Accessibility

NYC DOT Initiatives for People with Disabilities

NYC DOT implements programs to help make New York City's streets more accessible. The main goal of NYC DOT’s projects is always to enhance safety for all New Yorkers. This includes people with low vision, hearing or cognitive disabilities, or limited mobility.

NYC DOT’s policy is to comply with all applicable laws, including but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act.

Five-Year Accessibility Plan

NYC DOT's Five-Year Accessibility Plan demonstrates a commitment to accessibility on our city streets. This report dives into the agency's progress, from integrating accessibility standards into each project to investing billions in sidewalk and signal upgrades. The plan focuses on key objectives: improving physical access, accessible services, workforce inclusivity, and effective communication. NYC DOT's Accessibility Plan represents a concrete dedication to making a real impact, fostering equity, and championing accessibility for all, including people with disabilities.

Local Law 12 of 2023 requires agencies to develop and implement a five-year accessibility plan. NYC DOT’s Proposed Five-Year Accessibility plan can be found below.  See the Notice of Opportunity to Comment for information on how to comment on the proposed plan.

Proposed Five-Year Accessibility Plan (pdf) Notice of Opportunity to Comment (pdf)

Contact

Please submit your request online if you need assistance to take part in our programs or services. You may also reach out to the ADA Coordinator/Disability Service Facilitator:

By mail:
Edmund Asiedu, ADA Coordinator & Disability Service Facilitator
NYC Department of Transportation
55 Water Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10041
Tel: 929-441-9658
Email: accessibility@dot.nyc.gov
For inquiries about parking permits please visit NYC PPPD. Parking Permits Customer Service Representatives are available at 718-433-3100, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

For requests related to a scheduled program or activity, please submit at least three (3) business days before the event.

You may also submit requests by calling 311 or by writing a comment or complaint at:
https://portal.311.nyc.gov/.

NYC DOT does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the operation of its programs, services, and activities. Learn about our Grievance Procedure (pdf) Learn about New York City’s nondiscrimination policy (pdf)

Parking Permits for People with Disabilities

New York City issues two types of permits for citizens with disabilities - a New York State permit and a New York City permit. There are different eligibility requirements and different uses for these permits.

Learn more about New York State Permits Learn more about New York City Permits Apply for or renew either permit online Using the Permits with Multiple Vehicles Missing, Lost or Stolen Permits

Contact NYC DOT’s Parking Permits Call Center at 718-433-3100 with any questions, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Pedestrian Ramps

Pedestrian ramps are a critical component in enhancing the pedestrian experience, as they provide safe access on and off our streets and sidewalks. NYC DOT is committed to making our pedestrian space safe and accessible for all users.

For more information regarding the Pedestrian Ramp Program at NYC DOT, please visit nycpedramps.info.

NYC Streets & Cyclists

Cycling is booming in New York City. While we continue to promote cycling as a means of transportation, we also want to help cyclists identify our 175,000+ low vision or blind pedestrians, from whom we constantly hear about near misses or close encounters with cyclist on the road.

A pedestrian walks on a sidewalk using a white and red cane. A cyclist on a bicycle path stops ahead of the pedestrian crossing.

Safe cycling tips are available for riders on our Bike Safety webpage, which includes our Slow Your Roll (PDF) outreach to cyclists and Cycle Eyes video [Audio described Cycle Eyes video available].

Bike lanes make streets safer for all street users, but it is important for those who are blind or have low vision to be aware of the location of lanes. Review upcoming and current bike network projects NYC Bike Map

Pedestrian Plazas

Through this program, NYC DOT creates more public open space by reclaiming underutilized street space and transforming it into pedestrian plazas, where New Yorkers can sit, rest, socialize, and to enjoy public life. Learn more about pedestrian plazas

Accessible Pedestrian Signals

Accessible pedestrian signals improve safety for pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision by assisting them in crossing the streets with short recorded messages and sounds. Visit a list of accessible pedestrian signals

Leading Pedestrian Intervals

These traffic signals give pedestrians a walk sign before showing a green light to car traffic. This gives pedestrians a chance to begin crossing the street before cars make turns across the crosswalk. Visit a list of leading pedestrian intervals

Exclusive Pedestrian Intervals

Some crossings have traffic signals that include a phase giving pedestrians time to cross the street while vehicle traffic is stopped in all directions. Visit a list of exclusive pedestrian intervals

Safe Streets for Seniors

Safe Streets for Seniors is a major pedestrian safety initiative for older New Yorkers. DOT engineers evaluate pedestrian conditions in targeted neighborhoods citywide from a senior's perspective and make safety improvements. Learn more about Safe Streets for Seniors

CityBench

NYC DOT installs attractive and durable benches around the City, particularly at bus stops, retail corridors, and in areas with high concentrations of senior citizens. These benches make streets more comfortable for transit riders and pedestrians, especially for those who are older and disabled. Learn more about CityBench