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How is accessibility in Italy for disabled people?

We have prepared a very special post with tips and important information for you dear reader

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How is accessibility in Italy for disabled people?

Accessibility in Italy has undergone major changes in recent years, but it is still far from being the ideal model. Today we are going to talk a little about accessibility on beaches, public transport, airports, hotels, monuments and attractions in Italy! But, after all, shall we find out how is accessibility in Italy for disabled people? Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”

Introduction

In Italy it is estimated that the number of people with physical disabilities can reach 25% of the population. The numbers are close to 13 million people with some type of physical disability across Italy, and only 18% of these people work. When it comes to access to public places, 27.2% say they have difficulty leaving home, 22.3% to enter public places and 19.7% say they have difficulty using public transport. The data are from 2013 and there is no current research on the subject. Also in 2013, the Court of Justice of the European Union condemned Italy for not applying the basic principles of accessibility in the country. In 2014, it was Brussels’s turn to condemn Italy for the same reason

Changes in 2014

Well, it seems that the scolding worked! In 2014, Italy began, for once, to adapt its territory so that it would be more comfortable for the disabled people. They installed access ramps, elevators in places where there are staircases, placed buses and train and subway cars with access for disabled people and, in many cities, also adapted their tourist attractions. It is not yet possible to say that Italy is an ideal example of accessibility, but the changes have already been felt very positively, especially by users of these facilities.

Historical Heritage

I think it is worth remembering that many Italian cities cannot undergo renovations, such as paving the streets, since we are talking about years and years of pure history, so going around with a wheelchair can be very uncomfortable and complicated, so, even if you need to take a little longer, I suggest you choose another path (if available), even to avoid breaking the chair or suffering a fall.

Everything okay so far? Hope so…

See the FANTASTIC websites with more information on international accessibility and other great subjects: Rolling Without Limits & Wheel Chair Traveling.

1) How is accessibility in Italy for disabled people? AT AIRPORTS

Let’s start by talking about airports, train and metro stations: all these areas in Italy are VERY well served for people with physical disabilities and, inside them, there is all support for boarding and disembarking, passage through security controls, access to platforms and elevators suitable for changing floors. The employees are always very helpful and really help, they are not those who just watch the movement, so you can rest assured about it!

Tip

  • Avoid using transports at peak times, as they can be crowded, as Italians use the subway, buses and trains to get around to commute.

2) How is accessibility in Italy for disabled people? IN HOTELS

The hotels also have adapted rooms, it is necessary to request at the time of booking. If you want to rent a car, remember to check if there are adapted vehicles available.

3) How is accessibility in Italy for disabled people? IN THE MAIN CITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

How is accessibility in major cities and tourist attractions? In the main Italian cities, accessibility is excellent, with the exception, of course, of those already mentioned in this text, consecrated (and historic) cobblestone and cobbled streets. In addition, there are no huge mobility problems. In Venice, for example, Vaporettos are also adapted for tourists with physical disabilities.

Tip

  • In Venice, be sure to ask for the key that ‘opens’ access to services for the disabled, such as elevating ramps, for example. At tourist information points (there is one at Marco Polo Airport and another at Santa Lucia Train Station). Ask for this key along with an accessible itinerary map – Venice is not a place for people with disabilities, there are several very narrow streets, so it is important to follow the adapted itinerary that was thought out in detail for those using a wheelchair. Oh: the key, sometimes, may not work. Read the post:  How is accessibility in Venice for the disabled?

Good to know

  • All important monuments in Italy are accessible for the disabled. There are indications of alternative routes for the route, staff support, elevators, ramps and all the necessary structure so that the tour can be as smooth as possible.
  • People, as we said, and I will reinforce: Italy is not yet the ideal model when it comes to accessibility, it is not impeccable, but they are trying hard, believe me! Many tourists complain about cities that ‘flee’ from the traditional Rome-Milan-Florence-Venice circuit. In smaller and less visited cities, in fact, accessibility is not the best, but soon, we have faith that it will be!

4) How is accessibility in Italy for disabled people? ON THE BEACHES

And the Italian beaches? Are they accessible? Unfortunately, their minority. The best beaches for the disabled are the beaches in the Tuscany region. There are actually four of them that are excellent, as they are well adapted: Bagno Auroria, Alcione, Fossa Maestra and Stella del Mare. These beaches offer great structure by the sea, they are beautiful and in their surroundings have great tourist structure. There are adapted corridors and several access ramps. The restaurants also have good access. So, if you want to go to a beach destination, consider this region for your vacation.


Conclusion

How is accessibility in Italy for disabled people? Italy is progressing, even if gradually, to become a country with excellent accessibility. Over the years the country has been striving and finding alternatives for everyone to have access to its history, culture and monuments. Like the rest of the world, the country noticed the need to become a democratic country when it comes to people with disabilities and, little by little, all the versatility of the most different types of attractions will be available to everyone.

And if you feel insecure or have no time, and need help to organize your trip, do not hesitate to look for me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy. And how can I do that? Continue reading this post until the end and you will understand how can we make your life and journey easier.

Did my post help you? If yes, make sure to leave your comment below, but if you still have questions, just leave them as a comment below and I will reply, O.K.?



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