bicycle again given that I’ve developed invisible disabilities (vertigo and deteriorated hip bones) in recent years therefore I appreciate learning about and experiencing the fun and free bike rides from InTandem Bike. Understanding that there are limited adaptive sports opportunities for people with disabilities to exercise or socialize, InTandem provides both. They’re a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide tandem cycling programs to people who are blind, have low vision, or cannot ride independently due to other disabilities.

There are a few ways to participate. If you have a disability and want to enjoy New York City from a stokers seat that’s your primary option. You’ll be paired up with a well trained captain after an individualized orientation which allows the team to provide the right equipment and necessary accommodations. No cycling experience is necessary to have a great time, get an excellent workout, and join a fun and inclusive community! You can also become a captain if you’re into the joys of cycling and want to volunteer. InTandem provides a thorough training on bike safety, tandem riding techniques and communication, and disability awareness. If you’re not into cycling at all and would still like to volunteer, you’re more than welcome to watch and care for guide dogs and personal belongings while their owners ride.

There are weekly scheduled rides in Central Park and in a typical season a very busy calendar of enriching event rides. In addition to food-themed rides, they frequently ride to museums and other cultural institutions where rides are combined with a special tour. InTandem also participates in all the major NYC rides like the TD Five Boro, Hudson Valley, NY Century, Tour de Bronx, Tour de Staten Island, and others. Check out their famous Donut Ride , an annual fundraiser that takes place in fall.

My first ride was on a crisp fall Sunday morning with barely any changes to the foliage. Our meeting point was in the parking lot of the Loeb Boathouse where all their bikes are stored. Rides can be from 3 miles to however long you and your captain agree upon. In my case I was nervous that I had not been on a bike for more than 10 years so I thought I’d barely manage but actually pulled off 5 miles in a very short time. It was plenty of fun with my amazing captain Anjela who ensured I got the right helmet, tested out two rounds in the parking lot and then off we went for an invigorating ride with an engaging conversation on the loop in Central Park.

Visit InTandem's website for more information and email info@intandembike.org if you’d like to participate.

A (quick) trip to Little Island

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 16:55:34 GMT

Floating in the Hudson River

Earlier this year Little Island debuted with a LOT OF HYPE and made its way on our must-see summer list. True to its name, the 2.4 acre outdoor park floats in the Hudson River off the West Side Highway in the Meatpacking District. The sculptural structure is made up of cascading, white tulip-shaped concrete pots supported by elongated stems in the water and held together by a beautiful landscape of hundreds of native trees, flowering plants and scrubs.

We visited mid-morning on a Saturday when timed entry wasn’t required. (Timed entry tickets are required from noon onwards and subject to change.) There are stairs and ramped pathways on two sides of the island which leads up to two look out points offering spectacular views of Midtown and Downtown as well as New Jersey. We checked out both sides which were fairly crowded along the way up and definitely too crowded once at the top, especially at the Southwest Overlook. A few benches are along the way for resting or to just sit and soak in the surrounding vistas and nature.

We had plans to spend approx. 3 hours but it was too hot, there was no live entertainment and the food trucks were closed for a break. The only shaded areas available were in the food court section which is served by a couple of food trucks offering small bites and sips. Menu items consist of local sandwiches, sweet treats and a local beer/cocktail menu.

It was good to see the space but next time we’d plan around one of their live performances for a more entertaining visit. I would note that the park was crowded and even more crowds came in by midday when we were leaving. The few staff around were helpful. And we all liked it better than The Vessel at Hudson Yards.

Accessibility Information:
- Little Island was designed with inclusion and accessibility in mind, from its physical spaces to its public programs. Read more about it’s inclusive approach here: https://littleisland.org/accessibility-park/
- There are multiple restrooms and a single user, gender neutral restroom which we didn't get to check out due to long lines.
- The Amphitheatre has eight (8) wheelchair accommodations.
- ASL, audio description, and open captioning are provided for select performances throughout the season, view calendar here https://www.littleislandtickets.com/

Accessible Neighborhood Itinerary:
Little Island pairs up well with the HighLine that goes directly into Hudson Yards. Dine at Mercado Little Spain.
Head over to Chelsea Market if you’re looking for more food choices, some of the restaurants are accessible.

Transportation:

Buses M11, M12 and M14 take you to 14th and 10th

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://littleisland.org/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Contento NYC in East Harlem

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 12:22:02 GMT

What's it like to visit a restaurant built on the principles of inclusion and physical access ?

It’s best described as a sense of relief mixed with excitement. Relief knowing you’ll get somewhere that is accessible, that has an accessible restroom (yes! that’s a big deal as oftentimes smaller, older restaurants tend to not have one) and that their staff have encountered and served people with disabilities. The exciting part is experiencing a new, hot spot, one that was created with inclusion in mind. PLUS, it’s the first time Annie and I were going to have a drink at an accessible bar!

Contento NYC recently opened in East Harlem with countless praises from many prominent press orgs and food writer gurus. It is the brainchild of Sommelier Yannick Benjamin who partnered up with George Gallego, Oscar Lorenzzi, Mara Rudzinski, and Lorenz Skeeter. Yannick became a paraplegic at the age of 25 never gave up on his dream to open a restaurant which he credits to his stubbornness. Read more about his incredible story and the team’s inclusive approach on this Resy blog .

We were eager for our visit to check out the new spot and to be honest, we hadn’t been out for a decent meal together the entire year. On top of that we had a photoshoot for an upcoming magazine, a first milestone for us, so there were plenty to look forward to. We spent two hours between the shoot, socializing and finally getting down to our meal. We sampled several delicious wines (it’s a stellar wine list carefully curated to reflect affordable unique wines) and a variety of items from the menu: Panisse, Crispy Yuca, Octopus, Ceviche, Salmon, Pork Katsu, Contento Burger, Chocolate Mousse and Olive Oil Cake, all delicious. Standouts are the Pork Katsu, Octopus, Ceviche, Burger and Olive Oil Cake!

Yannick and Mara were gracious hosts allowing us to use the space, they along with the rest of the team exemplified the meaning of welcoming, unpretentious and inclusive hospitality. The truth is we left more than just contented, we left with full bellies and full hearts, and with enormous hope that the world is moving towards more inclusion for the disabled community.

Contento NYC Visual Description: Ex posed red brick walls on both sides, one side with a darker fill in, the other lighter. As you enter, the left wall has two large colorful (turquoise, pink and green pops out) local art pieces. The wall in front of the small open kitchen in the rear of the room is wallpapered in black with gold accents. A small wine storage area is visible through a spiral decorated piece of ironwork. The open kitchen is often busy with a few cooks preparing the meals. On the right of the restaurant is the bar area and behind the bar is a full wall of more wines and wine glasses. There is a long yellow banquet seating against the left wall with tanned tables then a single chair facing the other side of the table. The room is dotted with occasional small bouquet of flowers. Entrance and front walls are panels of glass which are all retractable.

Accessibility and Tips:
- Feel free to let the team know what time your pick-up will be to pace your meal.
- Adaptive eatingware is available upon request.
- One family, unisex accessible restroom with a changing table. Note it can only fit one wheelchair and a caretaker.
- Accessible seating indoors and outdoors.
- Half of the bar is at wheelchair accessible level.
- Don’t be shy to ask them to speak up or turn the music off.
- They love celebrating life so be sure to tell them your special moments.
- It can be crowded at dinner hours so reserve your table ahead of time and plan accordingly.
- Up to date menus are online for screen readers.

Website: https://www.contentonyc.com/
Address & Contact Info:
88 East 111th Street
Tel: 646-410-0111
Email: Info@ContentoNYC.com

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.contentonyc.com/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

How Accessible is Wave Hill ?

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 20:40:09 GMT

In our case, not very accessible...

Wave Hill is a New York City landmark dating back to 1843 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's a cultural center and horticultural gardens with a classic view overlooking the Palisades, often referenced as a secluded gem tucked away in Riverdale, Bronx. We recently visited and expected a few tranquil hours of exploring accessible grounds and facilities to soak in this lush natural beauty. But we were disappointed once on the premises. Our experience was fragmented due to the lack of transparent accessibility information, which meant we were misinformed about what is accessible for a wheelchair user.

I typically read through the Accessibility page of any new place we're visiting prior to our outings to gauge what we can and cannot do. Their Accessibility page states “The indoor spaces of Wave Hill, including Wave Hill House, the Perkins Visitor Center and Glyndor Gallery, are accessible to all our visitors. Mainly due to the topography of the gardens, some areas of the gardens are less accessible; they are indicated on our seasonal Map & Guide.” I naturally assumed this meant mostly accessible main grounds and buildings. Upon arrival, we collected the seasonal Map & Guide as referenced on the website from the staffer who checked our entrance tickets. We inquired about the accessible areas, to which the staffer pointed out all of the buildings and told us to use the accessible paved roads and to stay off the unpaved areas.

Our first stop was in Glyndor Gallery and we saw most of the exhibits except a small sun terrace area - which was inaccessible because of its one step down. This building is accessible by an elevator and one ramp on the second floor for an exhibit room. After the gallery visit, we opted to head over to Wave Hill House & Cafe for an early lunch at which time mom noted the paved pathway may not actually be ADA grade level since it was strenuous to push Annie's wheelchair. The restaurant offers fast casual locally curated food with friendly services. We opted for a quiet indoor lunch (outdoor seats were mostly taken up by noon), which is beautifully decorated with stunning floral photography.

Coming back out, we bypassed Perkins Visitor Center because of the pathway slope and noticed an art program happening for families to participate in. Unfortunately WE could not participate since it was up on a lawn area without an accessible paved pathway. We opted to spend the remainder of our visit hanging out by the famous Pergola Overlook. This too was a fragmented experience that excluded Annie from seeing much else of Wave Hill. Mom and Diya walked the grounds to see if there were other garden areas Annie could visit but mom didn’t think so because of the steep paved pathways for the manual wheelchair.

All wasn’t lost to us. While waiting for our Access-A-Ride pick up, we spent our time catching up on some of our upcoming projects, created some hilarious family photos, witnessed a surprise engagement, and became photographers for others while chatting with many passersby. That being said, the lack of transparent and up to date accessible information is not acceptable. We really hope that Wave Hill will take the initiative to become much more transparent and open about what is accessible to all and what is not at this beautiful place.

Best Suggestion for Accessibility & to Plan Better:

Wave Hill is stunning, if it's on your must-see list and you have a disability, contact Visitors Service prior with all of your accessible questions so you’re better prepared. Inquire about accessible restrooms too.
Telephone: 718-549-3200 ext. 326
Email: visitorservices@wavehill.org

The Pandemic Safety Experience:

Reserve tickets ahead of time online.
Mask up indoors.
Practicing social distance is highly encouraged.

Accessibility Information:
- Perkins Visitor Center is accessible with staff readily available to assist.
- The floor saddles in Glyndor Gallery were difficult for Annie's manual wheelchair.
- The Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory is inaccessible, there are a couple of steps up.
- Wheelchairs are available free of charge, on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Perkins Center which is a little past the midpoint of grounds from the entrance.
- We saw a small (2-person) Mobility Assistance Vehicle, reserved for visitors who need assistance. Based on our observation, it’s for a person using a small mobility device or a foldable wheelchair, not a person in a wheelchair.
- Service Animals are welcomed.
- Wheelchair parking on premises, note the parking lot is small.
- Caretakers are free, in our case I needed to call for them to add on that ticket.

Location:
4900 Independence Avenue, Bronx NY
Phone: 718-549-3200
Website: https://www.wavehill.org/

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.wavehill.org/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

A day at the Museum of Modern Art

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 20:59:11 GMT

Art, shopping and Biden for the win!

Our days spent together are memorable on their own, but we’ll always remember our time at the Museum of Modern Art. The museum is recognized as one of the world’s most influential museums in the world, notable for its modern and contemporary art, which includes paintings, drawings, films, sculpture and more. It had been on Annie’s to-visit list for the longest, she wanted to to share the experience of being immersed in the Monet Water Lilies room all together but luck was not in our favor as the exhibit was closed. However, there were still plenty more to fascinate and engage all of us.

We began our exploration of Judd’s minimalistic and 3-dimensional art, and found creative ways of looking at reflections for some cool effects. We saw a couple of Van Gogh masterpieces, the "Postman" and "Starry Night", and were captivated by the intricacies of Marc Chagall “I and the Village” and simple but impactful piece of Matisse “Dance” amongst many other outstanding works. Despite being enamored by the space, exhibits and shopping, our desire to be out on the streets in midtown New York was a strong force we didn’t deny ourselves. Our visit fell on the same day the AP called the 2020 Presidential Election results and we craved the celebratory experience of being surrounded by fellow New Yorkers. We held our excitement together as we shopped in the gift store but the undercurrent of joy kept pushing us towards to exit because there is no greater feeling of jubilation than being on the streets with fellow New Yorkers in Midtown such a long awaited moment.

Maybe it’s the fact that we were hardly out during the pandemic but it's notable to say we found the museum to be accessible and inviting, the few staff members we encountered were friendly with some going above to ensure we had a positive visit. We also felt really safe which is of utmost importance during this time. And yes, there were definitely some art pieces that didn’t make sense to us but there were still plenty more that engaged us.

Things we appreciated:

- There were plenty of benches in gallery areas which we found to be convenient to study the art and/or rest.
- Some of the art pieces had a plaque nearby with activities “For Kids” next to it, describing the artwork and artist technique. There were also interesting questions stirring up conversations around the piece.
- The expansive, accessible and appealing shopping area is filled with plenty of creative pieces for any budget.
- The museum is home to the Sculpture Garden, an outdoor oasis providing a quiet sanctuary in Midtown.

Disability Highlight:

Going forward, I’ll be taking the time to highlight prominent persons with disability at the places we visit. Oftentimes disabilities are purposefully left out of narration creating erasure and decontextualization, however without these disabilities you can ask, “Would such creativity exist ?” Van Gogh had a long list of health speculations ranging from epilepsy, bipolar disorder and anxiety. His greatest piece of work “Starry Night” (sold to MoMA for a whopping 1 billion dollars!) was created while in a mental institution and had cut his own ear off.

The Pandemic Safety Experience:
- Reserve tickets online ahead of time.
- Expect entry lines and temperature checks.
- Elevators are reserved for families with young children and persons with disabilities.

Suggested Duration: 3 hours or more

Accessibility Information :
- We visited two floors and the gift shop which were all accessible.
- Wheelchair accessible entrance is on 53rd and 54th streets between Fifth & Sixth Avenues.
- Wheelchair accessible restrooms and changing tables available on all floors. Single use/family restrooms are located on several floors. All gender bathroom are on Floor 1, 3W, 5, and T1
- Wheelchairs and portable stools are available free of charge, these can be requested in the lobby area.
- Service Animals are welcomed.
- Strollers are allowed throughout the museum except on escalators.
- Social narrative is available to prepare guests on the autistic spectrum prior to their visit, click here to download .
- Loops are available at all ticketing desks. Visitors can download an app onto their devices once in MoMA's lobby to access audio for select artworks throughout the galleries.
- Guest Assistants throughout the lobby are using iPads to communicate in writing with visitors who prefer to communicate this way.
- Click here for a comprehensive list of services available on Access.
- Explore some of the museum collection virtually, click here for Google Arts & Culture link .

Location :
11 West 53rd Street
Phone: 212-708-9400
Website: www.moma.org/

Access Contact: accessprograms@moma.org or (212) 408-6347

Schedule : Check their linked here website for the most up to date hours of operation.

Admissions :
Free for Caretaker
Adult $30
Senior (65+) + Person w/Disability $22
Child (16 and under) Free
Student $17

Dining options are available and accessible. Click here for more information.

Public Transportation : This is a very central Midtown location therefore suggesting the use of the MTA app or Google Maps. These are some of the buses that stop by the museum: M1, M2, M3, M4 M103, M5, M7, Q32.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.moma.org/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

The Bronx Pandemic NYCcations 2020

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 17:09:05 GMT

A memorable collection of our summer 2020 adventures.

Let’s face it, the Bronx isn’t known for its dreamy skyline but within this smaller, lesser visited borough lies some of the most unique experiences you’ll find across New York City. After five months of isolation, we were so ready to venture out. Admittedly, we were slightly nervous but definitely much more excited to be back out together again re-engaging with familiar attractions and exploring never before visited local neighborhoods.

Our collective decision for our summer outings was based on staying close to home, using public transportation and nurturing ourselves with the restorative power of nature. We also made it a point to support business in our borough since it has been the hardest hit with the highest unemployment rate in city. Of course, safety was the number #1 priority for ourselves and those around us so it was always #MaskUp, sanitizing often and keeping a distance when possible. And while we went out for shared time, adventures and our own sanity, we found deep human connections on each trip all sharing stories of what pandemic life is like and how welcoming it is to see the city’s phased reopenings. These are memorable daycations that will always hold a special place in our memory.

Topping our list this summer was Annie & my first ever carousel ride together which took place at the Bronx Zoo surrounded by beetles, grasshoppers and other multi-legged bugs. Imagine living a lifetime of 40+ years and this was our first opportunity to ride together! Ooohhh the excitement...Mom even hopped on one of the critters, she couldn't resist being a part of this special moment riding with her daughters and her grandchildren. Talk about a memory of a lifetime captured here. A trip to the Zoo pairs up well with a visit after to Arthur's Avenue, details below.
Accessibility tip: It's a temporary ramp on and off the carousel with a foldable seated area for the wheelchair.

We took a long walk at the New York Botanical Garden , touching and smelling flowers and herbs, reacquainting ourselves with plants we knew from the Caribbean while reminiscing on some warm childhood memories. It was restorative to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. Guess what else ? We had a photoshoot with the gardens so they have authentic images to represent people with disabilities! YES to organizations actively taking steps to be more inclusive.

We pretended we were off to an island getaway and enjoyed a trip to charming City Island where ate some of the freshest seafood, shopped for local art and ended our summer evening off with massive ice-cream cones. For a full write up, click here to read the Accessible City Island Guide on New York City Tourism + Conventions.

We spent a half day on Arthur Avenue, the “Bronx Little Italy” , and shopped for all kinds of deliciousness. Yep, you guessed it, we ate there too because who could resist the delights of cheese and garlic ? We dined outdoors at Zero Otto Nove (accessible restroom available), sampled beers at the Bronx Beer Hall and had dessert in Arthur Avenue Retail Market. Plan for some extra time to explore this authentic Italian market where you'll find fresh cheese, pasta, sausages and more.
Accessibility tip: Arthur Avenue Retail Market is wheelchair accessible however there isn't an accessible restroom.
The neighborhood is older so be on the look-out for uneven sidewalks and cracked curbs.

The Bronx Museum had been on our list of places to visit for a while. Although this was a smaller museum, it was glorious to be back in a museum space in an immersive and intimate way. We certainly enjoyed a few virtual museum tours while in social isolation but this visit reinforced our preference for an in-person experience when possible. The space, lighting, set-up and acoustics all created an atmosphere to enjoy Sanford Biggers “ Codeswitch ” and Jose Parla’s “ It’s Yours ”. Annie saw pattern and beauty in some of Parla's pieces which reminded us of her artwork. Mom & I were able to recognize stitching and quilt patterns up-close exactly as some from my childhood days and used the opportunity to share stories with Annie, Rayan and Diya of what life was like 35 years ago within context. It’s amazing how small details can jolt powerful memories and bring those stories back to life. I was amazed by how the crafts seemed interwoven between Caribbean West Indian and Americans of the diaspora. These were likely created around the same era, fortifying our interconnectivity

Information & Accessible Tips:

- The museum is free but requires a reservation ahead of time online.
- The museum is only two floors, accessible by a ramp.
- Accessible family restroom available with a child sized changing table.

- Complimentary wheelchairs are available in the lobby area on a first-come, first-served basis. Service animals are welcome, but must be on a leash and attended at all times.

- For full details, visit https://bronxmuseum.org .

Important to note: We always wore our masks and would occasionally take them off a few minutes for photos and always ensured no one else around and the photographer was more than 6 feet away from us.

Stay safe and best wishes on this continued journey. Feel free to reach out with any questions, happy to help!

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit each website for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

New York City Coronavirus Resources for Safe Exploration

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 23:51:28 GMT

What to expect as activities resume in our beloved city.

With the reemergence of activities around New York City, I am sure you’re wondering what travel is like in New York City during a pandemic ? Having been home for so many months, we too have been curious and patiently waiting for the right moment to safely re-engage and support our city. We’ve had our first day out exploring Arthur Avenue, a blog post will soon follow. In order for you to make your own decision based on your comfort level, I’ve collected plenty of information provided below.

New York City started its phased reopening in early June, and is currently in Phase 4 which extends to low-risk outdoor venues, including zoos, botanical gardens, nature parks, the grounds of historical sites and cultural institutions, and outdoor museums. Indoor dining as well as museums and malls are pushed back indefinitely. During this time, the onus is on all of us to be responsible citizens in keeping our city safe which heavily relies on staying 6 feet apart as much as possible, washing and sanitizing hands as often as possible and for those who are two and above wearing a mask is required unless medically infeasible.

As the city reimagines itself, New York & Company, the city’s official destination tourism marketing organization formed a Coalition for Tourism Recovery where I’m a part of the Steering Committee ensuring people with disabilities are a part of the discussion as the city reopens. They’ve put together a comprehensive list of Guidelines Health and Safety Guidelines for Retail Shopping, Restaurants, Hotels, Attractions & Museums, Transportation & Airports. They’ve also created a Stay Well NYC Pledge, a two way commitment between businesses and their guests. Click here to be linked to a version compatible with screen-readers .

So what exactly does the new normal look like during a pandemic ?

Based on information gathered, advance booking for timed-entry reservation is required and you can expect wellness checks. Businesses are operating at reduced operating hours and amenities, and limited capacity in order to allow for social distancing. In some places there are floor markings to indicate social distancing, hand sanitizers throughout and occasionally some places have extra masks should you require one. Parties are allowed to stay together and please be mindful that young children stick to their parties.

What about people who cannot medically tolerate a mask in public ?

It's recommended to use a cloth covering or face shield. If none of these are medically tolerable, we suggest contacting the Visitors Services department for more information.

What to expect for outdoor dining ?

Restaurants across the city have taken advantage of NYC’s Open Restaurant Program which allows restaurants to expand their outdoor seating and in some cases, street closure on evenings during the weekend. Click here for more details on accessibility details .

If you’re planning a visit, it’s best to call the restaurant ahead of time to ensure accessibility, make a reservation and ask about their accessible restroom. Masks are required when not eating. A maximum of 10 people per table. Please also keep the weather in mind as the umbrellas/awning used do not necessarily keep heavy rain out. And while tables should be 6 feet apart, it's not always the case.

What to expect on public transportation ?
MTA Transportation: Trains, Buses and Access-A-Ride - Trains and buses are running on their regular schedules except trains which close from 1am-5am for deep cleaning. High-touch areas on subways, buses and Access-A-Ride vehicles are being disinfected every 24 hours.

Important to note: People with disabilities (visible and invisible) are allowed to board through the front door of the bus. Bus drivers are to secure the wheelchair/scooter. Bus fares are not currently being collected but is planned to resume in August

Access-A-Ride passengers can only travel with one additional guest until further notice. Fares are currently waived.

TLC Yellow Taxi - There is typically a partition between the front and back seat. Drivers are to secure the wheelchair. Whenever possible, passengers and drivers should leave the windows open to increase air circulation in the car.

Stay Safe!
New Yorkers, remember at all times, masks are required and stay 6 feet apart and dont forget to wash/sanitize your hands often. Let’s do our part to stop the spread while safely reengaging with our city.

This post is listed here as memories from the pandemic. Oct 2024.

New York City ... we miss you.

Tue, 19 May 2020 21:39:36 GMT

But until then we'll enjoy Virtual NYC.

About two months ago New York City was bustling with life - and then in a matter of days, just like many in countries across the world, our lives were turned upside down.

After taking time off for holiday celebrations, we spent many joyous weekends exploring the city mid-January to the end of February, visiting institutions like the New-York Historical Society, the Morgan Library, the main branch of the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, the Museum of the City of New York and its neighbor, the Museo del Barrio. On a different note, we went to the Barclay Center to see Celine Dion’s Courage Tour, without realizing the spectacular show was going to be our last time out for a long while. For the remainder of the spring we had had lofty plans of visiting many more cultural attractions. Well … you know how that story ended, social distancing, which began for us around the second week of March.

The last months have been surreal, difficult to say the least and filled with many heartaches. We had a few weeks of chaos before settling into somewhat of a new routine. Truth be told it’s been cooking and over indulging (but I hear that’s the new norm), constantly staying up to date with the news (sad and depressing), concentrating really hard on being productive (but it’s much ado about nothing some days, this blog posts took months to create), consuming way too much digital (but who’s counting screen time right?) and on the weekend (yes we've been trying really hard to separate the weekdays from the weekends) occasional distancing game nights (with wine involved and more food, because why not?) and virtual milestone celebrations.

Annie wants you to know she’s Netflix and chillin’, absolutely binging on Disney Plus, enjoying sunshine and nature at home with their plant collection, consuming way too much content on her phone, and supervising mom who’s recreating recipes almost daily. Annie is also the contributing stylist and model for all the face masks mom is making for the family, and she also started Zoom art, cooking and fitness classes through her day program, ADAPT, which she's enjoying.

While I mostly thought of staying off the blog due to the overwhelming fear of this pandemic and uncertain times, the desire to connect and share some of the amazing digital content from our favorite sightseeing and cultural icons out-weighed the fear. We hope it will brighten your day as it has added to ours. Going forward we’ll be curating some of our favorites on social media, however, NYC Tourism + Conventions (formerly NYCGo.com), has put this comprehensive list together sortable by Museums, Galleries, Films, Broadway, Family Friendly and more which you can access by clicking here.

We miss the excitement with a tinge of nervousness of going someplace new, the friendly smiles of those who've welcomed us, the gentle nod of acknowledgment turning into unexpected conversations with staffs and tourists, serendipitous adventures around the corner, the grandness of majestic spaces, facade and skyline vistas, world-class exhibits spurring heated debates, the rumbling of the subway as we walk the streets, and the lingering taste of a fine meal at the celebratory close of our day out. Just as we have begun to really enjoy our social access to New York City, we’re back in social isolation – nothing new to a person with a disability.

We miss each other and our city, our hearts break for all it is enduring. But it's been known for its resilience and we firmly believe we will get through this and, when the time is right, it will welcome all of us back with open arms. Until then, we will relive our fond memories, do our part to keep everyone safe and fan the sparks of desire to return with Virtual NYC linked here.

Important is listed here as a memories from the pandemic. Oct 2024.

New York Historical Society

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 20:53:20 GMT

Spending a winter day indoors enjoying art and history.

The New York Historical Society is New York City’s first museum, opening its doors in 1804 seventy years before the Metropolitan Museum of Art did. We’ve wanted to visit for a while, particularly to see their two films We Rise and New York City, but waited for 2-for-1 week since they don't offer a discount ticket for a person with a disability nor caretaker. Noteworthy exhibits are definitely the two movies and the Gallery of Tiffany Lamps. I am sure there were plenty more to see, however, we had limited time due to an early closure for a private event.

We Rise highlights many social issues during the suffragist movement shedding light on powerful women advocating on issues such as healthcare, working conditions and voting rights. Also not to be missed is the 18-minute film experience, The New York Story . As its name suggests, this immersive film takes you through the rich history of New York City. Visitors can expect “immersive video projection, moving scenic elements, theatrical lighting, surround sound and a show design that evolves over the course of the experience.” Both of these are in the same theatre and show within less than 15 minutes of each other so feel free to hang onto your seats for an hour and see both at the same time.

The expansive collection of 100 Tiffany lamps reside on a specially created multi-level floor in a welcoming space. Visit to learn its rich backstory, history and see rare collections. It offers an immersive and interactive experience which includes a hands-on lamp design, as well as kiosks sharing personal stories of the Tiffany Girls .

There’s a children museum, which we did not visit as well as many other smaller exhibits are accessible. The restaurant and cafe are also both accessible as is the gift shop. We’ve seen reviews stating that the museum is much smaller than expected and sometimes visitors are disappointed by the lack of history. Perhaps it’s best to take the docent led free tour which is offered daily at 2 PM and 3:30 PM (check updated times for your visit). It pairs up well with a visit to Central Park for a full day out or if you’re really energetic, you can add this on before or after the Museum of Natural History directly across the street.

We thought the museum was calm and peaceful compared to the larger museums plus the exhibit rooms were very welcoming with plenty of space for the wheelchair. Our favorites were the two movies and the Tiffany Lamp room. The staffs were either friendly or neutral.

Accessible Information and Tips:
- Wheelchair ramp entry is on 2 West 77th Street.
- We sat in the back of the theatre and were unable to see some parts of the films which projected onto the ceiling. Ask if wheelchair users can sit in the aisles which are large enough to accommodate the wheelchair.
- Accessible restrooms available throughout the museum. There are also unisex restrooms and changing tables available.
- The 2nd floor for the Tiffany Lamp Exhibit is accessible via a self-operated lift tucked behind the stairs.
- Elevators are very wide and can accommodate more than one wheelchair at a time.
- Plenty of seating area around for resting.

- View their website for full details on accessibility and their access programs here .

Location:
170 Central Park West, NY 10024
Tel: (212) 873-3400 or 212-485-9232
Website: https://www.nyhistory.org/

Email: access@nyhistory.org

Public Transportation:
M10 to 77th Street
M79 to 81st Street and Central Park West

General Admissions
Adults $24
Seniors/Educators/Active Military $19
Students $13
Kids (5-13 years )$6 Kids under 5 Free
Pay as you wish on Fridays 5-8pm

Dining: Both the cafe and restaurant are accessible although we did not get any pictures of the space since it was crowded when we popped our heads in at lunch time. The cafe space is accessible with limited seating areas and can be tight for a wheelchair on a busy day. (Currently closed as of Oct 2024 with plans to reopen - check their website for up to date information.)

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.nyhistory.org/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Winter Village at Bryant Park

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 20:32:56 GMT

Can wheelchair users skate on The Rink at Bryant Park ? YES!

So this wasn’t on our bucket list as a family because we never thought wheeling on The Rink at Bryant Park was even a remote possibility, however it was on a wish list. Last year while at Brookfield Place during winter, we all watched skaters glide gracefully on the rink and of course, chuckled at a few that held on to the rim as if it was life support and thought, how fun would that be. Come late fall this year, we’re creating our list of places to visit during the colder months and the subject of ice skating came up. Annie perked up and said she’s heard of rinks that are accessible and of course, the hunt began with all the major rinks in the city.

I was able to nail down The Rink at Bryant Park since they had a section on accessibility. Having visited Bryant Park many times during the past years, we admire its ability to transform from summer into a Winter Wonderland always filled with so much to do. New buildings emerge with Holiday Shops, selling local and unique gifts and of course The Rink with its iconic Christmas Tree. This year we were interested in the food hall + bar, The Lodge, after learning it’s by UrbanSpace, known for local community support amongst chefs. But most importantly, it’s accessible ice rink.

I contacted them twice to ensure wheelchair users are allowed on the ice before planning our day out. I was assured Annie would be able to get on the rink but neither of the staff could explain how it worked. Our schedules aligned for an early morning weekday trip this past week. At the ticket booth, the staff got a supervisor to explain that one of their qualified staff takes Annie out on the ice and wheel her around and since Rayan and Diya knew how to skate, they would be allowed to skate around the wheelchair. To my surprise there is no adaptive equipment required for the chair on ice, they explained the rubber wheels do just fine on its own. We got our tickets and with much anticipation collected our skates to get ready for the ice. The children got on then Annie followed suit, note two staffs lifted her chair a few inches onto the ice and away they went. Full disclosure, I’ve never skated in my life nor was it my dream to do so however I had given my word I’d try. And that I did - I was one of those who held onto the rim for dear life - took out our wonderful family pictures and quickly hobbled back off the ice to be a spectator. Hey, at least I kept my word and I got a picture to prove I skated once! They spent about an hour on the ice wheeling, a few falls with plenty of gliding and wide smiles while being surrounded by some of New York's famous buildings. And that’s how we checked off ice skating and wheeling together from Rayan’s birthday wish list.

The Staff Host on the ice were beyond helpful and friendly, from the one who wheeled Annie to the one who tried giving me skating tips and was willing to help me make it around the rink as well as the medical assistant on hand who took our pictures and made sure to announce Rayan’s birthday while we were on the ice. I explained we blog about our experiences for other wheelchair users to know what’s available and they told me of their adaptive sleds available which children with autism tend to use. Each of them were happy to ensure a memorable moment for all !

The Lodge by UrbanSpace
We expected creative food concepts at The Lodge and were not disappointed. With choices like truffled Mac’n’Cheese, Bacon Jalapeno Cheesy Fries, Chimney Cakes, artisanal bakeries and so much more to choose from, there is certainly something to please. Don't forget a full bar set-up is also available.

Duration: 2-3 hours minimum

Accessible & Important Tips:
- Skating is free for wheelchair users. On their website it states both manual and motorized wheelchairs are allowed on the ice. I inquired with the staff if a motorized wheelchair user also needs a staff to push them, they did not have an answer for me.
- They have two adaptive sleds available for younger children. According to the Staff Host, they’ve used them for autistic children who can fit in them and sit steady. I'd imagine if a blind child wants this experience, it would be possible and amazing. Refer to the image in this blog post above. They’re also free of charge.
- Accessible restrooms are available in The Rink area as well as in The Lodge.
- Accessible park entrances are mid-block on 40th and 42nd Streets, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
- Access to The Lodge is from the side with the Christmas Tree.
- There are various kinds of seating arrangements, picnic- styled tables are available for wheelchair users on The Lodge.
- While most of the areas we walked were accessible, note it seems like limited spacing for a wheelchair user to fit into some of the Holiday Shops and a majority of them had a 2-3 inch step up. Click here for more information on how to access the shops here .
- It’s crowded during the holiday season which is tends to be from Thanksgiving to the first week of January. It’s recommended to go early on weekdays.
- Bring a lock and key to store your items in the locker for free, bags are not allowed on the rink. It costs $12 to purchase their lock or check your bag.

Location:
40 to 42nd Streets between 5th and 6th Ave.
(Accessible entrances are in the middle of 40th and 42nd street between 5 & 6th Avenue
New York, NY 10023
Tel: 212-768-4242
Website: https://bryantpark.org/

Schedule: Holiday Shops is open until approx. early Jan The Rink and The Lodge is open until early Mar. Click here to visit their website for a full schedule.

Admissions: Various pricing available for ice skating shoe rental depending on the day and time. CIick here to visit their website for a full schedule.

Public Transportation: Buses that stop nearby are the M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M55, Q32, M42, BxM2

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://bryantpark.org for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

NYBG Holiday Train Show

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:02:43 GMT

A holiday wonder for all ages!

Having gone to the New York Botanical Gardens during spring, summer and fall in the past years, we’ve finally made it to the Holiday Train Show and it was spectacular ! The event is very much a must-see attraction during the holidays in New York City, on par with the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and department store holiday windows.

This enchanting exhibit consists of many famous New York City landmarks from all five boroughs meticulously hand-crafted using natural recycled materials such as twigs, bark, stems, seeds, pine cones, fruits and more. Each of the fascinating pieces are displayed on beds of moss, with a lush landscape made of conifers, evergreen and holly. There is even a waterfall made from a recycled tree root creating a stream of water running through the exhibit. Look out for the many varieties of train models passing by as well as on the overhead bridges. There are plenty of Christmas trees, holiday decor and twinkling lights in the surroundings making it very festive for the season.

While the exhibit is in its 28th year, this is the first time it’s being housed in a climate controlled, larger indoor winter wonderland space. It's a normal home in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is currently being partially renovated. We purposely visited after sunset to enjoy the holidays lights and were not disappointed. Note, I’d imagine the exhibit looks good in the daytime too as some of the windows were opaque and some covered in sheer curtain. Staffs were as usual, always friendly and ready to assist.

We had some free time before the exhibit and decided to visit the shop which was a delight. It was beautifully decorated and had many unique gift ideas such as miniature plants, a wide selection of horticulture books and calendars, hand-crafted holiday candy, decor and so much more to shop from. And this time around we opted to have small bites after the exhibit in the cafeteria and though late in the day, the items were still fresh and delicious.

Duration: approximately 1 hour for the train show only at a leisurely pace. Additional time is required if you plan on visiting the conservatory, shop and cafe which is well worth it. There are also variety of festive events to complement the train show. We spent a total of 3 hours.

Important & Accessible Tips:
- Caretaker ticket is free. This free ticket can be requested at any ticketing booth at time of purchase or with online receipt of purchased tickets.
- Most of the exhibits are at eye level for wheelchair users and children to enjoy.
- Accessible restrooms are available. A family restroom is also available in the Watson Building.
- Crowds were definitely a concern prior to attending. We were in the exhibit from 4-5pm and it was manageable, in many of the areas, people moved so that Annie can get a close up.
- Click here for more accessibility tips from our Spring visit.

Schedule & Pricing:

- The train show runs from November to January.

- Tickets are sold out early, especially on the weekends closer to holidays, therefore best to book in advance.
- Schedules and pricing are different during this time of the year.
- Click here for full information on NYBG website.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.nybg.org/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 20:49:58 GMT

Kickstarting the holiday season in New York City.

Bucket list item - CHECKED! Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, a beloved tradition for over 90 years, kickstarts the holiday season in New York City. Crowds line up from 6am, despite the weather, to watch celebrities, Broadway performers, marching bands, larger than life iconic balloons and floats with an ending of Santa himself on his reindeer. With approximately 3.5 million attendees lining the streets of New York City, I thought it would definitely not be an experience Annie can enjoy. However, last year while watching the parade on TV, I spotted wheelchair user and so the idea that this may actually be possible was created.

At the beginning of fall this past year, I reached out to Macy’s generic email address listed on the parade’s website and sent several follow ups. They then put me in contact with the PR team, since we share our experiences on a blog, we’re considered press. It took some time before getting in touch with an amazing staff member who then explained to us they have a partnership with YAI, a non-profit organization that partners up with the NYPD and volunteers, providing a secure viewing area along the parade route for people with disabilities and their friends and families. She also extended an offer I couldn’t resist, which were grandstand tickets, reserved for Macy’s Friends & Family, press contacts, charity organizations etc. She understood my concern with Annie being a wheelchair user in a large crowd and put me in contact with another amazing staff to help operationally coordinate our once in a lifetime experience.

The night before the parade, we heard the winds may ground the balloons and had to wait until the morning of to find out if there would be a parade. Getting up at 4:30 am really excited and nervous (there is always nervousness for outdoor experiences that involves a large crowd), the parade was on. We arrived at 6:30am and were greeted by the glow of sunrise and warmer than usual temperatures as well as the friendly staff who helped us make our way to the lines for ticket scan then escorted us to an accessible seating area. It was amazing to see and meet many other people with disabilities and their families, who were also very excited and nervous for the experience and at the end, absolutely loved it.

I had seen the parade many times while working on Thanksgiving day from my indoor office building in Times Square as well as a couple years ago from an office on 38th Street, none of it beat the immersive experience of being in the crowd, cheering, chanting and clapping along. Some of the interactive performers came up close to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and threw funfetti at the crowd. Although the balloons flew at a lower level and some were noticeably deflated, we thought the closer views were spectacular against the famed Dakota Building along Central Park West. Covered in funfetti and the last remnants of fall leaves and making friends out of strangers, we were all completely satiated and grateful for this priceless experience. Thank you Macy’s for making this dream a beautiful reality which exceeded all expectations and was perfect in every way! Special kudos to your fantastic staffs and the NYPD.

If it's ever been your dream to attend, know you can plan your experience with the YAI organization!

P.S. Wondering about the fellas? They offered to stay home and do some of the heavy cooking for our Thanksgiving dinner for 15 family members. If you're curious about inclusive activities, we coupled up to play dominoes, scrabble and decorate cookies, my partner was Annie. Our family gathering was another lovely memory for the day.

Important Tips and Accessibility:
- Public ADA viewing is set up by NYPD and with coordination by YAI .
- People who contact the organization get access on a first come, first served basis.
- Location is decided 10 days before the parade.
- Click here for a link to the YAI website with more information on accessibility.
- Dress in layers with plenty of warm clothing, it’s best to take off than to be cold.
- Accessible portable restrooms are available.

- Contact for participation in parade: yaiarts@yai.org or artsandculture@yai.org

* Please note our experience in the grandstand area will not be the same as the one from the YAI, since we were given special preferences with press passes.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.yai.org/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

A Bust or Ball of a Bus Tour ?

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 23:08:48 GMT

It was Annie's 40th birthday celebration and it was going to be epic!

For the first time in our lifetime all of the girl cousins, seven in total, were going to be together in the same city for Annie’s 40th birthday bash, which I had been planning for many months.

It’s not easy to plan a memorable day that is fully accessible and inclusive for everyone to enjoy therefore this required some creativity. Our daytime celebration was going to be a fun girls day out in the city and our evening soiree was to be a private dinner with karaoke. After months of poring over the variety of choices - museum visits, private brunch, shopping, walking sightseeing itinerary, hop-on/hop-off bus tours, I settled on a Sex and the City tour, how fun right? Annie plus two cousins are huge fans of the show and I thought a guided bus tour would be a relaxed way for the out-of-towners to see our amazing city while also being entertained. Annie was fully on board as was the excited family crew!

Having worked in this industry for 20+ years, I used my connections to be introduced to the owner of On Locations Tours. As in all planning for our blog outings, I am meticulous on accessibility details. Upon being introduced, I inquired about private and public tours, and while I initially preferred the private tour, it was difficult to find a private wheelchair accessible vehicle provider and therefore settled on the public tour. I was given a generous 30% discounts on tickets out of industry goodwill. I went over all the details: that this was for my sister’s 40th birthday and that she’s a wheelchair user who cannot transfer from her wheelchair to a seat, and I expressed our major excitement as well as the fact that we blog about our experiences. Days later an intern processed our payment and I requested she checked all of the stop-off points to ensure accessibility, which she confirmed a few days before the tour. Note: while engaging with the travel industry, I asked around about challenges in welcoming and serving PwD, and had heard that lifts on the private tour buses do not work well or the drivers are not trained on operating the lift. Being the diligent accessible planner I am, a few days before our tour, I sent the owner and general company email address a note to check with the bus company on both of these items. I got a reassuring email back from the owner that they work with a good bus company and the drivers are very well trained, the reservations department also confirmed they would contact the bus company so that everything would be in “good working order.”

Come the day of the tour, we were fortunate to have brilliant sunshine with temperatures starting off cool and turning warm by noon. Annie and I had a smooth ride into the city with plenty of time to peruse Tiffany’s and select her birthday present. Her mood was set and ready for her girls’ day out. We eagerly awaited everyone else’s arrival at the Plaza Hotel and once everyone showed up it was non-stop chatter.

I checked in with the tour guide and continued our chit chats while waiting around to board the bus. The rest of the guests were asked to line up away from us since their policy was to board the wheelchair user first.

Everything that could go wrong went wrong from here onwards.

The bus driver did not know how to use the lift. He had to call his office for instructions and finally was able to get the lift out.
We were allowed to board the bus and by that time a few guests were also seated. Upon getting in I apologized for the delay since you could feel the tension. There was no acknowledgement from anyone.
The bus driver was unable to get the lift back in place.
Not once during that time did the tour guide asked us about our reservation process or if we had alerted the company about having a wheelchair guest in our party, however, she had gone back to the other passengers a few times which I assumed was to keep them abreast of the situation.
While the bus driver worked on getting the lift back in, the tour guide started her spiel and interacting with the crowd. In the meantime, there is an annoying beeping sound over Annie’s head every minute while the driver tried to fix the lift.
By that time the tour was running 45 minutes late, everyone was getting antsy. Annie started to shake her head, indicating that she is no longer interested in being on the bus.
I emailed the owner to say “Surprise, the lift isn’t working”.
The tour guide’s phone rings twice while she was giving her speech and on the second ring she says, “Oh it’s the big boss, let me take this.”
She gets off the bus then comes back on the say the bus is broken and we should disembark and wait for a replacement or that we can contact the office for a refund. She had no idea when the replacement was coming. I went off the bus to get a word in with her explaining I had booked this tour directly with the owner, which she was quite surprised to hear.
At that moment, a guest departed, making condescending and rude remarks about me as if I wasn't there. The tour guide started explaining to the guest “Hey, she did the right thing.”
Annie safely gets off the bus on the lift. My cousins departed through the doors and upon exiting apologized to the remaining guests on the bus, who reciprocated with more rude remarks.
The tour guide had told the rest of the group that we did not inform her company we had a wheelchair user with us.

Within that time span, there were swirls of emotions that went from astonishment to disbelief with the aftermath of shame and disappointment. After all the meticulous planning to ensure an unforgettable birthday of fun, laughter and creating memories, this special day was marred by this awful experience.

In the week that followed I got a full refund, several calls from the owner with apologies and an offer for a make up birthday dinner or tour. The owner said the broken lift was the main issue, despite the fact that the tour guide had not been notified ahead of time of a wheelchair user as a passenger, and despite the tour guide telling the other guests we had not advised her company of a wheelchair user’s presence. These issues are the heart of this operational failure. If the lift was broken, understandably people would have been upset due to the delay, however they wouldn't have felt they were in the right to say the things they did to us. As this was the owners stance, we declined the private make up tour.

If you're aggrieved while visiting New York City, here are organizations you may contact.

1. The company itself.
2. The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.
3. Any membership organizations the company belongs to.
4. The Human Rights Organization
5. Better Business Bureau

The Big Apple Circus 42nd Season

Sat, 02 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A suspenseful and fun-filled day out!

The Big Apple Circus is Seasonal and is typically in New York City during fall.

Welcome to the Big Apple Circus, celebrating 42 years of crowd pleasing entertainment! It’s renowned for curating an A-list of entertainers in an intimate setting with a passion for modernizing the circus experience. Be prepared for a jaw dropping performance by the aerial strap duo, a suspenseful act on the Wheel of Death, amazingly talented aerial acrobats soaring above the audience, an unusual cast for the strong man routine, a daring high wire act by siblings, mixed with some very well trained domesticated animals - all pull together by the talented ringmaster and are some of the highlights that made our evening.

We each had our own favorites but agreed the Dupla Mão na Roda, the hand to hand strength act featuring Rafael Ferreira and Alan Pagnota was a standout. Rafael, the flyer, was born with congenital arthrogryposis and is wheelchair user, therefore, his powerful performance was a true pleasure to behold. It's empowering to see a person with disability included in the talent line up.

Each of us attended on previous occasions many years ago and it was our first time as a family, all thanks to the Big Apple Circus for their complimentary tickets and the newly created memories.

Important to note: Keep in mind the circus is temporarily set-up under a huge tent in Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center and yes, it’s very well heated. The staff we interacted with were helpful and friendly. If you’re early, I noticed there are plenty of photo opportunities with the cast who mingles with the crowd. The show starts on time and has a 20 minutes break before the second act. The concession stand serves fast food, we tried the popcorn and fries which were decent.

Show Duration: 2 hours, including a 20 minutes intermission

Accessible & Important Tips:
- Wheelchair accessible seating is available to purchase on TicketMaster. Upon being seated, the staff moves one of the temporary chair for the wheelchair spot.
- Accessible via ramps at front of Lincoln Center and note it’s a few minutes of walking to the other end of the block, closer to Amsterdam Avenue.
- We had to pick up our tickets at the box, which required few stairs however, there is a bell for wheelchair users to ring and a staff will attend to the guest.
- Because the circus is in temporary tent structure, entryway ramps are made from wood covered by carpet and is uneven but manageable.
- Wheelchair accessible portable restroom is available.
- Service animals are welcome

Location:
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
Email: boxoffice@bigapplecircus.com
Website: https://bigapplecircus.com/

Admissions: Various pricing options available ranging from $45-$243

Public Transportation: M5, M7, M10, M11, and M104 MTA bus lines stop within a block vicinity of Lincoln Center.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://bigapplecircus.com/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Enjoying a day on Staten Island

Sat, 24 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

So much adventure awaits minutes away from the ferry.

What a fun-filled and adventurous day we had on Staten Island recently! Having never visited Staten Island before, we were fortunate to work with the staff at Visit Staten Island who helped tremendously with a full-day itinerary planning plus details on accessibility. To be fully transparent, I was introduced to them after the launch of our blog and have been in talks for a visit. They wanted to showcase Staten Island as a welcoming borough which everyone can enjoy and were happy to provide us with complimentary admissions into each museum in Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

Our full day included visits to multiple museums, a public bus ride to the newly opened Empire Outlets where we shopped then took a ride back to New York City on the Staten Island Ferry. For those of you who have never heard of Snug Harbor (we sure hadn’t!), it’s an 83-acre campus originally built in the 1800’s as a home for retired sailors. It consists of 23 historical buildings and 14 botanical gardens set on 83-acre campus. It’s very well preserved and provides experiences for all ages during all seasons.

While most people just ride the ferry to and from Staten Island for the views of the Statue of Liberty, there is so much more to explore and think you’ll find it just as welcoming and as fun as we did for a day visit. The below are highlights of each places visited and recommend you using the accessibility links for full details to plan your trip.

Staten Island Children’s Museum (currently closed - expected reopening Jan 2025)
Rayan and Diya has the most fun here, they LOVED the Big Games Room and challenged each other with checkers and bowling. Annie and I couldn’t resist posing with the life size chess pieces and both enjoyed watching the kids play. Mom of course, enjoyed the outdoor herb garden.
Website: https://sichildrensmuseum.org/
Accessibility Information: https://www.sichildrensmuseum.org/accessible/
Admissions: $8 per person ages 1 & up
Suggested duration: 1 hour

Staten Island Museum
This museum features natural history as well as fine arts. We explored the famous Mastodon exhibit and lost bird species plus viewed their current exhibit “ Field Notes: Seed Stories and the Power of Plants” an interactive learning experience.
Website: http://www.statenislandmuseum.org
Suggested Admissions: Adults: $8.00 | Students and Seniors: $5.00 | Children 2 - 12: $2.00
Caretakers are free.
Suggested duration: 1 hour

Noble Maritime Collection
Our visit included a personal guided tour of the facilities. We were impressed with its rich maritime history by the distinguished marine artist, John A. Noble, viewed the Noble Houseboat Studio, learnt about the “Daily Life at Sailors’ Snug Harbor” as well as the Robbin's Reef Lighthouse which was tended by the very brave Kate Walker. After hearing her story of many dedicated years of unwavering service, we were pleased to learn that she is selected to be the female statue of Staten Island, part of the SheBuiltNYC initiative.
Website: http://www.noblemaritime.org/

Pay as you wish Admission
Suggested duration: 1 hour

Harbor Eats
We ate lunch at Harbor Eats, an al-fresco cafe serving sandwiches, burgers, tacos, fries, light snacks and much more. Food was affordably priced and delicious, everyone enjoyed their meals and service was extremely friendly. There are plenty of grassy areas for picnicking (the grassy surface may not work for the wheelchairs) seating next to the cafe and picnic tables across the street from the cafe. Note there is about a foot of missing walkway to get from the street onto the wheelchair pathway to the cafe which the staff was happy to assist with getting Annie’s chair on safely.
Website: https://snug-harbor.org/visit/dining/
Suggested duration: 45 mins- 1 hour

Important Tips:
- While Snug Harbor is old, we found the grounds and museums we visited to be very well maintained and accessible.
- There are separate accessible entrances for the Staten Island Museum and the Maritime Museum which are easily found.
- Restroom at the Children's Museum is accessible.
- We visited on a Saturday from 10am to 2:30pm and noted it was not overly crowded which makes it an ideal destination for culture and relaxation. The staffs were all very helpful and friendly.

- Check out Snug Harbor website for more accessibility information here.

Transportation : MTA Public S40 Bus stops directly across the street from Snug Harbor, note the walkway is a bit old but manageable. It’s about a 12 minutes bus ride from Snug Harbor to St. George’s Ferry Terminal.

Empire Outlets is Staten Island’s newest premier outlet shopping center, with amazing views of lower Manhattan. It’s steps away from St. George’s Ferry Terminal making it an ideal stop. There are two floors of shopping which are accessible via elevators. We visited a few of our favorite brand stores and found them to be accessible. Because it’s still very new, there are many ongoing opening of stores and restaurants.
Website: https://empireoutlets.nyc/

Staten Island Ferry Ride to NYC

This was a first time experience for Annie who is not a fan of boats and water but was brave to try it with the family to which she said “It wasn’t too bad” afterwards. She's ready to go on more boat rides around the city now! The ferry ride is high on tourist attraction list because of it’s amazing views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, plus it’s completely free. Stay on the left side when returning from Staten Island for a view of Lady Liberty and best timing is at sunset.

Duration of the ride: 25 minutes
Accessibility Information: https://siferry.com/additional-information/

Important Tips:
- Both terminals have escalators, elevators and accessible restrooms as well as places to eat.
- We used the upper level on our ride and found the ramp to be steep and therefore asked for assistance from the staff to get Annie off once we got to New York City. The staff advised to stay on the ferry and when everyone else was off, he wheeled Annie down. (Extremely friendly staff !) FYI - this was the perfect opportunity we got for a picture.
- Note I asked about this and the found out that it's best suggested to board the ferry on the lower level. If you're unsure where to find the area, ask a DOT staff for assistance.
- During rush hour, the ferry is crowded.
- There is a concession stand on the ferries serving snack, light food and beer which is accessible via an elevator.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://snug-harbor.org/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Luna Park at Coney Island

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

What's a summer without visiting an amusement park?

Annie and I had visited Coney Island Boardwalk more than 20 years ago, now it was time for a trip with Rayan and Diya. Our schedules aligned for a Friday day trip at the end of August.

Straight to the point on Accessibility: Having checked out their website section on Accessibility I was under the impression that I'd at least get to enjoy one ride with Annie. That was not the case! There is no single ride in all of Luna Park that a wheelchair user can get onto with their wheelchair, you have to be able to transfer from your wheelchair to the ride. We bought tickets the day of at Guest Services which worked out cheaper than if we bought them online, they were having a promotion of adding 40% more credits to whatever amount was purchased. I inquired about an Accessible Map showcasing the ramps and family restroom, none existed. I asked the staff about the accessible rides which she knew nothing of and told us we needed to ask at each ride! No need to express my disappointment. So what did we do for the day?

We started off at the Boardwalk, watching the ships in the ocean and just enjoying the peacefulness. We decided to try to accessible beach pathway to see how far into the ocean we’d get, not far since there were a few gaps in the pathway where Annie’s chair got stuck. That gave us a few laughs and hard work of pushing the wheelchair out!

Rayan and Diya of course had the most fun on various thrill rides. I even tried the Brooklyn Flyer, mind you I am not a rides person. I thought we were in the kiddie section and the flyer would only go about 3 feet up and stay there. Was I in for a surprise! Everyone got to laugh at me this time around. Annie and mom played their favorite which is Bob’s Fishin Hole where they were happy to snag a plush toy. We also spent a lot of time walking around and observing other riders. The funniest and most memorable of all was looking at two guests on the Electro Spin, going around in circle. First they had their eyes closed, then they tried to be brave and open their eyes ... you can see their facial reactions going from excited to nervous then to being sick. All of a sudden I spotted my mom and Annie running away, apparently they spotted what was hurling towards the crowd (vomit)! We could not stop laughing! By the end of our day, everyone (except me) scored a plush, had some good laughs and thrills and settled for ice-cream over funnel cakes.

A note on the staffs and crowd: Most of them were very friendly and helpful but unknowledgeable. We stopped at both carousels to ask if Annie can go on, they were willing to lift her out of the chair and onto the ride. Staffs are not allowed to assist guest in/out of their wheelchairs. At one of the games Rayan and Diya played, the staff was generous and allowed them to throw an extra few balls so they'd win those extra large plush balls. Personally, I think he wanted to see the children and Annie smiling over the big wins! Despite it being a Friday, we thought it would be very crowded however the weather was overcast all day probably causing lesser crowds.

Suggested Duration: 3 hours or more

Important Tips:
- If you cannot transfer from your wheelchair to a seat on any ride, you’re not able to enjoy any.
- If you are able to transfer to the rides, get the Guest Assistance Pass which allows the wheelchair user to wait at the front of the line until the rest of their party makes it.
- Accessible ramps are on Stillwell Avenue.
- Plenty of fast food options available with accessible seating area or feel free to bring your own to picnic on the boardwalk area.
- We used the public restroom which mom noted was too tight for Annie’s wheelchair. We were told there is a Family restroom by BB Carousell nearby Kensington Walk.
- The Boardwalk is wooden planks which was in good condition for the wheelchair.
- “They are planning to have one Carousel completely wheelchair accessible for the 2020 season. The Carousel will be able to actually accommodate a Wheelchair with the help of a lift and harness system.” per Luna Park.

Accessibility Information:
Click here for full details
Service animals are welcome

Location:
Luna Park in Coney Island
1000 Surf Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11224
https://lunaparknyc.com/

Schedule: Park hours vary and dependent on season and weather.

Admissions: Various options available online although we found it cheaper to purchase in person.

Public Transportation: B36 to Surf Avenue and West 8th St, or B68 to Neptune Avenue and West 8th St.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://lunaparknyc.com/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Empire State Building Observatory

Sat, 03 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Views from one of New York City's most iconic landmark.

The Empire State Building is synonymous with New York City, it’s one of the most recognized building in our skyline which has been featured in over 200 movies and tv shows. Considering it is one of the most visited attractions in New York City, we were all excited to see the views from this iconic landmark and compare it to One World Observatory and Top of Rock experiences.

Arriving at 9am on a Saturday morning we made our way in to get our tickets. There are several lines to go through; a line to get in the building, a line to get your tickets where you’ll then proceed to the 2nd floor for another line to security check and finally a ticket scan. There is an op for a family photo which you can choose to skip.

Finally! Enter their newly debuted interactive exhibit which depicts historic street scenes from the 1920’s as well as the original construction site in a movie format. Strike a pose with modeled construction workers or be intimidated with the real life elevator stimulation (I was!). Get a close up with King Kong which Rayan could not resist taking a picture with Annie (he rarely volunteers to have his picture taken so you know it was epic). Walk through larger-than-life movie scenes filmed at the building as well as a hall of famous celebrities who visited. Note this was actually the most enjoyable part of our visit since there was something that everyone related to.

After the exhibit, you’ll need to get the elevator to the 79th floor where you have to wait for another one to the 86th Floor. The area is blocked off by stanchion lines with visitors either impatient or excited for the final point of the visit. It took us about 15 minutes of waiting and once we were up, we made our way around the building in under 20 minutes. There are definitely breathtaking views of the New York City skyline, you can see all the way downtown to Lady Liberty as well as uptown to Central Park, Queens and New Jersey. Despite the fact that there were lowered spaces for wheelchair users, it was mostly taken up by younger children and their families. Interesting to note is that most visitors were pressed against the grates to look out and that made the width of the walkway very narrow for Annie’s wheelchair. We had to keep wheeling along with hopes that smaller groups moved for us to fit into an area to see and that rarely happened. I also noticed bigger families had the same issues, they had to keep moving with the traffic flow otherwise everyone would be blocked.

Overall, it was great to visit this iconic building however with the spacing issues, it is not our favorite observatory. Even visiting as early as we did, it did not allow Annie the best experience and she’s said it is her least favorite observatory. The staff were always friendly and polite throughout.

Suggested Duration : 2 hours

Important Tips:
Purchase tickets online to save time.
To avoid the long lines and crowds, it’s recommended to visit early in the morning between 8am-10am on weekdays.
Entry tickets are not timed, unlike Top of the Rock and One World Observatory, which allows for flexibility.
We highly suggest using the restrooms on the 2nd floor before making your way up.
The space gets really crowded on the 79th floor when waiting for the elevator to the 86th floor.
There is a small indoor viewing area which is useful in inclement weather, however a wheelchair user will not see much of the views due to the exterior concrete walls.
Keep in mind you need to keep moving with the traffic flow with hopes of getting one of the lowered viewing spots, we only noticed two, however there may be more.

Accessibility Information :
Click here for information on accessibility from the Empire State Building.
Wheelchair accessible.
Service Animals are welcome.
Wheelchair accessible restrooms on the 86th floor.

Lowered viewing areas for wheelchair users.

Location:
20 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10018
www.esbnyc.com

Schedule:
Open Seven Days a Week 9am-onwards. Hours vary.

General Admissions:
Adults $48
Seniors (62 and over) $46
Children (6-12) $42
General admission tickets allows for 360 view of the NYC skyline from the heart of the city. Price includes 86th floor exhibits and interactive audio guide. There are many other ticket options priced higher.

Public Transportation: Multiple bus stops nearby due to the central midtown location. Check out MyMTA app .

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.esbnyc.com/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Visiting Da Bronx Zoo!

Sat, 22 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Backyard adventure awaits.

There is something exciting and nostalgic about going to the zoo, exciting because it’s a wonderful opportunity to see and connect with animals and nature and nostalgic, well - because the zoo is a place we grew up seeing real animals since our childhood days. The Bronx Zoo opened its doors 120 years ago and is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States. It’s also the largest wildlife conservation park, home to 4,000 animals of more than 650 different species sprawled across 265 acres of land. Just 15 minutes from our homes, it’s a great ‘backyard adventure’ for the entire family.

We opted for basic entry tickets and wished we had gotten either the Full Experience Package or the annual pass. These two options are better priced for the full experience of the zoo and trust us, just adding three of the special exhibits onto the basic entry price pays for the Full Experience Package which we guarantee you’d enjoy more than the basic entry. We started off our day by seeing the Sea Lions feeding, then deciding it would be much more relaxing to see the animals from above on the Monorail Tour since it was a really hot day. We used the convenient Zoo Shuttle to get to the other end of the park to board the monorail which goes above the Asian wilderness area. Another benefit to using the monorail is tour guides pointing out the various kinds of deer, tigers, elephants and rhinos and telling their history as it relates to the zoo plus their conservation status across the world. Afterwards, we got lunch at the over-crowded Asia Plaza and made our way slowly back to our exit. Along the way, we stopped to check out the zebras, wild dogs and the flamingos. Neil is always happy to tell the story of why flamingos are pink since they’re abundant in his birth country and Annie found the tidbit interesting. She and Diya enjoyed seeing all of the peacocks strutting around the zoo with their tail feathers in full display.

We highly recommend a visit to the zoo, you'll be transported to the Himalayan Highlands, African Plains, Congo Forest and so much more within a few hours. Our half day out was very well spent connecting with animals in nature, as well as creating new memories for us as a whole family.

Duration: suggested 4 hours

Important Tip:
- Ask for the Guest Assistance Card at the entrance, you’ll need to provide your name and the amount of people in your group. The card allows you Reduced Wait Times and Shaded Areas when possible. Note it does not give immediate access. We found it to be extremely useful on our visit.
- The Bronx Zoo is a plastic free environment, therefore if you’re dependent on plastic straws, please bring your own.
- Best to visit early in the day or during the week.
- According to their website information, the Bug Carousel is accessible for manual wheelchair users and we regret not trying it while there.

Accessibility Information:

- Manual wheelchairs are available for usage.
- For full details on accessibility, click on this link , it provides extremely useful information for wheelchair users.
- For an accessible map of the zoo, click on this link , it provides details of what’s available for people with various disabilities. Important to note for wheelchair users, the rough terrain, incline slopes, accessible restroom and dining.
- There are plenty of accessible restrooms and water fountains scattered throughout the park.
- Service Animals are welcomed.

- Sensory Bags available at Guest Relations near Sea Lion Pool.

- ASL interpreters available for selected Holiday Light Wildlife Theatre Shows

Location:
2300 Southern Blvd
Bronx, NY 10460
Phone: 718-220-5100
www.bronxzoo.com

Schedule:
Open Seven Days a Week, schedule various through the year.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Years and Martin Luther King Day.

Public Transportation:
From Manhattan - BxM11 Express Bus along Madison
From Queens - Q44
Bronx Local Bus - Bx12 or Bx22 Bx9 or Bx19
Access-A-Ride: Access-A-Ride has designated locations in proximity to two of our entrances: At Southern Blvd Gate (on Southern Boulevard at East 183rd Street); and at Asia Gate (intersection of Boston Road and Bronx Park South)

General Admissions
Adults $26.95
Seniors (65 and over) $24.95
Children (3-12) $18.95

Personal care assistant free but requires 7-day notice. Contact: GuestRelations@wcs.org or 718-220-5103
- General Admissions is very basic and we’d suggest the Total Experience to enjoy the Monorail, Shuttle, Carousel, Jungle World, Congo Gorilla Forest and more.. check their website for full pricing.
- Free Wednesday but basic entry only.

Dining : You’re allowed to bring your own food to the Zoo. We suggest eating in at the Dancing Crane Cafe area. There is a larger selection of fast food and the dining area is also bigger and shaded. Occasionally there is live entertainment. Full dining details can be found here .

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://bronxzoo.com/ for the most up to date details.
Oct 2024

Exploring the Met Cloisters

Fri, 21 Jun 2019 20:45:39 GMT

A serene adventure awaits outside of Manhattan.

We’ve often heard about the Cloisters but have never been so it was a first time adventure for all of us and what a surprisingly delightful visit this was! Nestled in Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights sits this beautiful castle/church-like structure from medieval times with sacred spaces showcasing various forms of art during the Romanesque through the Gothic periods. Both floors feature Cloisters, which are open air walkways with columns, creating an easy transition from the exhibits to the outdoor spaces.

We got there just in time for the 1pm Garden Tour and while not planned, we decided to partake. The tour guide had already left with the group but we followed as closely as we could. He started off with the main Cloister detailing the history of the building and talking about the trees in that particular garden. Once it was time to move onto the Unicorn Tapestry room, he realized another group was in there and decided to move to the lower level Cloister which we could not get to immediately because we had to go back to the elevator area then wait for a staff to come and take us down. By the time we got down, we realized Annie could not make it into the garden for the tour so she and I enjoyed the breeze and reminisce on some familiar plants we saw. Mom and Diya went off to listen since mom has a particular interest in herbs and by the time the guide was ready to go back up to the Unicorn Tapestry room, we lost interest. What an unfortunate experience. (I have reached out to the museum and they've confirmed the guide did not realize there was a wheelchair user at the back of his group. If you plan on visiting and doing the tour, alert your tour guide ahead of time so he’d be mindful. Keep in mind a wheelchair cannot enter the gardens.)

While inside, we were able to make the most of the exhibits enjoying the impressive collection of statues, paintings, stained glass windows and tapestries. The Unicorn Tapestry Room was by far the most crowded, however still manageable. We had a perfect spring day of 78 degrees to enjoy the outdoors with its lush and perfectly groomed landscape where we were welcomed by a gentle breeze and birds flying around.

Although the museum seems ‘far’ from the city, it is worth the visit. We were completely taken aback by its beauty and despite the tour experience, we’d highly recommend a visit. There is a certain peacefulness and serenity that overcomes you while there. The staffs encountered were professional with a couple being extremely friendly.

Important Tips:
- The Admissions room is somewhat small and crowded when guests are waiting for the tour.
- Drop off is at the main entrance however, allow extra time (approx. 15-20 minutes) to be driven from the front entrance to a separate wheelchair accessible entrance. There’s an accessible van, courtesy of the museum, driving passengers in wheelchair and those with mobility impairments. Two passengers plus a guest with wheelchair maximum fit in the vehicle.
- An elevator is used to get between the two floors which is small. Wheelchair user, plus a caretaker and the security staff fit extremely snug. Maximum weight is 1500 lbs and door width is 26.75 inches. Guest with wheelchairs wider than 26 inches may use the museum's wheelchair on loan to transfer to. Note the staff must accompany you to operate the elevator and are not able to assist in the transfer from one wheelchair to another.
- Trie, Bonnefont & Cuxa Outdoor gardens are not wheelchair accessible, there are no ramps to get down the few stairs.
- The Langon & Gothic Chapels are not wheelchair accessible, there were a few stairs to get up and no ramp available.
- Doors are manual, however staffs are readily available to assist.

- Guests should bring their own headphones or neck loops for use with assistive listening receivers.

- There is an accessibility map that can be useful to plan your trip linked here .
- The Museum encourages visitors to contact access@metmuseum.org or call 212-650-2010 for more information about physical accessibility or the van service.

- The Cloisters offer programs for people with disabilities, you can find more information by clicking this link .

Suggested Duration: 3 hours

Accessibility Information:
- Free Admission for Caretakers
- Wheelchair accessible bathroom on the lower floor.
- Wheelchairs are available loan, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Service Animals are Welcome
- Assistive listening devices (with headsets or neck loops) are available by request for tours and programs.
- Large Print

Location:
99 Margaret Corbin Drive
New York, NY 10040
Telephone: (212) 923-3700
Website https://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/met-cloisters
Email: access@metmuseum.org

Schedule:
General Hours: Thursday-Tuesday 10am-5pm

Subject to change and holiday hours.

Admissions:
Suggested Admissions for New York State, New Jersey and Connecticut residents with Valid ID.
Free Admission for Caretakers

Visitors Outside New York State
Free Admission for Caretakers
Adults $30 | Seniors (65 and over) $22 | Students/Children (under 12) $17

Public Transportation: M4 Bus runs from Manhattan along 5th Ave to Fort Tyron Park and takes approx. 1.5 hours. Taxi ride is approx. 40 minutes.

Dining: Trie Cafe, a grab and go cafeteria is located on the lower level of the Cloisters. Cold sandwiches, baked items, chips and juices as well as beers are sold. Sandwiches were mediocre at best, we did however enjoy sitting outdoors to eat.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.metmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/met-cloisters for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

A visit to the Solomon Guggenheim Museum

Sun, 02 Jun 2019 22:33:03 GMT

Collection of Contemporary Art

There is no doubt the Guggenheim is one of New York City’s iconic building. Its cylindrical shape and striking interior with a unique styled ramp gallery certainly makes it picturesque.

Having talked about this museum for a while with Annie and mom, we finally got the time to visit. During our visit the ramped gallery area was closed for the switching of their exhibits, however we were able to view a handful of exhibits and appreciated the space with less crowd.

Annie was pleased to see a few pieces by Degas and Manet in person. Rayan and Diya were pleasantly surprised to see “A Year with Children 2019” exhibit. Other notable exhibits were Simone Leigh “Loophole of Retreat”, Brancusi and Thannhauser stirring deep conversations amongst us. And to be honest, we spent quite a bit of time taking serious guesses what the abstract pieces were about.

Because the museum was not crowded, the staffs took the time to engage with us which is always nice. A couple of them took the opportunity to tell us the parts of the museum which were open, the kind of exhibit it was and even offered their opinion. We would happily return for another visit for the full experience.

Suggested Duration: suggested 3 hours

Important Tips:
- While the entire museum was not open during our visit, we found a few of the ramp areas to be steep for the wheelchair. Per the website, it’s a Grade 3 ramp.
- Elevator access is also available and we suggest taking the elevators to the top, then wheeling down.
- Known for its contemporary art which may be daunting, we find the museum to be family-friendly. There was an exhibit which was not appropriate for Rayan and Diya that the staff advised us of ahead of time.
- Staffs were readily available via email to answer any questions on accessibility.

Accessibility Information:
- Fully Accessible except for the High Gallery (between floors 1 & 2).
- Accessible restrooms are on the rotunda floor and on Tower Level 7 per the website.
- Wheelchair access is at the front entrance.
- We used the elevators to get from floor to floor since many areas to wheel up for closed off to
- Wheelchairs are available free of charge and can be requested from the security guard at the entrance. No reservation necessary.
- Service Animals are welcomed.
- Detailed verbal descriptions are available for those who are blind or low vision. Large print museum guide is available at the front desk.
- Sign language tours (ASL) interpretation is provided for selected tours.
- Social narrative is available to prepare guest on the autistic spectrum prior to their visit.
- Click here for many resources for the disabled community to plan their trip.

- Mind’s Eye Tours for visitors with low vision available monthly. Full details on their Accessibility webpage linked here .

Location:
1071 5th Avenue between 88 & 89th Streets on 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10128
Phone: 212-423-3500
Accessible Phone: 212-423-3618
www: https://www.guggenheim.org/
Email: access@guggenheim.org

Schedule:
Open Daily Week at 10:30am - 5:30pm.
Subject to change and holiday closures.

Admissions:
Free for Caretaker
Adult $30
Senior (65+) + Student + Visitors with Disabilities $19
Child (under 11) Free

Public Transportation: M1, M2, M3, M4 stops at Madison & 89th Street as well as 5th Avenue & 90th Street in the opposite direction.

Dining: There is a cafe on premise. More information can be found on their website by clicking here .

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.guggenheim.org/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

The NYPL Mid-Manhattan Library

Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A calming respite in the bustle midtown New York City.

Would you believe a library is listed as a top thing to do on TripAdvisor? Meet the New York Public Library, a National Historic Landmark and New York City Landmark located in Midtown Manhattan. Built in 1895, it has since welcomed millions of visitors seeking its beauty and knowledge. The allure is in its grandiose Beaux-Arts design, elegant reading rooms decorated with chandeliers, and high ceiling windows with art and sculptures throughout. This calming respite is located blocks away from the bustle of Grand Central and adjacent to Bryant Park.

The library offers free guided tours. We made a conscious effort to visit early afternoon on a Saturday hoping the feature would be the “Love & Resistance: Stonewall 50” exhibit however it was a general tour instead. Nevertheless, we enjoyed about 40 minutes of the tour listening to stories on its history and design as well as the wealth of knowledge stored in books and the vast collection of periodicals (totaling over 50 million pieces). We were then able to explore the Love & Resistance exhibit on a free-flowing basis to learn more about this epic movement in the history of the LGBTQ community.

Notable to see is Astor Hall, the Gutenberg Bible, the Rose Reading Room and the McGraw Rotunda along with the “Love & Resistance: Stonewall 50” exhibit. The volunteer staffs encountered were professional. Go visit and explore for a couple of hours, you’ll love it! And if it’s during the warm months, go enjoy Bryant Park right after. Wheelchair ramp access to Bryant Park is a short walk on 42nd Street at the library exit towards 6th Avenue.

Suggested Duration: 2 hours

Important Tips & Accessibility Information:
- Wheelchair ramped access is on the side entrance on 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenue and a street-level accessible entrance is available at 40th Street. All levels of the building are accessible by an elevator at the north end of the building.
- Use the newer family restroom on the entry floor for larger wheelchair space.
- There is a small movie room which is wheelchair accessible, however space is only available in the back for the wheelchair.
- Free tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis lasting approx. 45 mins to 1 hour. It’s best to arrive 15-30 minutes prior at the information desk in Astor Hall, 1st floor, to pick up tour stickers. The tour talks about the history and architecture of the Schwarzman Building and highlight the special collections. Tours cover areas such as Astor Hall, the Periodical Room, the Map Division, the Rotunda, and Rose Main Reading Room.
- Food or drinks are not permitted in the library.
- Bag are checked at the entrance upon entry and exit.

- The Library offers guided tours online via the Bloomberg Connects app, you can view those here .

- Here is a link to NYPL general Accessibility website with more information on other branches .

Location:
476 Fifth Avenue (42nd Street Entrance)
New York, NY, 10018
Website: https://www.nypl.org/locations/schwarzman

Telephone: (212) 340-0863
Accessibility contact: 917-275-6975 or accessibility@nypl.org

Admission: Absolutely Free including the tours !

Schedule:
Click here to see full schedule .

Public Transportation: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M55, Q32, M42, BxM2

Dining: We dined at L'Adresse Restaurant a few blocks way. Click here for full details on the Restaurant page.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.nypl.org/locations/schwarzman for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

Hudson Yards & the Vessel

Sun, 21 Apr 2019 22:51:08 GMT

Exploring New York City's newest playground.

Hudson Yards is the city’s newest neighborhood with multitudes of high-rise buildings, shops, restaurants, the Vessel, an art center with much more to come. With all the buzz around it, everyone was looking forward to a visit to explore. Neil and I took a quick trip alone days after opening to ensure a wheelchair experience would be enjoyable.

SO.. here’s our experience with the Vessel. Free tickets, which are required for entry, are available online 8am EST two weeks prior to visiting. Same day tickets are available 9:30am EST on a first-come, first-serve basis for various time slots during the day. I tried booking online tickets several days in a row without much luck and finally decided to email them with screenshots of my various issues. They extended 6 VIP tickets to us meaning we weren’t constrained to a specific date or time which is great when we need to consider the weather in our outdoor planning.

Feeling fortunate we were excited for our venture! The day of our visit, we explored the mall area then went over to the Vessel to embark on what was supposed to be the highlight of our day. I went up to one of the staffs asking where the entry was to the ramp and explained we had a wheelchair user in our party. She pointed it out so I called the rest of the family over where another staff scanned our tickets for entry clearly seeing we have a wheelchair with us. Once inside, we made our way to the elevator for the big surprise, the elevator was down for more than five hours already that day! The staff manning the elevator told us we can try to wait and see if it gets fixed since the techs were working on it all day.

Can you imagine our shock at their disconnect of not saying anything to us about the elevator prior our entry ? We certainly would not have wasted our tickets knowing Annie wasn't getting the full experience that day. We also learnt the elevator only goes to the top of the Vessel, not every landing, which means only one limited vantage point for a wheelchair user. Disappointed to say the least, we stayed put taking selfies and people watch while Neil took Rayan and Diya up the stairs for their visit. There were no other wheelchair user for the 20 minutes we were around however at least 5 elderly asked about the elevator status. Did we enjoy our visit? Not really because only half of us got the full experience.

The stores at Hudson Yards are mostly on the high end side with a handful that is low-mid range. There is no public seating in the mall however the few stores we visited had small seating areas. Restaurants vary in cuisine and price range, spacing and seating appear to be poorly designed for a wheelchair. Coupled with long waiting lines mealtime, we purposely did not make dinner plans at Hudson Yards.

Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours (30 minutes is plenty of time to explore the Vessel itself)

Important Tips & Accessibility:
- Best to contact them on the day of visiting to find out the elevator status. If you have tickets for a specific day/time and there are elevator issues, ask them to honor your tickets for another time that works to your convenience.
- Wheelchair accessible by elevator which only stops at the top floor with a limited area to wheel around.
- Guide dogs are welcome.
- It’s Free to visit, however tickets are required. Advance tickets can be booked two weeks prior online each day at 8am EST. Same day tickets are available 9:30am EST on a first-come, first-serve basis for various time slots during the day. C lick here for the link .
- The Vessel is New York City newest public structure making it quite popular. While the area around is crowded, the Vessel itself is not, however this may change during the warmer months.

Location:
10 Hudson Yards (34th Street & 10th Ave)
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 332-204-8500
https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com

Email: vessel@hudsonyardsnewyork.com

Schedule: 10am-9pm daily

Tickets: Free

Dining: We only snacked here and found the food court area to be accessible. Click here to view more information on Hudson Yard's Dining website.

Public Transportation: The M34-SBS, M12 & M11 bus lines stop nearby.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com / for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

American Museum of Natural History

Sat, 20 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Roam the halls filled with history, nature and world cultures.

The Museum of Natural History is one the largest natural history museum in the world spanning 4 city blocks, home to 45 permanent exhibitions as well as a planetarium and multiple rotating shows. In a matter of hours you can go back in time to 90 millions years seeing an actual T-Rex model, view a replica of a blue whale while taking a deep dive in the ocean and explore the mysteries of the Dark Universe.

We’ve all gone to the American Museum of Natural History on occasions but never altogether and were excited to spend a day out during Easter weekend. We spent a total of 4 hours in the afternoon at the museum and have to admit, it was very crowded due to Spring break and Easter holiday. Within that time span, we were able to enjoy two special exhibits “Backyard Wilderness” in the Lefrak Theatre and The Butterfly Conservatory as well as the the Hall of Biodiversity, Hall of Ocean Life, New York State Environment and Hall of Asian People. Yes, you can easily spend an entire day and not see all of the museum. The highlight of our day was at the Butterfly Conservatory where a staff educating us on the various kinds of butterflies took the opportunity to place one on Annie’s chair handle so that she’s get a closer look at it, needless to say she was ecstatic.

The children and I went back for a second visit two days laters because I wanted to see Dark Universe and the T-Rex exhibit. Dark Universe, shown in the Hayden Planetarium Space Theatre, was really fascinating. Since we did not go back with Annie I was pleased to see another wheelchair user there who was given preference ahead of the crowd. The T-Rex exhibit required timed tickets and depicts the life of the tyrannosaur family through a variety of interactive experiences immersive virtual reality experiences amongst other interactive explorations.

We'd highly recommend a visit to this museum, adventure beckons!

Suggested Duration: 4 hours minimum

Important tips:
- Use the interactive map and plan ahead, the museum is HUGE and takes time to get from one area to the next. Click here for the map .
- Events for the disabled community is listed here .
- Staffs were sparse and lines were long to get information. Elevators were crowded and slow.
- Email response accessibility@amnh.org is within 1-2 days, call if you need a faster response.
- There is no large family room, however The Hall of South American Peoples on the 2nd floor tend to be on the quieter side. You're also allowed to leave and re-enter if you need a break.
- Accessible seating in the Lefrak Theatre seems to be along the sides only.
- The Hayden Planetarium screen is domed shape and goes over your head. Those with limited neck mobility should be aware.
- T-Rex: The Ultimate Predator exhibit space is fully accessible however I don’t believe the virtual reality experience to be.

Accessibility Information:
- Fully Accessible
- Accessible restrooms are on the lower level, first floor and fourth floors only so plan accordingly.
- Best drop off for Access-A-Ride and wheelchair users: 56 West 81st Street, New York, NY 10024. Accessible entrance is located at 81st Street at the Rose Center for Earth and Space between Columbus Circle and Central Park West. Additional entrance is at 77th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.
- Service Animals are welcome
- Captioning and Listening Devices available.
- Sign language tours available on request with two weeks prior notice.
- Touchable tours available

- Click here for full accessibility information.
- Companion Care room in the Gilder Center
- Wheelchair rental available at the membership desk directly inside the 81st Street Rose Center Entrance, at the main entrance on Central Park West, in the parking garage, at the 79th Street Membership Entrance and at the Gilder Center Entrance
- Food courts are accessible and great to grab a quick meal.

Location:
79th Street & Central Park West
New York, NY 10024
Phone: 212-769-5250
Website: https://www.amnh.org
Email: accessibility@amnh.org

Schedule: Open Daily Week at 10am - 5:30pm except Thanksgiving & Christmas Day

Public Transportation: The M79 bus travels east/west on West 79th Street across Central Park, with a stop next to the Museum on West 81st Street. Other buses also stop at or near the Museum, including the M7, M10, M11, M86, and M104 buses stops nearby M1, M2, M3, M4, BxM2, M79SBS, M86SBS

Admissions:
General Admission + All Special Exhibits, Giant Screen Film and Space Show Tickets:
Adult $28
Child (ages 3-12) $16
Senior + Student $22
Caretakers are free.
Pay as you wish and special pricing available for NY, NJ and CT residents.
More ticket options available on the website .

Dining: A wider variety of dining is now available with the Gilder Center opening. See full details here .

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.amnh.org/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

Top of the Rock Observatory

Sat, 23 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Taking in the skyline 70 stories above.

Top of the Rock offers sweeping views of the midtown Manhattan skyline and of Central Park. It’s notable for a close up of the Empire State Building with the Statue of Liberty and One World Observatory in the background. We were excited to see the breathtaking skyline and compare experiences with One World Observatory.

Upon getting there, we had no lines for entry and picked up our tickets at Will Call. A staff ushered us on a quick elevator ride for security screening. Again we were surprised to see no lines. Once admitted, you can opt for a professional photograph session or make your way over to watch a short film about John D. Rockefeller and a history of Rockefeller Center or skip as well. After that, take a ride up in the Sky Shuttle elevator to the 69th Floor in under a minute while watching a light show from above. Top of the Rock has three floors to explore from, with indoor and outdoor spaces. There is a small gift shop and an indoor seating area. Make sure to check out the Radiance Wall installation specially created for the space.

Annie enjoyed the Top of the Rock over One World Observatory because she was able to see more, it was not as crowded as One World Observatory. The seating area inside also allowed for all of us to sit together while that was not the case at One World Observatory. The rest of the family liked One World Observatory because of its 360 views. Personally, I appreciated the fact that the lines were shorter, the staffs were by far more attentive to wheelchair users and I still get that “New York feels” looking at the Empire Building. More importantly, I had to call and reschedule our tickets three times, explaining to the staffs our transportation issues and each time, they were absolutely polite and understanding. Reserve your tickets to enjoy a memorable experience.

Suggested Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Important Tips:
- Summer is peak season and sunset is peak visiting time throughout the year so plan accordingly.
- Purchase tickets ahead of time and print or download to your phone to save extra time.
- If staffs do not see and acknowledge the wheelchair user in your party, go ask if you can make it to the front of the line or at least if the wheelchair user can wait up front.

Accessibility:
- Fully Accessible
- Accessible restrooms
- Service animals are welcomed with proper ID and documentation.
- Printed transcripts for all short films played during the experience are available upon request from any Top of the Rock staff.
- Audio headsets are available for tours. You can ask guides to speak slowly or louder.
- There are times this block can be very busy and during the holiday season it’s blocked off to transportation. We suggest using Radio City Music Hall address, 1260 Avenue of the Americas as the drop off/pick-up point for private transportation. Then it’s a short 4 minutes walk to the entrance of Top of the Rock.

Location:
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
Phone: 212-698-2000
https://www.topoftherocknyc.com/
Email: info@rockefellercenter.com

Schedule: 8am-midnight daily
Holiday schedule differ, please refer to the website .

Standard Tickets:
Adult Standard (ages 13-64) ranges $40-61
Youth Standard (ages 6-12) ranges $34-55
Senior Standard (62+) ranges $38-$59
Prices vary based on time and date of visit. More ticket options available on the website .

Public Transportation:
Fifth Avenue (going south) or Madison Avenue (going north): Take the M1, M2, M3, M4 or M5 bus to 50th Street. Buses run north and south.
From Broadway: Take the M7 bus. Exit at 50th Street and walk east to Rockefeller Center. Buses run north and south.
From 49th and 50th streets: Take the M50 bus. Exit between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. Buses run east and west.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.rockefellercenter.com/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

Frida Kahlo at the Brooklyn Museum

Sat, 16 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Exploring New York City's third largest museum.

Brooklyn Museum would not have been on our list of places to visit, however once we heard about the highly anticipated Frida Kahlo Exhibit, we knew we would make the long trip from the Bronx. The Frida Kahlo exhibit briefly summarizes her life through her personal artifacts such as her Tehuana clothing and unique jewelry, hand painted prosthetics and corsets, items from her Casa Azul, and many pieces of her works of art—self portraits, photographs, paintings and drawings.

Important notes for the exhibit:
The exhibit is the first to be displayed in the US making it very popular.
Our visit was on a Saturday which is probably one of the busiest days to visit.
The exhibit was crowded even though it’s timed tickets.
It was difficult for Annie to see some of the smaller photograph on the wall because it was above her chair height.
Ticket for this show is in high demand and costs extra. Book as far ahead as you can. Just in case you’re worried about getting there late, call Visitor’s Service and advise them.

Our visit was short at the museum due to the transportation issues, however we did our best to explore a few noteworthy exhibition; One: Egúngún, Eric N. Mack: Lemme walk across the room, One: Do Ho Suh and the famous The Dinner Party by Judy Chicago.

Even if you’re not visiting for the Frida Kahlo exhibit, we’d recommend a visit to the museum. We were quite impressed with the space and various collections at the Brooklyn Museum. The handful of staffs encountered were courteous and helpful. Special thanks to the Visitor’s Services team whom we contacted a day prior to our visit explaining transportation issues and them holding 4 tickets at Will Call for us.

Suggested Duration: approximately 2-3 hours

Accessible Information :
- Free admission caretakers and discount price for guest with disabilities.
- Restrooms are accessible.
- Note that not all the doors from one exhibition to the next are automatic.
- Wheelchairs are available on loan at Coat Check.
- Guide dogs are welcome.
- Assistive listening devices are available at the Admissions Desk on on the 1st floor.
- Here is a link to their Social Narrative for the neurodiverse community .
- ASL interpretation for events and open captioning for exhibitions with videos are available with two weeks notice by emailing access@brooklynmuseum.org
- Click here for a list of programs and events for the disabled community .

Location:
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Phone: 718-638-5000
www.brooklynmuseum.org
Email: access@brooklynmuseum.org

Suggested Admissions*
Guest with Disability: $14
Caretaker: Free
Adults: $20
Students (valid I.D.)/ Adults 65+: $14
Ages 19 and under: Free
*The suggested admission is not applicable to special exhibition such as Frida Kahlo.

Schedule : 11am - 6pm Wednesday-Sunday. First Saturday is free with registration 11am-11pm.

Public Transportation:
B41 and B69 at Grand Army Plaza
B45 at St. Johns Place and Washington Avenue

Dining: There are two restaurants in-house. The Norm, a fine-dining restaurant offers rotating cuisine. We were told The Norm is wheelchair accessible. A more casual eatery, the Cafe, offers sandwiches and the typical grab & go items. We did not dine at either places however passed by the Cafe which is an airy space for a quick bite. Full dining info can be found here.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

Exploring the Museum of Chinese in America

Sat, 16 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Celebrating Lunar New Year Festival

The Museum of Chinese in America hosted weeks of fun activities around the Lunar Year of the Pig New Year’s celebrations, highlighted by a full day of activities on Feb 16th. I was excited to see the line-up of arts and crafts, face painting, traditional snacks being served and dance performances throughout the day. I couldn’t think of a better way for all of us, especially Annie, to experience some of the cultural celebrations without the crowds of the street. Still a bit nervous, I called ahead of time and spoke with the staffs who were able to answer all accessibility questions and assisted with our ticket purchase.

The museum is dedicated to presenting the history, heritage, culture and diverse experiences of of the Chinese immigrant in the United States. On the first floor, the story follows the humble beginning and struggles of immigrant life to their dynamic presence today. Through thoughtful curation, the stories are depicted in photography, artifacts and by video. The second floor which is located below street level and accessible by a key operated lift for the wheelchair, has a large play and reading room, the Chinatown Learning Center & Collections Hub. It contains Chinese toys and books geared for the younger children. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are on this floor as well as an informal seating area.

Because our visit was during a special event, the museum was buzzing with constant activities so we spent our time floating through the current exhibits while toggling as many activities as we could. We learnt ribbon dancing techniques, nibbled on special bites served during New Year’s celebrations and delighted in watching the younger children on their Gallery Pig Hunt (we even helped them a little!). Did you know according to Chinese tradition the more dumplings you eat during New Years celebration, the more money you’d make in the coming year? It’s because dumplings are shaped liked pieces of gold making it one of the luckiest Lunar New Year food. Ha, as if we needed a reason to eat so many dumplings but at least we felt somewhat justified.

We had a spectacular time at the museum participating in the celebratory activities and learning about the Chinese immigration stories and life. This is definitely the smallest museum we’ve visited, however it’s very well curated and can be easily explored in 1.5-2 hours. Each staff and volunteers we encountered were readily available for assistance and noted as especially friendly providing a hospitable and intimate experience. So far it’s also the only museum where a guest with disability and their accompanying guest are free. We highly recommend a visit!

Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours

Accessible Information:
- Free admission for guest with disability and a person accompanying them!
- Note some of the exhibit rooms are small but still definitely accessible.
- Restrooms are accessible.
- Wheelchairs are available on loan. You may request an escort for a wheelchair user, advance notice is required by calling 855-955-6622 or emailing access@mocanyc.org .
- Written transcripts of select video core portraits and oral histories are available.
- Guide dogs are welcome.
- Assistive listening devices are available.
- Large print guide books are available.
- Guests with low vision or blind can request a guided tour to explore the core exhibition.
- A tactile map of the core exhibit are available for guests with low vision or blind.
- A social narrative is available for children on the autism spectrum, click here to access .
- Click here for full accessibility information .

Location:
215 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 855-955-6622
www.mocanyc.org
Email: access@mocanyc.org

Admissions:
Free to all Guests

Schedule:
Wednesday-Saturday: 11am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm
Closed Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s

Public Transportation: Bus stops nearby M9, M15, M103

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.mocanyc.org/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

One World Observatory

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Looking at New York City famous skylines from 100 floors above!

Around the 3rd week of Jan to early Feb, New York City promotes Must-See-Week, which is two for the price of one ticket, to stimulate tourism during the colder months. It’s a great opportunity to check off bucket list items or experience something new. We decided on deals for One World Observatory because we wanted to revisit Brookfield Place. (Remember great food court ?!)

It was all of our first time at the Observatory therefore felt very much like excited tourists visiting the tallest building on the Western Hemisphere. We booked our tickets the day prior for a 2pm arrival time and was able to enter upon arrival, 10 minutes before our entry time. Upon entering the building at the ground level, we had to take an elevator one floor below to stand in the ticket check access line then go through security. The line wasn’t too long and once we got up to front one of the staffs came up to us and said we can all go through the Priority Entrance because of the wheelchair. I asked if this was standard procedure and per the staff, it is for the wheelchair user. She did say in busier season, the wheelchair person waits by the Priority Entrance until the rest of the party gets through the regular line however since it was not busy, she did not see the need to separate our group of six. For the security check, jackets and pockets must be emptied and all bags are scanned, very much like an airport experience. One of the staffs wheeled Annie around the body scanned detector while the rest of us were scanned.

We were then able to proceed to the elevator line to wait for one of their 5 Skypods (fancy name for super fast elevators) where another staff allowed the 6 of us to go up alone (again due to the smaller crowd). In 47 seconds we made it up to 102 floors. One of the things we were looking forward to was watching the outside get smaller as we go up, but behold it was a video showcasing the history of New York City in the elevator ride. Upon exiting the Skypod, we were in another area waiting for a 2-minute video “See Forever” which then unveils real life views of Uptown from the 102nd Floor. That moment was by far one of the most breathtaking! (Tip, get your camera ready or just take the moment to enjoy.) Believe it or not, you then have to go to another small area for a staffer to tell you about their iPad rentals which gives you more information on the iconic buildings you’re looking at. Finally, we had to make our way to the 100th floor to enjoy the views. Annie and Neil were allowed to use the elevators while we had the option of stairs or escalator.

Note, there is a Sky Portal which is a circular glass showing live footage from the streets below. During our visit, this was not working. It is wheelchair accessible and would be a great spot for a photograph of all the yellow taxis below. There is a fine-dining restaurant, a casual cafeteria and a bar stand for beer or wine as well as a small souvenir shop.

Because it was such sunny day, we were able to see for miles, literally “See Forever” as their tagline. Some of the famous points of interest are the Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges, Empire State Building, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Staten Island carousel, all the way to Jersey and Brooklyn. The views and experience are worth it! We were especially pleased to visit this iconic building having lived through Sep 11, 2001.

Suggested Duration: 60-90 minutes

Important Tips:
- It took us about 25 minutes to go through security and up to the Observatory. 30 minutes was plenty of time to enjoy the views and walk around. Keep in mind we visited during the off peak season.
- Summer is peak season and sunset is peak visiting time throughout the year so plan accordingly.
- Purchase tickets ahead of time and print or download to your phone to save extra costs and time.
- If staffs do not see and acknowledge the wheelchair user in your party, go ask if you can make it to the front of the line or at least if the wheelchair user can wait up front.
- If you’re worried about the weather and/or long lines, they do have a “VIP Tour Exclusive Experience” starting at $74 per person. This allows flexibility, priority lane, a welcome drink and more.

Accessibility:
- Fully accessible
- Accessible restrooms
- Guests requiring assistance e.g., auxiliary aids or services, should contact Guest Services at (844) 696-1776 prior to visit.
- There are no wheelchairs to borrow while visiting.
- There is an accessible pick-up/drop-off location along West Street north of Vesey Street, at which point guests may proceed to the West Plaza Entrance.

Location:
117 West Street
New York, NY 10007
Website: https://oneworldobservatory.com
Tel: 844-696-1776 or 212-602-4000

Email address: info@oneworldobservatory.com

Schedule:
Sep - Apr 9am-9pm
Apr - Sep 8am-9pm
Holiday schedule differ, please refer to the website .

Admissions:
Standard Tickets:
Adult Standard (ages 13-64) $44
Youth Standard (ages 6-12) $28
Senior Standard (65+) $32
More ticket options available on website .

Dining Options : Le District, Hudson Eats or PJ'Clarks. Click here for full details on the Restaurant page.
Dining available inside the Observatory at their inhouse restaurant is also accessible although we did not dine there. Full details here .

Public Transportation from Midtown Manhattan to One World Trade Center
- From West Side, 7th Ave, Columbus Circle, Times Square, Penn Station
M20 (South Ferry) to Vesey Street/North End Ave
- From 5th Ave, NY Public Library, Flatiron
M55 (South Ferry) to Broadway St/Cortland St

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.oneworldobservatory.com/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

Brookfield Place Mall Downtown

Sat, 19 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Beating the winter blues while shopping downtown New York City!

What do you do during the winter season in New York City? Shopping, a favorite past time for many including ours! Annie had been telling us to visit Brookfield Place because it’s one of her favorite place she has visited on her day program trip and now we know why. It’s an impressive mall in Downtown New York City, directly across the street from the World Trade Center with expansive views of the Hudson Waterfront.

Brookfield Place, notable for luxury shopping with many high end brands, caters to Wall Street crowd as well as tourists visiting downtown and the World Trade Center area. The atrium often referred to as the Winter Garden is home to actual live palm trees (yes think island vibe in the middle of winter) and is the gathering place for many free family-friendly activities. There is a small ice skating rink outside which is open during the winter months. The mall houses two noteworthy eateries, Hudson Eats, an upscale, casual food court featuring 14 concepts and Le District, a French marketplace with a patisserie, a marketplace, a creperie and full service fine restaurants.

We spent a couple of hours at the mall, checking out our favorite stores then had lunch at Hudson Eats. The areas in the mall we visited were wheelchair accessible and staffs at the stores as well as the various security staffs we approached were all happy to assist. We’d highly recommend a visit, even if you don’t plan on shopping, it’s visually stunning, airy with plenty of places to sit and relax. An insider tip, check out their events calendar ahead of time to see what free shows and events they have on weekends. This mall would be an excellent add on to those visiting the World Trade Center.

Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours

Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Restrooms are accessible
- Stores we visited are accessible with wide passageway and flat walking surfaces.
- Noted the Concierge service is very helpful if you call seeking information.

Location:
230 Vesey Street, NY 10281
Phone: 212-978-1673
Website: https://bfplny.com/

Visitor Center Hours: Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm | Sun: 11am-7pm

Dining Options: Le District, Hudson Eats or PJ'Clarks. Click here for full details on the Restaurant page.

Public Transportation from Midtown Manhattan to Downtown
From West Side, 7th Ave, Columbus Circle, Times Square, Penn Station
M20 (South Ferry bound) to Vesey Street/North End Ave
From 5th Ave, NY Public Library, Flatiron
M55 (South Ferry bound) to Broadway St/Cortland St

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://bfplny.com/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 23:26:04 GMT

Getting into the festive season with the Rockettes and visiting the Christmas Tree and Rockefeller Center.

‘Tis was the night before Christmas… noooo it wasn’t. It was one of the coldest day of the year and we had tickets to see the 9am Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show. Why you ask? Because Christmas is an iconic season in the city and this show is a great way to get into the festive holiday season with the immensely talented Rockettes who have been entertaining guests of all ages since the early 1930’s.

The theatre itself is a New York City landmark and the interior is quite grand with its art-deco style, vibrant red upholstery and massive chandelier all exuding lavishness. The show is captivating, with Santa Claus arriving from the North Pole in 3-D version to narrate, seamless stage settings which transports you to all iconic New York City scenery with the impeccable choreography and tap dancing by the Rockettes.. Some noteworthy scenes are the Toy Soldier, their fall is epic, the Rockettes performing “Let it Shine” bedazzled in Swarovski costumes and as well as a complete nativity scene surrounded by drones lighting up the stage this year.

The show is highly recommended. The staffs were very helpful towards my mom and Annie who used the designated front door entrance. Security quickly scanned their ticket, did the routine bag check then escorted them to an usher at Orchestra level who showed them to their seats.

After the show we walked over to Rockefeller Center. We all exited out at the main entrance on 6th Avenue and made a left onto 50th Street. On the same street closer to 5th Avenue, resides the famous Christmas Tree, the Rockefeller Center Rink and across the street Saks Fifth Avenue as well as St. Patrick’s Cathedral. We only made it to the Christmas Tree and even that was a challenge. The streets were really crowded with eager tourists and locals, and while some are conscious of wheelchairs on the street, some are not. We were happy to enjoy the show and see take a peek at tree together as a family this holiday season!

IMPORTANT:
- We chose the 9am show to avoid the major crowd and for affordable tickets.
- The theatre capacity is over 6000 and the Christmas Spectacular runs for approx. 7 weeks per year. Due to the overwhelming demand for the show and the very close proximity to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree & Holiday Windows, it is an extremely overcrowded area .
- Wheelchair guests and caretakers are able to enter and depart via the main front doors, located under the marquee on the corner of 50th Street and Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue) however every other guest must enter at the two side entrances going through a security line. It’s highly recommended to get there an hour before show time. In our case, mom and Annie were able to use the front entrance and the rest of our party of 6 had to wait in line approx. 30 minutes for security check and ticket scanning for the 9am show.
- The best way to obtain wheelchair accessible seating and specially priced tickets is to call 888-609-7599 . There are dedicated seats on the Orchestra level at the price point of the Mezzanine level for a wheelchair user and caretaker. In simpler terms, this means you are getting a cheaper priced ticket for a seat closer to the stage. By calling them directly they are able offer this special discounted rate for a wheelchair user and caretaker plus ensure a wheelchair seated spot is allotted to ticket holder. The rest of our party of 6 were able to get seats approx 12 rows behind and our seats were more expensive than mom’s and Annie’s who were so much closer to the stage.

Duration: 90 minutes with no intermission

Accessibility:
- Disabled service department telephone: 888-609-7599
- Limited performances for the neurodiverse, hearing and visually impaired can be found by clicking here .
- Service animals are permitted in the theatre.
- Accessible restrooms are located in the Grand Lounge, on the lower level, using the elevator.
- For guests with limited mobility and requires the use of a wheelchair, you can request one to to use from the entrance to seat, free of charge. A staff will not remain with you, nor are you allowed to remain in the wheelchair during the show.
- For guests with limited mobility and uses a wheelchair but wish to transfer to a seat, your wheelchair will be stored at the rear of the section and you will receive a claim check. At the end of the event, a staff will return it to you at your seat.
- Click here for excellent source of information for the disabled community planning to visit Radio City Music Hall.

Location:
1260 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Telephone: 212-465-6225
Email: accessibilityservices@msg.com
Website: https://www.rockettes.com

Schedule: Late Nov - 1st week of Jan

Admissions: Prices vary per person

Public Transportation: M5, M6, M7, M27, M50 to bus stop Rockefeller Center & 50th Street

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.msg.com/radio-city-music-hall for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

Grand Central Terminal Holiday Season

Sun, 02 Dec 2018 14:29:36 GMT

Enjoying the Holiday Train Show & Holiday Fair Shopping

New York City is always magical around the holidays...the festive decor, the lights and the Salvation Army staffs joyously singing and jingling their bells at street corners. While it’s magical, it’s also really busy so we opted for a few hours indoors at the Holiday Shops and Train Show in Grand Central Terminal during Thanksgiving weekend.

We’ve all visited Grand Central Terminal on many occasions to catch our trains, however rarely stopped to enjoy the beauty of the terminal. Plus Annie’s only visit was over 20 years ago. Grand Central is listed as a US National Historic Landmark, it’s distinct architecture and unique interior design makes it one of the world’s most visited attraction to be enjoyed during every season.

Our first stop was at the Holiday Train Show, a first time for everyone, and what a delightful experience ! First off we were greeted by a friendly security guard who offered to help us in with the wheelchair, but politely declined since Neil is good at maneuvering Annie around. There were a few other MTA staffs engaging with visitors and all of them very chipper. One explained that while we enjoyed the Lionel Metro North Polar Express show, our mission was to find a few items, a Yeti, King Kong, a super small train model spinning around on a train track and of course, Santa. That set the tone for the rest of the our time there, everyone was committed and focused. We were so determined to find everything which took a while and were certainly boisterous once we found them all! HINT! King Kong is where you expect him to be, Santa as well, look behind trees and buildings for the Yeti and as for the miniature moving train, well… hmmm… it was our last and most rewarding find so we’ll leave you with that eagerness. This unexpected scavenger hunt added a challenging excitement on top of the enchanting display and totally worth your time for enjoyable experience. The Train Show was accessible but it was quite hard to get around due to many people in a small area. Best to go there very early in the day when they’ve just opened (10am) or after the holidays since the exhibit goes to Feb 2019. Hours of operation for the show are Mon-Fri 8am-8pm & Sat/Sun 10am-6pm, with Free Admission.

After the exhibit, we opted to walk around the grand Main Concourse, enjoying the iconic ceiling with it’s wrongly painted zodiac signs and the clocktower which serves as the main meeting point for people and also the ideal spot for people watching.

During the holiday season, many artisanal shops pop up across the city. Grand Central houses 30-40 shops of American handmade products which are locally sourced or from a socially conscious business. Products range from holiday decoration, clothing, jewelry & accessories, wall art and homemade scents & candles. The hallways are wide for the wheelchair and it’s not as crowded as the pop ups in Bryant Park or Union Square, plus it’s the warm indoors!

Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours

Accessible Information:
- Grand Central Terminal is accessible for visitors with disabilities. The Main Concourse has ramps to the level below, known as the Dining Concourse with plenty of restaurants.
- Accessible public restrooms are on the lower level.
- Large Print on Signage
- Braille
- Assisted Listening System is available in the Main Concourse at the information booth.
- Wheelchairs are not available to rent.

Location:
89 East 42nd Street
Phone: 212-340-2583
www.grandcentralterminal.com

Admissions: Free

Public Visiting Hours:
5:15 am - 2:00 am
Store and restaurant hours vary.

Dining Options: Urban Space @Vanderbilt Midtown a few blocks away. Click here for full details on the Restaurant page.

There is also many options for dining inside, here is a full list of what they have. Please reach out directly for access information. Link to dining options here .

Public Transportation: Bus stops nearby M101, M102, M103, M1, M2, M3, M4, Q32, M42

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://grandcentralterminal.com/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

New York Botanical Gardens Fall Visit

accessibletravelnyc@gmail.com (Lakshmee Lachhman Persad) — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 22:16:54 GMT

Georgia O'Keeffe Exhibit and Halloween

During our fall visit, which believe it or not, it was also the last day of their Hawai’i installation by Georgia O’Keeffe, however this time it was not as busy. Perhaps because it was cooler and on a Sunday. It was a sunny, crisp fall day and we were greeted by colorful fall foliage and cheerful children dressed in their Halloween costumes. Yes, Diya was a bit disappointed she wasn’t decked out in her Unicorn onsie but we had no idea the Gardens had their annual Children’s Halloween Adventure weekends. We lazily spent our day strolling around the grounds enjoying the Fall pumpkins on display for Halloween and admiring all the children who were drawn to the world’s largest pumpkin weighing at over 2528 lbs!

We walked by the Children's Garden as well but it was a bit damp and opted to go back outside where it was much more fun watching the parents who tried putting their toddlers on the gourds display for pictures. We made our way to the Herbs Garden to get a whiff of familiar Caribbean herb scents and discovered the best light of the day and a collage of colorful fall trees for some family pictures. While striking our poses we heard some enchanting singing and recitations, mesmerized we followed along and realized there were hula performers in front of the Conservatory! It was already crowded and we tried our best to find a spot for Annie to see but it was not possible. A guest standing nearby realized Annie could not see and called out to a nearby staff who was very happy to wheel her in the front. He even politely told us where the ramp was to the Conservatory to see more of the exhibition. The hula dancers in their brightly colored outfits looked striking against the Victorian-style Conservatory. We watched on for two songs then went to see the some of Hawaiian lush greenery and flowers collection. We could not miss a quick stop over in our favorite Cactus Collection then headed over to brunch at the Hudson Garden Grill.

There were no lines to get our entry tickets. The staffs provided excellent service, their extra touch of understanding and kindness goes a long way in creating a memorable family day out.

Full Accessibility, Pricing and Transportation details on the Spring write up, click here.

Exploring Central Park's Icons

Sat, 06 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered if you can explore the entire Central Park in a day? We have!

Have you ever wondered how much of Central Park you can visit in a day? We have! We have always loved nature and been planning a trip all summer but the weather didn’t cooperate. So we made it a fall trip. Looking at the weather the week in advance we were supposed to have sunny skies and a crisp 65F degrees but to our dismay, we woke up to gloom and drizzle. Nevertheless, Central Park was high on our list of places to explore, plus we had brunch reservations and a day out with colleagues we did not want to miss.

I started looking for a wheelchair path online and after a few hours of performing searches and playing around with the interactive map on Central Park’s website, as well as Google searches, I realized it was futile. In the FAQs section, I read it was best to ask the information staff at the kiosks about accessibility. So the best thing to do was to start our journey from Columbus Circle on 60th Street (not that we wanted extra wheeling on a misty day) and get the accessible information we needed. We wanted to visit the iconic Bethesda Fountain & Terrace, Strawberry Fields, The Lake & Bow Bridge, Cherry Hill and The Mall & Literary Walk which we explained to the staff and requested an Accessible Map to which she replied was online. Obviously several of us searched and did not find it. Much to our disappointment, she explained to us Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain & Terrace as well as Literary Walks were not accessible because of stairs. She told the best way to get around the park with Annie’s wheelchair was on the main road and the accessible bathroom was at 66th Street at Tavern on the Green. We asked for a map to draw the pathway ourselves and found out the maps at her station were $2 (smaller map at kiosks in the park is for free) which a lovely tourist paid on our behalf.

And so our adventure continued… We leisurely started strolling the park around noon making our way to Tavern on the Green where we stopped to listen to their lively band and use the restroom. Continuing onto Strawberry Fields, we realized the incline was steep for Annie’s wheelchair, so I took a quick walk up to check it out. It was too crowded with tourists therefore decided not to wheel the chair up.

We moseyed on the main road to Cherry Hill which is named after blooming cherry trees during the springtime, an area which is lovely picnicking. Odd enough many tourists were in the same spot as us yet asking where is Cherry Hill, mentioning the sitcom Friends. This is not the actual fountain from the sitcom but gained it’s fame from pedicab staffs marketing it as such.

We lingered in the area a bit, watching the row boaters and appreciating the hints of fall foliage. We were able to see The Lake and Bow Bridge, but thought the slope was too steep based on what the staff told us. So we made our way over to Bethesda Fountain & Terrace which we were only able to view from the top as there were no ramps to get closer. It’s a great area for people watching, two wedding parties added color to the cloudy day, a painter was diligent at work capturing the rust foliage and street performers were charming the crowd. While we did not see everything we wanted to, we were glad to spend a few hours in the park with the rustling trees, the fall air and the rhythmic sounds of the horses carrying guests in their the colorfully decorated carriages. And FYI - you can spend a few days exploring the park because there is so much to see and do.

Important: A couple of weeks after our visit, I found this extremely helpful Accessible Map, click here to view or download it .

Please use it to plan your trip. I went back to capture some photographs since pictures are not top of mind most times for us. I used the map to walk along the path we initially wanted. Much to my chagrin, some of it is actually accessible. You can start off along Central Park West, cutting in at 72nd Street to see Strawberry Fields, then take the slope down on the left which has a lesser incline. Then continue onto Cherry Hill, from there you can get down and walk right by The Lake. This pathway leads you over to Bow Bridge for iconic photos and what do you know? You can actually get over to the base of Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. I was very disappointed all of us did not get this experience the iconic spots but are happy to share it with you.

Suggested Duration: 2 hours minimum

Accessibility:
Click here to download Central Park's Accessible Map
Accessible restrooms are scattered and noted on the map linked, we suggest you plan accordingly. We highly suggest using the accessibility map to plan your trip, it depicts accessible trails and pathways. It does not state if the Restaurants and all Points of Interest are accessible and would be best to call the Restaurants ahead of time and email support@centralpark.com regarding the Points of Interests. Dining information within the park can be found by clicking this link . Central Park Conservancy physical address is 717 Fifth Avenue, 10022.

Location:
West 59 Street at Central Park West
Phone: 212-310-6600
Website: www.centralparknyc.org
Email: support@centralpark.com

Schedule for Visitor Center Hours:
Summer (Memorial Day - Labor Day) 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
Fall | Winter | Spring 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day

General Admissions: Free

Public Transportation
- M10: On the West side, this bus runs north and south along Central Park West.
- M1, M2, M3, M4: On the East side, buses run south along Fifth Avenue, and north along Madison Avenue.
- M57, M66, M72, M79, M86, M96, M106, M116: These crosstown buses run West to East and East to West along 57th, 66th, 72nd, 79th, 86th, 96th, 106th & 110th Streets
- From Penn Station: Take the M20 Bus from W 34th Street station heading towards Lincoln Center. Get off at Central Park South near Columbus Circle
- From Grand Central Station: Take the Q32 Bus from Madison Ave and E 42nd Street station heading towards Jackson Heights, Queens. Go west on E 59th Street until you come to 5th Ave and Central Park South.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.centralparknyc.org/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sat, 14 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Heavenly Bodies and We Come in Peace Exhibits.

When it's a hot summer Saturday, it's best to spend time indoors in the cool museums which is exactly what we opted to do. After watching the Met Gala, we looked forward to seeing the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination exhibit and decided to spend a half day out exploring. The Met Fifth Avenue is one of New York City’s most visited museum and attraction. Home to over 5,000 years of art from all cultural backgrounds, it is recognized as one of the great museums of the world.

We arrived at the museum before noon and proceeded to the special wheelchair accessible area where we got our tickets. Taking the elevator up to the main floor, we leisurely wandered through many of the galleries across the museum and each had our favorites. Mom was mesmerized by the ancient sculptures the Art of Africa, Oceania and the America’s room. All the way through the European sculpture hallways with the nude statues, Diya cackled at them, which then caused Annie to join in the laughter. Annie’s favorite artist is Monet so you’re right if you guessed she enjoyed the European Painting section. She, mom and Diya spent their time jovially discussing the art in the Contemporary & Modern Art area and they would have happily stayed on longer to discover more. My personal favorite in the museum is the Egyptian Art room. If the area is quiet enough, you can sit there and travel back in time being immersed in so many natural artifacts.

We were interested in two of the exhibitions that day, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, showcasing the papal robes and accessories from the Sistine Chapel, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican and Huma BhaBha: We Come in Peace. The display of costumes were stunning, ranging from modest ensembles to shimmering glamorous gowns and headpieces. Bhabha's work used materials and the detritus of everyday life, creating a haunting human figure against the backdrop of New York’s skyline.

The staffs were polite throughout, they assisted in opening doors, giving directions and suggestions. We highly suggests a visit to the Met Museum, you are sure to find it as a source of inspiration and education.

Important Tips:
Access at the entrance was easy, there were no lines to get our entry tickets at the accessible entrance.
There is a large family room near the entrance, perfect for relaxation and accessible bathrooms.
We found the all areas we visited in the museum to be accessible for a wheelchair user.
Some elevators are smaller than others, however a wheelchair user and up to 4 additional person fits.

Suggested Duration: 3 hours minimum

Accessible Information:
- Free Admission for Caretakers
- Restrooms are accessible, with the most spacious one in the family room area right by the accessible entrance.
- Best drop off points for wheelchair user and other visitors who need to avoid stairs are Fifth Avenue and 81st Street and through the parking garage at Fifth Avenue and 80th Street. Click here for a pdf map of the entrance .
- Wheelchairs are available loan, on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be obtained at the Fifth Avenue & 81st Street Entrance.
- You may request an escort for a wheelchair user, two weeks’ notice is preferred. Email accesss@metmuseum.org or call 212-650-2010. Escorts are available for 1.5 hours and best to advise ahead of time which galleries you’re interested in seeing.
- A large family room after you enter the museum on Fifth Avenue & 81st Street for rest and relaxation.
- Service Animals are Welcome
- Assistive Listening System
- Audio Guide
- Large Print
- Real Time Captioning
- Sign Language Interpretation
- Click here for the website , then click to expand Accessibility for full details.
- Click here for a list of programs and events for the disabled community

Location:

1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
Phone: 212-535-7710
Access Phone: 212-650-2010
Website: https://metmuseum.org
Email: access@metmuseum.org

Admissions:
Suggested Admissions for New York State, New Jersey and Connecticut residents with Valid ID.
Free Admission for Caretakers

Visitors Outside New York State
Free Admission for Caretakers
Adults $30 | Seniors (65 and over) $22 | Students/Children (under 12) $17

Schedule:
Sunday–Tuesday, Thursday: 10 am–5 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10 am–9 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Monday in May.

Dining: We dined in-house at the American Wing Cafe, see below.

Public Transportation: Bus stops nearby M1, M2, M3, M4, BxM2, M79SBS, M86SBS

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.metmuseum.org/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

Dining at the Met Museum - Upper East Side

American Wing Cafe | $ | American
The Met Museum offers are range of choices, from fine-dining to lounge/bars and cafes. On our visit we ate at the American Wing Cafe, which is a self-serve cafe during the busy lunch hours. The area itself was a bit crowded to get a wheelchair by a table, however we took out one of the chairs in a corner spot which then served our needs. Food is primarily cold sandwiches and pastries which are overpriced. Honestly, nothing stood out and would only recommend getting a quick bite while resting.

Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar | $$ | American
We also visited Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar which opens seasonally. It serves light fare and cocktails with views of beautiful Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. It was too hot for us to get a cocktail in the middle of the day! However if you’re visiting the museum on a cooler day or during afternoon into evening hours, we bet it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a pre-dinner drink.

Click here to get more details on their website.

Fleet Week at the Intrepid Museum

Sat, 26 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The best way to kick-start summer in New York City!

Fleet Week in New York City is the ‘unofficial’ kick-off to the summer season as it’s a weeklong celebration leading up to Memorial Day Weekend. The city buzzes with sailors, marines, coast guards and visitor ships are docked along the Hudson River. What better way to enjoy the festivities than being on an actual ship on the Hudson River? We enrouted to the Intrepid Museum for a fun-filled family day.

There were lots of festive activities happening that weekend on the ship for Fleet Week. From live music on the deck, to the Marines who were exhibiting their tanks and happy to take pictures with everyone as well as science experiment stations for all ages, the crowds were sure to be pleased. On the top level (Flight Deck), there are sweeping views of New York City skyline with many old airplanes on exhibit. On the middle floor (Hanger Deck), we were able to see the Space Shuttle with many artifacts and historical footage on film. On the main level, there were activities and temporary exhibit for Fleet Week.

We chose to be dropped off at the Ink48 Hotel since we knew it would be busy at Pier 86. It was a short stroll, under 10 minutes from the hotel to the entrance of the museum. Although it was busy day to visit the museum, the lines to enter were manageable before noon. As soon as security saw Annie, they ushered her and Neil to the front for faster admission. Once inside, it was very spacious to walk around despite the fact that it’s probably one of their busiest weekends. We visited a majority of the Intrepid which is on the ground, top and middle levels without any issues. The elevators were crowded, however everyone was mindful of Annie in the wheelchair. All of the museum is accessible for wheelchair users except the Submarine Growler and Concorde. It was a fun-filled visit for the entire family and would happily return.

Suggested Duration: 3 hours minimum

Accessibility:
- Free Admission for Caretakers
- Restrooms are accessible
- At the Box Office, after purchasing tickets, induction neck loops that are T-coil compatible are available at no cost.
- At the Information Desk, guests can borrow sensory bags, with noise reduction headphones and fidgets, assistive listening devices for guided tours, American Sign Language video guides, and verbal description and tactile guides that include braille, large print and a talking tactile pen.
- The museum does not provide wheelchairs for visitors, but there are lightweight stools available at the Information Desk. All of these resources can be borrowed with a valid ID.
- Service animals are welcome.
- There is no large family room for relaxation, however there is a Sensory Guide which will help family find quieter spaces in the museum. Click here to find out more information and Sensory Guide
- The entire museum is accessible for wheelchair users except the submarine Growler and the Concorde. Guests can experience a virtual tour of these spaces and more on Google Arts & Culture program by clicking here.
- Early morning opening for children with autism aged 3-18 and their families. Receive sensory bags, partake in themed activities and explore the museum without crowds. View information about the Access Program on this link.

Location:
Pier 86, West 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-245-0072 & 877-957-7447
https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/
Email: access@intrepidmuseum.org

General Admissions:
Out of State Visitors
Free Admission for Caretakers
Adults $36 | Seniors (65 and over) $34 | Children (5-12) $26

Discounted admissions available for New York State residents. Must show Valid Photo ID.
Free Admission for Caretakers

Hours of Operation
April 01 - September 30
Monday-Friday 10am-5pm | Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 10am-6pm
October 01-March 31
Daily including Holidays 10am-5pm
The museum is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Public Transportation: Take cross-town buses west. M34 (34th Street), M42 (42nd Street) or M50 (49th Street) to 12th Ave. and Hudson River. The Intrepid is a short walk North from the M34 and M42. The M50 drops off immediately in front of the Intrepid.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://intrepidmuseum.org for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024

New York Botanical Gardens Spring Orchid Show

Sat, 14 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Celebrating Spring in New York City!

The New York Botanical Garden consist of 250 acres of land with an extensive collection of more than one million living plants. It’s listed on the National Historic Landmark, is the largest in any city of the United States and best of all, located in our hometown, the Bronx. Renown for it’s diverse landscape, extensive gardens collection and excellent exhibitions, the NYBG host events year-round for all ages to enjoy.

We managed two visits this year. One during Spring, which was our first family adventure we planned around this blog and more recently, fall. During Spring, our visit was on the last day of the Orchid Show and also one of the hottest Saturday of spring weekend weather. Although we were at the gardens by 11 am that day, it was very crowded to get into the Conservatory to see the orchids with a 45-minutes wait. Once we explained to the staff at the entrance we had a a wheelchair user in our party, they allowed us to get to the front of the line. Daniel Ost, one of the world’s leading floral artist created a spectacularly breathtaking display of form, colors and textures to showcase the orchids. We were all really amazed at the beauty, intricate details and huge variety of orchids, because it really looked like a scene from a fairytale. Strolling through the rest of the Conservatory, we slowly navigate various temperatures and crowds of chattering guests. We go from warm and pungent tropical rainforest into hot desert temperatures preserving the cactus collection, which is also one our other favorite exhibits. The striking desert cactus collection provide an impressive contrast to the humid rainforest galleries on the other side of the Conservatory.

Access at the entrance is extremely easy and the lines were short to get our entry tickets. There are plenty of benches scattered around for seating and relaxation. We found the all areas we visited in the Conservatory and the grounds to be accessible for a wheelchair user. The staffs provided excellent services ensuring we all have a memorable experience.

Suggested Duration: 3 hours minimum

Accessibility:
- Free Admission for Caretakers
- Restrooms are accessible
- The Botanical Garden, it’s buildings and vehicles are accessible. Due to varied topography, some of the historic landscape are not accessible. They do not list the areas which are. We have gone several times and have not had any issues with accessibility, however we have never walked the entire landscape.
- Wheelchair Drop Off/Pick Up: Vehicles can enter the parking area free of charge once you let security know it’s to drop off/pick up a passenger using wheelchair.
- Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the Leon Levy Visitor Center, Mosholu Entrance, Bedford Park Gate and East Gate. Reservations are not accepted. An ID must be left with Visitor Services. Wheelchair lifts are located in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and at the entrance to the Library building.
- The Tram is wheelchair accessible and each tram can accommodate one wheelchair, so make sure to get in the line early as it's on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Service Animals are Welcomed
- Assistive Devices and Braille are available.
- Excellent resources and details for the disabled community are found by clicking here.
- Click here for Accessible Guide Map of the facilities

Location:
2900 Southern Blvd
Bronx, New York 10458
Phone: 718-817-8700

Access Phone: 718-817-8564
https://www.nybg.org
Email: access@nybg.org

General Admissions :

New York State Residents Grounds Only Pass (with valid ID)
Free Admission for Caretakers
Adults: $15 | Seniors (65+) & Students (with valid ID): $7 | Children (2–12 years): $4 | Children under 2: Free
Grounds Admission is free to everyone regardless of residency, all day on Wednesdays and from 9–10 a.m. on Saturdays. Grounds Admission does not include admission to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Special Exhibitions, Rock Garden, or Tram Tour.

All Garden Pass
Free Admission for Caretakers
Adults: $35 | Seniors (65+) & Students (with valid ID): $31 | Children (2–12): $15 | Children under 2: Free

Hours of Operation:

Open Tuesday-Sunday
Hours are typically 10 am–6 pm

Dining Options: Enzo Restaurant in Morris Park or Hudson Garden Grill in NYBG. Click here for full details on the Restaurant page.

Public Transportation:
Bronx Local Bus Bx19
From Midtown East Side: BxM11 from Madison Avenue. Transfer to the Bx12-SBS at Pelham Parkway/Fordham Road to Southern Blvd (about 200 feet from entrance)
From Midtown West Side: M11 from 10th Avenue. Transfer to the Bx19 at 145th Street/Riverbank State Park to Southern Blvd/NYBG (right at entrance)

Take the Metro-North Harlem local line to Botanical Garden Station, located directly across the street from the Garden’s Mosholu Entrance. For schedules, maps, and accessibility of stations visit the MTA website .

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit www.nybg.org for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024