DisAbilities

NYU Paris Academic Center: 

The Academic Center is fully accessible with an entrance rue Thénard, elevators and accessible classrooms and bathrooms on each floor. 

NYU Paris Residence Halls

Each NYU Paris residence has at least a few accessible rooms, with roll-in showers and more. However, the closest NYU Paris residence hall is located 20 minutes from the Academic Center by city bus. As noted below, buses are accessible, but it is important to note that this commute may be difficult on a daily basis for a person who needs mobility accommodations. Please contact the Moses Center. 

Public Transportation 

Mobility:

Public transportation accessibility is still a big challenge in Paris. The city's metro system was built 100 years ago and hasn't been updated. With lengthy stairways, large gaps between trains and platforms, and a lack of elevators, a majority of Parisian metro stations are not accessible. Metro 14, the newest line in the network, is fully accessible, and there is hope that future construction and renovation will lead to greater accessibility in the subway system. Most RER stations within Paris are accessible. 

Almost all buses in Paris are wheelchair accessible. One wheelchair space is available on each bus. Bus securement straps are not often available. Tramways are also accessible, but they do not run in the center of Paris.

Learn more: https://www.ratp.fr/en/accessibility/network-accessibility

Sensorial Accessibility:

The RATP (Paris transportation agency) has made accommodations throughout the transportation networks for those with hearing and visual disabilities, including voice recordings, visual and voice announcements, tactile paving near tracks, etc. 

Learn more: https://www.ratp.fr/en/accessibility/network-accessibility

Note: As is the case in many major cities, the rail system is often crowded and overall an unfriendly place where people are more focused on their commute than on helping each other. If you are planning to navigate it with any type of disability, give yourself plenty of time, and don't hesitate to look for a RATP agent (they wear a vest in the green shade of the agency) for assistance.

Sidewalk Accesibility

Paris, like most European cities, was not originally built with accessibility concerns in mind. Therefore, you'll find sidewalks are often narrow and crowded. Some streets are also paved with bricks or cobblestones, making them uneven. Nonetheless, the majority of sidewalks are smooth and equipped with curb cuts at intersections.

Crosswalks at major intersections are usually equipped with tactile paving, and some lights feature an audio announcement that indicates when to cross.

The majority of the city is flat, including around the Academic Center but some areas, like the Montmartre neighborhood, can be quite steep.  Pay close attention to electric wheelchair batteries when navigating these areas.

Public Restrooms

Paris public restrooms, also called sanisettes, are available throughout the city, free of use and fully accessible.  They are adapted for wheelchair users (space and transfer bar), and they have recorded information and information in braille for blind or sight-impaired people.