Disability Access Survey

NYC311 offers surveys aimed at better understanding and improving how persons with disabilities engage with 311’s services.

It usually takes just a few minutes. Click here to take the Disability Access Survey.

Need something else?

You can request assistance if you need help accessing City programs and services because of a disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities or contact a Disability Service Facilitator (DSF).

The DSF of a City agency is the designated point of contact for disability specific issues and questions. Their role is to make sure City agencies are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

DSFs will help you if there is an accessibility issue with a City service or program.

Building or Public Space Accessibility Complaint

Visit the Building or Public Space Accessibility Complaint page instead to report a private building, business, or public space with inadequate access for people with disabilities.

If you need help accessing Department of Finance (DOF) programs and services because of a disability or medical condition, you can request a reasonable accommodation. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. 

This includes physical disorders affecting the: 

  • Brain
  • Muscles
  • Eyes
  • Ears
  • Nose
  • Mouth
  • Respiratory system
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Skin

An example of a mental impairment is decreased mental function due to a disease or long-term condition.

If a qualifying medical event, such as hospitalization, occurred for a substantial time during the filing period, you may also be eligible to apply for a deadline extension to apply for or renew a benefit or participate in one of DOF’s programs.

Get more information about requesting an accommodation or making a complaint.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

Request an Extension of Time

If due to a physical or mental impairment you need more time to submit an application, form, or document to the Department of Finance to apply for or renew a benefit or participate in one of DOF’s programs, you can request an extension of time. 

Download Request for Extension of Time form.

Mail completed form and supporting medical documentation to:

NYC Department of Finance
Attn: EEO Office
375 Pearl Street, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10038

Sign Language Interpretation

You can request a sign language interpreter for transactions at the Department of Finance, including parking ticket hearings and appeals.

Online

You can request a sign language interpreter online for Parking Ticket or Property Tax Services. To schedule an appointment and request a sign language interpreter online, go to the DOF Business Center page.

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

Conditions Not Covered by the ADA

The following are not considered a physical or mental condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act:

  • Common cold or flu
  • Broken bone that is expected to heal completely
  • Old age

Filing an Accommodation Complaint

If you feel that a DOF program or service is not accessible to you, you can file a complaint by mail with the agency's Disability Service Facilitator. You or your representative should make a complaint as soon as possible, but no later than 60 days after the incident. 

Your complaint should include:

  • A description of the problem or incident
  • The location and date of the incident 
  • Your contact information, if you want the Facilitator to follow-up with you

Mail the complaint to:

Attn: Disability Service Facilitator 
375 Pearl Street, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10038

What Happens Next

Within 15 calendar days of receiving the request, the Facilitator will contact you to discuss it and any possible resolutions.

Within 15 calendar days of this contact, the Facilitator will respond to the applicant in writing or, where appropriate, in an accessible format, such as large print, Braille, or audio recording. This response will explain DOF’s position and offer options for resolving the issue, where applicable.

If you have a disability and need assistance accessing Human Resources Administration (HRA) programs, services, and benefits, you may request a reasonable accommodation.

Some examples of reasonable accommodations are:

  • Flexible scheduling to avoid rush hour travel
  • Priority appointments to minimize wait time at HRA offices
  • Sign language interpreters
  • Home visits
  • Assistance reading and completing forms and notices

Forms for a reasonable accommodation request are available at any HRA Benefits Access Center or SNAP (Food Stamp) Center. You can also download a form online.

Learn more about HRA reasonable accommodations and download a request form.

  • Agency: Human Resources Administration
  • Phone Number: (718) 557-1399
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
  • You can reach staff during business hours (except for City Holidays). You can get help in most languages. Automated Assistance is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

You can submit your completed Reasonable Accommodation Request form the following ways:

By Email

constituentaffairs@dss.nyc.gov

By Mail

Human Resources Administration
Office of Constituent Services
150 Greenwich Street, 35th Floor
New York, NY 10007

By Fax

(917) 639-9241

In person

Visit any Benefits Access Center or SNAP Center.

To find your local Benefits Access Center, go to the Public Assistance or Welfare page. To find your local SNAP Center, go to the SNAP (Food Stamps) page.

If you are a person with a disability and need additional help accessing a City service or program, the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) can provide you with contact information of a Disability Service Facilitator (DSF) for a City agency.

You can request help if you are a person with a disability trying to access a City service through NYC311 and need additional assistance.

By Email

DisabilityAccess@311.nyc.gov

By Text Message

Send a text to 311-692.

The City of New York doesn’t charge for this service, but text messaging or data rates may apply.

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for help.

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