by Terry Moakley
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the parent organization of New York City Transit (NYCT), has published a new map of the NYCT subway system entitled “The Subway Map for Customers with Disabilities.” It can be ordered at no charge via United Spinal’s publications request line, 800-444-0120, or online at www.unitedspinal.org.
What makes “The Subway Map for Customers with Disabilities” unique is that both its design and content are geared to enable people with diverse disabilities to travel around New York City more easily. For example, a much larger type size is used compared to NYCT’s standard subway map, rendering it a great deal more empowering for persons with visual impairments.
“The Subway Map for Customers with Disabilities” is also presented in a simplified format: only basic subway information is contained on the front of the map, so that much of the clutter of a standard subway map is removed; and the back of the map contains a list of important subway stations arranged by borough. These apparently minor changes cannot help but result in easier use by many persons with developmental, cognitive, and learning disabilities.
The front and back of this new map identifies wheelchair-accessible subway stations in two ways: in bold face and by the International Symbol of Access. With just 50plus out of a total of 475 NYCT subway stations being wheelchair-accessible thus far, the back of this map lists connecting bus routes for all current wheelchair-accessible subway stations. The NYCT bus system is 100% accessible, so having connecting bus route information available is very important for those persons with disabilities who use a combination of wheelchair-accessible bus and subway services to move about the Big Apple. Order your copy of “The Subway Map for Customers with Disabilities” today.
Terry Moakley is Associate Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs.
