Disabilities & Accessibility in Boston

Disabilities & Accessibility

The New England Information on Disabilities Exchange (INDEX) coordinates the Massachusetts Network of Information Providers for People with Disabilities, which maintains a database of resources for the disabled that is accessible online. The Boston Center for Independent Living is a self-help organization run for and by people with disabilities. The Massachusetts Office on Disability provides community outreach, advocacy, and education. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing has an interpreter-referral service and listings of recreational activities and events in the deaf community. The commission also has an emergency number for medical interpreters.

Local Resources

Boston Center for Independent Living (95 Berkeley St., Suite 206, 02116. 617/338-6665; 617/338-6662 TDD. www.bostoncil.org). Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 550, 02125. 617/740-1600; 617/740-1700 TTY; 800/882-1155; 800/249-9949 after-hours voice/TTY emergency number for medical interpreters. 617/740-1699. www.state.ma.us/mcdhh). Massachusetts Network of Information Providers for People with Disabilities (800/642-0249; 800/764-0200 TTY. www.mnip-net.org). Massachusetts Office on Disability (1 Ashburton Pl., Room 1305, 02108. 617/727-7440; 800/322-2020 TTY. www.state.ma.us/mod). New England Information on Disabilities Exchange (www.disabilityinfo.org).

Sights & Attractions

Boston has a number of two- and three-century-old buildings that are difficult to modify within the strictures of the Historical Commission. Beacon Hill is steep and difficult, with uneven, often narrow brick sidewalks. South Boston and the North End may prove problematic for wheelchair users.

The Back Bay, however, is flat with well-paved streets, and Quincy Market's cobblestone-and-brick malls are crisscrossed with smooth, tarred paths. The downtown financial district, Charles Street, and Chinatown are reasonably accessible. Many of Boston's most famous historic attractions are on or near the conveniently routed Freedom Trail, and most are wholly or partially accessible, as are most of the city's museums.

Transportation

Boston is filled with narrow, sometimes hilly, often winding, and congested streets not conducive to car travel. The substantial number of curb cuts throughout the city is increasing steadily. Taxi travel is easier for wheelchair users in Boston than in most other places in the nation as a result of a law requiring a certain percentage of every cab company's taxis to be accessible.

Currently half the bus routes in Boston can handle people with disabilities. The Call-a-Lift Bus Program facilitates the remaining routes; to arrange for special pickups, contact the MBTA bus system by 1 PM on the day before you want to travel. Half the subway stations can accommodate people with disabilities; for complete information, contact the MBTA. The MBTA also offers a door-to-door pickup service called "The Ride." The Airport Accessible Van at Logan provides free service between terminals, on request.

Contacts

Airport Accessible Van (Logan Airport. 617/561-1769). MBTA (Logan Airport. 617/222-5000; 800/392-6100; 617/222-5146 TTY. www.mbta.com). MBTA Call-a-Lift Bus Program (800/543-8287; 617/222-5848 TTY). The Ride (Logan Airport. 800/533-6282; 617/222-5123; 617/222-5415 TTY).