| You might ask yourself… Why these links
when Clemens is not at all suitable for handicapped people? Well, I have enough friends who are disabled and having seen their problems travelling, have decided that it was high time some links were in place. Being physically disabled does not mean also mean that the brain does not work! Read the section on 'What! No elevator?'. Here I have included some rather interesting links to the official Heritage site of Amsterdam. Most unfortunately Clemens Hotel is not geared for the disabled traveller, I apologise for this inconvenience. However I enclose some tips for those of you in the unfortunate position of been disabled. Try this link before you leave home www.disabilitytravel.com |
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Sightseeing in Amsterdam for the Disabled.
As
I have mentioned before, Amsterdam is one of the few cities in Europe where
we are proud enough of our heritage that the city takes the time and money
to constantly undergo repairs and renovations, bringing back the atmosphere
of centuries ago.
Unfortunately for those of you who are disabled and unable to walk
unassisted or in a wheel chair, this can and does pose a problem with the
many cobbled streets of Amsterdam. Although the city of Amsterdam does do
her best to maintain the streets, this is an ongoing operation and thus most
of the time many pavements are in the throes of an undergoing renovation or
on the waiting list.
I can only apologise again for the inconvenience.
However look on the bright side, all those fashion conscious ladies walking
the streets in their pretty high heels will be experiencing similar problems
to you! So, there is some justice in life after all!
Many of the doorways are narrow, the stairs in most building suffer the same
problem but generally the Dutch have a pragmatic attitude to solving
problems, you might even find yourself lifted upwards in the arms of some
strong Dutchman to find your seat in a theatre without facilities for a
wheelchair, so don’t despair entirely!
Having said that, most movie houses and theatres do have a modern attitude
and are accessible for the disabled. Many of the larger museums have
reasonable facilities for disabled users but unfortunately here again the
partially sighted and hard of hearing are at a distinct advantage.
However, just to be on the safe side, do take the trouble to phone ahead to
any venue and double check the facilities that might be available for your
handicap. Disabled people get discounts on public transport and, with some
limitations, can park in the city free of charge. However you do need a
special invalid card in the window of your car.
Most hotels are in old buildings with very steep stairs and no lifts;
Clemens Hotel unfortunately is included in this list, apologies again.
Most
restaurants would be on the ground floor, although "ground" might include a
few steps. The metro stations have elevators, many trains have wheelchair
access and most train stations and public buildings have toilets for the
disabled. Dutch 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.
However Amsterdam has now many new trams especially geared for those in
chairs and for people for whom walking is not easy. Check with your hotel
which trams are the ones to use to get you going to your place of
preference!
There is a wheelchair-taxi service for people with mobility problems
I have enclosed the details at the beginning of this text, and enclose some
more below.
The AUB and the Amsterdam Tourist Board produce brochures listing
accommodation, restaurants, museums, tourist attractions and boat excursions
with facilities for the disabled.
ANWB information 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
This is 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
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