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Accessibility

Local Law 12 of 2023 requires every New York City agency to develop and implement a five- year accessibility plan, in consultation with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (“MOPD”). The legislation mandates that the accessibility plan outline the steps that agencies are taking to “ensure that the agency’s workplace, services, programs and activities are accessible to and accommodating and inclusive of persons with disabilities” by improving physical, digital, and programmatic access, and providing effective communications for persons with disabilities. These efforts include, but are not limited to: “any alterations or structural changes to facilities or premises that are owned and operated by the agency or contracted for use by the agency or otherwise under the agency’s jurisdiction; any planned upgrades or investments in technology or tools that will improve accessibility within the agency or access to such agency’s services and programs; and additional steps to make the agency’s programs and services more accessible to and inclusive of persons with disabilities.”

Statement of Commitment

As first responders to fires, public safety and medical emergencies, disasters and terrorist acts, the Fire Department of the City of New York (“FDNY”) protects the lives and property of New York City residents and visitors. The FDNY advances public safety through its fire prevention, investigation and education programs. The timely delivery of these services enables the FDNY to make significant contributions to the safety of New York City and homeland security efforts.

The FDNY believes in an equitable and inclusive environment and is committed to providing persons with disabilities with access to the Department’s services, both within its workforce and the greater community. As the FDNY continues its unwavering mission to protect and serve, it is also committed to identifying, preventing, and removing barriers to accessibility. The FDNY strives to use reasonable efforts, consistent with the purpose of this legislation, to ensure that policies and practices to advance accessibility, traditional and new, are seamlessly woven throughout the FDNY.

Proposed 5-Year Accessibility Plan (2025-2028)

FDNY is committed to equity both in our workforce and when serving the community. To comply with the ADA and Local Law 12 of 2023, the FDNY has designed this accessibility plan to identify priority areas to remove barriers to accessing FDNY’s services and to empower its workforce to better serve all New Yorkers. This plan addresses access in the following areas: (1) Physical Access; (2) Digital Access; (3) Programmatic Access; (4) Communications; and (5) Workplace Inclusion.

The purpose of this plan is to outline how the FDNY will make reasonable efforts to meet these goals and ensure compliance with the ADA and other legal mandates. This plan was informed by consultations with relevant FDNY stakeholders: the Regulatory Compliance office, Facilities Management, Budget, Public Information Office, which oversees digital communications, and the FDNY’s EEO Office, which handles disability-related inquiries and processes reasonable accommodations requests and is considered a subject matter expert on accessibility issues throughout the FDNY. The FDNY’s plan will continue to evolve with the goal of achieving our accessibility objectives and keeping pace with the advancement of accessibility standards.

Public Comment

The Department will thoroughly review and consider all comments received throughout the public comment process.

The deadline to submit comments is February 14, 2025. If sending your comments by mail, they must be postmarked no later than February 14, 2025.

Online Resources

FDNY’s website contains information for individuals with disabilities, including: