JClarke - What do you really want to see in NYC?
Metropolitan Museum of Art (a huge building and long hours)
Empire State Building to observe the view of the big city
Radio City Music Hall (not sure if it's a good idea for you to watch the performance because I don't know when it provides the interpreters for deafies. Maybe, you won't able understand the interpreters because of ASL. I went there, and it was nice. Well, everyone is different - some of them love it or hate it.)
Statue of Liberty Tour (a good one, it is on the island. It cost about $12.00 to ride on a ferry boat to the island. I did not have time to go there.)
Rockefeller Center - a famous for its skating rink during Christmas time, some shopping are too expensive.
Walk around the Times Squares
Not sure about the Central Park (free) - I don't remember it.
Not sure about United Nations for the tour.
Maybe at St. John the Divine Cathedral - a largest Cathedral church. It would fix Statue of Liberty under its dome. :roll:
New York City Landmarks Sights visitor Guide - NYC sightseeing attractions in New York Sights, NY
You should always
secure your passport and wallet. There are many professional thieves in the city. I think that it is cheaper to go on a subway - it is faster than a taxi. But, maybe, you might want to ride on a taxi to see some view of the city. You have to pay a tip to a taxi driver (money).
I would say that, for example, a nice shirt cost 60 dollars in the city, and the "same" shirt would cost 14 dollars out of the city. You probably would see some artists, on the sidewalk, sell their nice painting for a pretty good price.
If you are going to Gallaudet University in Washington D.C., I think that it would be interesting for you to walk around in the D.C. with your group. The real problem is the off the campus of the Gallaudet is the highest crime. But, I was told that it improved a lot and less crime. It is also expensive at shopping - same thing in NYC. At the Capital of D.C., it would be fun for you. It is cleaner than in NYC. Many famous museums, White House tour if less traffic, and many more activities there.