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In a previous life as a
'jobbing' musician I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity
to live and work in many capital cities in Europe.
Amsterdam, or "Mokum" as the
locals call it, has to be way up the top of the list of my favourite
places. I lived on the top floor of one of the typically narrow canal
houses and knew every windy cobbled alley between the Leidseplein and
the Damrak. In my new
incarnation of "Victor Meldrew in a wheelchair", I have often
wondered just how realistic it would be to go back and visit my old
haunts. This is the information I have uncovered so far.
The 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 for
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
nmidnight seven days a week. These 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
Beach and City Centre
break at the De Palatijn Hotel - Alkmaar
10% off Brochure price based on 2 people sharing a twin room for 7
nights.
http://www.accessibletravel.co.uk/property.php?refnum=133&urlcountry=&startnum=0
![Panorama photo Amsterdam - Narrow house = low tax, wide house = high tax. In the old days, that was[...]](netherlands2006_panorama-photo-amsterdam-(182)_430px.jpg "Show fullsize (opens new window)")
City Centre Hotels with varying
disabled rooms and facilities
http://www.lodging-world.com/search.nl.noord_holland._.amsterdam.html
Fly to Amsterdam from
Bristol or Exeter with ...
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Articles - September 2008
