July 26 marked the 35th year since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed. To commemorate this milestone, MTA Accessibility hosted, attended, and participated in various events throughout the month of July. We had a great time celebrating ADA 35 and collaborating with you!
If you have an event anytime throughout the year that you think would be a good opportunity to collaborate with MTA Accessibility, please email us at [email protected] or fill out this form.
Read on for recordings and recaps of our events!
MTA events
Pathways to Access: MTA and the ADA
Hosted by the New York Transit Museum and MTA Accessibility
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Location: NYU CUSP Building in Downtown Brooklyn (370 Jay Street, Room 1201) and Zoom
In celebration of the 35 years since the passage of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), MTA leadership and the New York Transit Museum discussed the newest accessibility enhancements in the city’s transit system and the strides made to advance accessibility for all. Learn about the history of MTA accessibility, as well as key initiatives such as street-to-platform elevators, modern accessible fare gates, and enhanced digital communication tools.

Moderated by Amy Boyle, Assistant Deputy Director, Education and Public Programs of the New York Transit Museum, this panel discussion includes Quemuel Arroyo, Chief Accessibility Officer and Senior Advisor to the Chairman; Rachel Cohen, Vice President of Paratransit; Shanifah Rieara, Chief Customer Officer and Senior Advisor to the Chairman; and Steven Loehr, Deputy Chief Development Officer.
The program was livestreamed via Zoom.
Lunch and Learn: Accessibility, Technology, and Transit in the New York Metropolitan Region
Panel with MTA Accessibility, the Port Authority of NY & NJ, the NYC Department of Transportation, and the Partnership for NYC
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Time: 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Check out the Lunch & Learn recording.
Join us for a lunch and learn panel with MTA Accessibility, the Port Authority of NY & NJ, the NYC Department of Transportation, and the Partnership for NYC discussing how technological innovations have impacted accessible travel and how New York City regional transit agencies have approached the use of these new technologies.

Beyond the ADA: Navigating with NaviLens
MTA Accessibility invites you to join us at 14 St-Union Square station to test NaviLens and NaviLensGO wayfinding apps with us and give us your feedback directly!
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: 12 p.m.-3 p.m.
Where to find us: Union Sq Station, inside the accessible entrance at the NE corner of 14 St and Union Sq E.
Members of the MTA Accessibility team tabled in Union Square station on Saturday, July 19 to offer customers an opportunity to test out the apps with our team and provide feedback directly to us!
Thank you for joining us if you saw us at Union Square! There's still time to test out NaviLens and provide feedback!

Navigate NYC with Confidence: An Info Session on Accessible Transportation
Hosted by NYC Department of Transportation
Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Watch a recording of the virtual event.
Join the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) for an online session for older adults and people with disabilities. Hear from key transportation agencies, learn about new accessibility programs, and get tips and tools to help you get around more easily.
Whether you're a regular transit rider, a caregiver, or just getting started, this session will give you helpful information to support your travel in the Greater NYC area.
Other events
Disability Unite Festival
Date: Sunday, July 13
Location: In-Person at Central Park Bandshell and Online at at DisabilityUnite.org
Celebrate Disability Pride at the Disability Unite Festival 2025! Come together with friends and family virtually, or in-person at the Central Park Naumburg Bandshell in New York City to celebrate community, and commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ADA 35th Anniversary BBQ Celebration
Hosted by CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD)
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Queens College Student Union Lot (65-30 Kissena Blvd Queens, NY, 11367)
Join CCSD for a day of community fun. Bring your family and friends for raffles, entertainment, food and more!
For more information, email [email protected].