Under Mayor Koch as I remember, the work started to make all curbs grade down to street level so that wheelchairs would have an easier time of it ( also easier for bike riders, dammit).
When the city's finances were better, there was a plan to introduce elevators all over the subway system to make it really useful for disabled people. Not too much was done with this, but as I have shown before, there still are some working elevators at major stops in Manhattan. Best used during daytime hours.
As to the City and disable people generally, this is from the internet:
Today a growing number of people rely on electric scooters and related equipment to get around in everyday life. For these travelers, you will find New York is for the most part well-equipped to meet your needs. All of New York City's public buses are equipped with lifts so that wheelchair users can travel anywhere in the city. Individual door-to-door paratransit service is available for people unable to use public bus or subway service. Many subway stations contain elevators, ramps, visual display signs, accessible public telephones, and tactile and audio features on vending machines; passengers with disabilities pay reduced fares on most trips. That said, please note that not every subway station is accessible. Please visit the MTA website or call for more information.
MTA New York City Transit Travel information for people with disabilities:
Tel: (718) 596-8585
TTY: (718) 596-8273
The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) works hand-in-hand with other city agencies to assure that the voice of the disabled community is represented and that city programs and policies address the needs of people with disabilities. They have developed a number of informative brochures and directories that detail programs, services, activities, and other resources that are accessible to people with disabilities. They will send the book Access New York free of charge to people who inquire via telephone at the number listed above. The 100-page large-type book provides resources and specific accessibility reviews for cultural institutions, theaters, nightlife and sports venues, and tours. It is also avaialable for download in PDF format from their website. The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH) at (212) 447-7284, provides extensive educational and resource material to expand travel opportunities not only in New York but also worldwide.
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