DOT Initiatives for People with Disabilities

DOT has implemented a variety of programs to help make New York City's public space safer, more accessible and more vibrant. These initiatives range from changing the timing of signals to allow additional crossing time for pedestrians to complete redesigns of major streets. The main goal of DOT's projects is always to improve safety for all New Yorkers, including those with low vision and limited mobility.

It is the policy of New York City Department of Transportation to comply with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act. NYCDOT does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the operation of its programs, services, and activities.

Anyone who requires services for effective communication or a reasonable modification of policies or procedures to participate in NYCDOT programs, services or activities is invited to direct their needs and preferences to NYCDOT's ADA Coordinator by mail, telephone, or email:

Quemuel Arroyo - ADA Coordinator & Disability Service Facilitator
NYC Department of Transportation, 55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041
Tel: 212-839-6428 Email:accessibility@dot.nyc.gov Fax: 212-839-2740

We encourage anyone interested in making such requests to do so as soon as possible to ensure that requests are received no later than three (3) business days before the scheduled program, service or activity. Questions, concerns, complaints or requests for additional information may also be directed to NYCDOT via our citywide communications by calling 311 or by writing a comment or complaint at http://www1.nyc.gov/311. Click here to learn about our Grievance Procedure (pdf)

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. 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.

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

If you have more questions about the permits, call DOT at 718-433-3100 or TTY 212-504-4115 during business hours.

Bike Lanes

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. See a list of bike lanes in the City’s growing bicycle network

Cycle Eyes Campaign

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

We now have over 1,000 miles of bike lanes in the city and that number grows every day. Through this campaign, we hope to increase awareness of vulnerable road users, especially our low vision or blind pedestrians who also want to enjoy the streets.

The vast majority of cyclists are responsible riders. It is our goal that this message will help cyclists build upon their current practices.

This message has been approved and supported by the NY LighthouseGuild for the Blind, Pedestrians for Accessible and Safe Streets (PASS) Coalition, Selis Manor and VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Pedestrian Plazas

Through this program, 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

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