NYC Ferry installed a new system to improve accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers.
After consulting with disability rights advocates at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and Disability Rights New York, the new signage was added at the East 34th Street ferry landing.
“We are pleased that NYC Ferry has taken this step to improve the accessibility of the ferry system for all New Yorkers. This new sign will ensure that people who are Deaf or hard of hearing have the same ability to use the ferry as all other riders,” Christopher Schuyler, Senior Staff Attorney for the Disability Justice program at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, said. “This change will benefit everyone, both with disabilities and without.”
Before this new system, the East 34th Street NYC Ferry landing only provided verbal announcements onboard, which was difficult for deaf or hard-of-hearing passengers. Now those passengers will be notified of the ferry’s arrival both verbally and non-verbally.
“As we continue to create new ferry connections and shorten commutes for New Yorkers, we thank New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and Disability Rights New York for their collaboration with NYC Ferry to bring new signage to the East 34th Street landing that improves accessibility at this important NYC Ferry hub,” an NYC Ferry spokesperson said.
