City expands benefits for IDNYC cardholders
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IDNYC announced Wednesday that the new cards will include braille. Photo via IDNYC.
By Rachel Vick
New York City marked the five-year anniversary of the nation’s largest municipal identification card program on Wednesday, unveiling a new slate of benefits for hundreds of thousands of cardholders at an event at the Flushing Library.
The IDNYC program, which began in 2014, has enrolled and provided ID cards to 400,000 Queens residents. The new cards will include braille labeling intended to help residents who are blind or have low vision distinguish the card. This addition is likely to increase ease of use and access to the program’s benefits by visually impaired residents, leaders said.
“Braille is irreplaceable,” said Walei Sabry, Digital Accessibility Coordinator of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. “Studies have shown that blind individuals that read braille are more likely to be employed. By adding braille to IDNYC, we are increasing access for the blind community and also raising awareness about the importance of braille.
Deputy Mayor Phillip Thompson, Councilmember Peter Koo and Queens Public Library Director Dennis Walcott gathered to celebrate the card program, which will now include free all-day admission to the Queens Botanical Garden every Wednesday.
Queens Botanical Garden Executive Director Susan Lacerte said she looks forward to welcoming IDNYC visitors to the site, which she said, “is gorgeous year-round.”
Queens institutions MoMA PS1, the Queens Zoo, Queens Museum, Flushing Town Hall and King Manor also provide free or discounted access to cardholders.
Other new benefits include coupons for people who sign up for Costco memberships, and a free year of membership at The Juilliard School, Atlantic Theater Company, Signature Theatre and the South Street Seaport Museum.
The program has also expanded outside of New York City. A partnership with Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association encourages cardholders to venture beyond city limits with discounts at businesses like Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark and The Sullivan Catskills Event Center.
The program has also expanded outside of New York City. A partnership with Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association encourages cardholders to venture beyond city limits with discounts at businesses like Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark and The Sullivan Catskills Event Center.
