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
