Brooklyn resource guide · Sources reviewed October 25, 2026
Nine resources for Brooklyn residents with disabilities and their families. Find independent-living support, accessible transportation, employment assistance, developmental-disability services and accessible library resources. Citywide and statewide services below include Brooklyn; some offer support by phone or online rather than at a Brooklyn office.
Where to start
- Independent living and benefits navigation: Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled.
- Transportation: Access-A-Ride has an eligibility process; accessible taxis are a separate paid travel option.
- Access to a city agency’s services: find that agency’s Disability Service Facilitator.
- Work and training: contact ACCES-VR’s Brooklyn office.
- Support for a child or young person: contact INCLUDEnyc; developmental-disability service questions can start with OPWDD.
1. Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID)
Address: 25 Elm Place, 5th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Appointments and information: 718-998-3000
Free services include benefits counseling, housing advocacy, financial coaching, peer support and help transitioning from nursing homes to community living. Call to arrange an appointment and discuss current assistance. Eligibility for a particular benefit or outside program is determined by that program.
Official source: BCID programs and contact
2. MTA Access-A-Ride (AAR)
Information and eligibility: 877-337-2017 from NYC and the surrounding service area; 718-393-4999 from other area codes. Relay users may use their preferred service or 711.
Shared-ride paratransit for people whose disabilities prevent them from using public buses or subways. Begin with an inquiry, complete the application packet and attend the required assessment. Eligibility may be full, conditional or temporary. Age alone does not establish eligibility. Ask about free round-trip transportation to the assessment. Regular trips have fares; confirm current fares and booking rules with MTA.
Official source: MTA — apply or recertify for Access-A-Ride · Official source: ACCESS NYC — contact numbers and process
3. Accessible Taxi E-hail
Request an accessible taxi: 646-599-9999
The TLC’s current page identifies Accessible Taxi E-hail as the successor to Accessible Dispatch. The former MTM service ended February 28, 2026. Use the current TLC instructions and phone number rather than relying on the former operator’s app. Confirm availability and fare arrangements when requesting a ride; this is a taxi service, not enrollment in Access-A-Ride.
Official source: NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission — current accessible taxi notice
4. Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)
City contact route: 311 in NYC; 212-639-9675 from elsewhere in the United States.
ASL video phone: 646-396-5830 — for Deaf or Hard of Hearing callers who use ASL.
Start with the office’s official contact and resource pages for disability-related city information. The phone contact route is shared NYC311, not a dedicated local Brooklyn intake line.
Official source: MOPD contact information
5. NYC Disability Service Facilitators (DSFs)
DSFs are city agency representatives who help connect New Yorkers with disabilities to agency programs and services and coordinate accessibility responsibilities. Use the official directory’s agency filter to find the appropriate contact for the service you need.
Official source: MOPD — Disability Service Facilitator directory
6. ACCES-VR — Brooklyn District Office
Address: 55 Hanson Place, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11217
General office phone: 718-722-6700
Vocational rehabilitation for people whose disabilities affect getting, keeping or advancing in employment. Services may include counseling, training, assistive technology and job support, based on an approved individual employment plan. Eligibility does not guarantee a specific service or funding. Ask about application steps, appointments and accommodations before visiting.
Official source: NYSED — Brooklyn District Office · Official source: ACCES-VR services and funding conditions
7. OPWDD Front Door — developmental-disability services
Statewide information line: 866-946-9733
The Front Door process helps people learn about OPWDD supports and determine eligibility. Eligible individuals then work through needs assessment and service planning. Ask which regional team serves your Brooklyn address and what documentation is needed. A call or diagnosis alone does not guarantee enrollment, funding or a particular service.
Official source: OPWDD — Get Started · Official source: New York State Help Hub — Front Door information line
8. INCLUDEnyc Help Line — children, young people and families
English: 212-677-4660; text 646-693-3175.
Spanish: 212-677-4668; text 646-693-3157.
Information, individual assistance and training about special education, family advocacy, disability resources and transition to adulthood. Contact the Help Line to schedule a phone appointment. A disability diagnosis is not required to call. Language assistance is available. INCLUDEnyc provides information and support rather than legal advice or representation.
Official source: INCLUDEnyc Help Line
9. Brooklyn Public Library — accessibility and accessible technology
General library help: 718-968-7275 — shared BPL information line.
BPL lists accessible reading materials, computer accessibility tools, a desktop magnifier and links to inclusive services and Books by Mail. Check the individual branch page for building accessibility. Ask library staff about equipment location, availability and program registration before visiting.
Official source: BPL — accessibility and technology · Official source: BPL general contact
Before you contact a service
Ask about eligibility, current intake, appointments, accessible entrances, interpretation or communication accommodations, required documents and any charges. Sources were checked online October 25, 2026; telephone lines were not tested. This selected directory does not determine eligibility or guarantee an appointment, placement, benefit or ride.
Related: Brooklyn child care and family resources · Back to the BigNY Local Directory