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Disabled Traveller in Amsterdam:

The most obvious difficulty people with mobility problems face in the Netherlands is negotiating the winding cobbled streets of the older towns. Poorly maintained and broken pavements are widespread, and canal houses, with their narrow doorways and steep stairs, can also present access problems. But the pragmatic Dutch don't have preconceptions about people with disabilities, and any problems are generally solved quickly and without fuss.

Most of the large museums have reasonable facilities for disabled users but little for the partially sighted and hard of hearing. Most cinemas and theatres also have an enlightened attitude and are accessible. However, if you're going to any venue where you fear access may be limited, it's advisable to check in advance. Disabled people get discounts on public transport and, with some limitations, can park in the city free of charge.

Many hotels are in old buildings with steep stairs and no lifts; restaurants tend to be on ground floor, though "ground" sometimes includes some a few steps. The metro stations have lifts, many trains have wheelchair access and most train stations and public buildings have toilets for the disabled. Train timetables are published in braille and bank notes have raised shapes on the corners dor identification. Most trams are inaccessible to wheelchair users, especially because of their high steps.

There is a wheelchair-taxi service for people with mobility, sight or hearing impairments, which can be reached on 6333943 between 7 am abd midnight seven days a week. Thesee vehicles are also used for school transport so it's best to book a couple of days in advance.

The AUB and the Amsterdam Tourist Board produce brochures listing accommodation, restaurants, museums, tourist attractions and boat excursions with facilities for the disabled.

AUB - Amsterdam Uitburo
Leidseplein 26
Phone: 0900 0191
E-mail: aub@aub.nl

Afdeling Gehandicaptenvoorlichting van de ANWB
(ANWB iInformation office for the disabled)
Phone: +31 (0)70 3141420

Information and Documentation Centre (IDC)
Offers all kinds of information about holidays in the Netherlands and beyond for people with impairments.
Phone: +31 (0)58 2137138

Landelijk Bureau Toegankelijkheid Utrecht
(National Bureau for Accessibility)
Iis part of the 'stichting Dienstverleners Gehandicapten, sDG' (Netherlands Foundation for Rehabilitation). Holland's centre of expertise for the promotion of accessibility, mobility and technology. Lots of information:
Phone: + 31 (0)30 2769970
E-mail: sdg@wxs.nl

SGOA- Stichting Gehandicapten Overleg Amsterdam
(Amsterdam Forum for the Disabled).
Amsterdam's Information and Consultation Centre for accessibility and people with disabilities.
Phone: + 31(0)20 5777955
E-mail: sgoa@xs4all.nl

Vakantie Informatie Punt (VIP) in 'Het Dorp' in Arnhem, an initiative of Siza Dorp Groep, Mobility International Nederland, Travel Advice Desk and Travel & Tourism For All. A free service based on VIP's extensive documentation, with useful (although not standardized) information on holiday destinations around the world. Most of the staff are people with disabilities.
Phone: +31 (0)26 3776722
Fax: + 31 (0)26 3776753

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