Re: european accessibility

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/21/2004 11:39:08 AM Pacific Standard Time,

taija.heinonen@... writes:

Although there are exceptions such as Barcelona in Spain

What about the Madrid area? It's not very likely to really happen, but I

have big dreams of doing a study abroad program there...

~e

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

Some things about travelling and wheelchairs and access.

In general, Northern Europe is very accessible - meaning Sweden, Denmark, Norway

and Finland. There are curb cuts virtually everywhere in big cities, many (if

not most) public buildings are fully accessible and there are accessible toilets

in many public places. Public transportation in general is much better than in

the States and is increasingly accessible. There are also accessible taxis

available.

Britain and the Netherlands are pretty good, too. France and Germany are more

difficult but are getting there gradually. The rest of Europe is extremely

difficult. (Although there are exceptions such as Barcelona in Spain.)

I live in Finland, Northern Europe, and I've travelled extensively. I've been to

Zambia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Japan, most Western European countries and now in

September I am travelling to Canada. I sit in a powered wheelchair and needs

lots of help with toileting and transfers and everything. There are two things

that make travelling possible. One is my husband who is my caregiver around the

clock when I travel (in Finland, I have PA's). The other is that I am small in

size. My husband can carry me to difficult bathrooms and such. And everywhere

there are people who offer help whenever they see you have a difficult time.

They'll pull and push and carry your chair, for instance.

I love my work that takes me to these places and I love travelling. It is hard

work but it is very rewarding.

many smiles

Taya

european accessibility

I travel to Europe from the US quite a lot. In fact, I just got back

from Eastern Black Sea area in June. I do not use a wheelcahir, but

my daughter does. My opinion is that England is pretty much the same

as the US as far as being able to get around. Many public buildings

are accessible. The rest of Europe really sucks! France & Germany

both have high street curbs and sidewalks with changing levels.

Since most tourist stuff in those countries is walking on the street,

you may find you can't get to many things you want to do. You may as

well avoid Poland, Estonia and Ukriane (I've been to all 3 in the

last year). The people are nice and will help you, but you cannot

practically get anywhere in a manual or power chair unless you have

good upper arm strength. The Scandinavian countries are conscious of

disabled people's needs, but frankly have not done a lot to make

things accessible. There are " handicapped " signs all around Sweden

and Norway, but what they consider accessible will sometimes make you

laugh out loud (or maybe cry!)

Jerry

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[Guest guest]

Don't know, sorry... I've only been to Barcelona.

smiles

Taya

Re: european accessibility

In a message dated 7/21/2004 11:39:08 AM Pacific Standard Time,

taija.heinonen@... writes:

Although there are exceptions such as Barcelona in Spain

What about the Madrid area? It's not very likely to really happen, but I

have big dreams of doing a study abroad program there...

~e

[Guest guest]

Outside of the crowded urban areas, I've found hardly any accessible

transportation whatsoever throughout Sweden and Norway. I think the

US has far superior accessibility than any country in Europe. In

Boston and Washington, DC, practically every third taxi is a

wheelchair van. In NYC, accessible car is a phone call away, and is

CHEAP! Granted, my family doesn't take buses very much, but my

experience has been that there's no reason to get stranded in a

wheelchair in the US if you have at least $30 on you.

In much of Europe, we have literally been forced to stay overnight in

places we would otherwise avoid because we could not get

transportation for my duaghter's wheelchair. Outside of Stockholm or

other major cities, there is just no one to call to get a bus or taxi

or anything to get you around. I have seen entrances with the

universal " wheelchair " sign in Sweden that have 3 steps to get

through!

I have met several Europeans who for some reason believe that

accessibility in the US is worse. When they vist here, they are

amazed. Two acquaintances of mine from UK were shocked when visiting

Niagara Falls because they could get so close to the Falls, and could

access nearly every thing in the area. They told me that would never

happen in Europe.

....That's just my observation.

Jerry

> In general, Northern Europe is very accessible - meaning Sweden,

Denmark, Norway and Finland. There are curb cuts virtually everywhere

in big cities, many (if not most) public buildings are fully

accessible and there are accessible toilets in many public places.

Public transportation in general is much better than in the States

and is increasingly accessible.

[Guest guest]

Hi Jerry and all other friends,

Sorry for the enormous delay in answering - I was out of town enjoying the last

days of my holiday/vacation.

Yes, it is true that even in Finland buses are accessible only in the urban

area. But there are taxis everywhere though you can't say they would be cheap to

use. I would assume this to be the case in Sweden, too.

I've never been to the States (if you don't count one night in a Houston hotel)

so I really couldn't compare. I'll visit Canada in September and hopefully also

the Falls so then I'll see with my own eyes..

So these are my observations....

smiles

Taya from Finland

Re: european accessibility

Outside of the crowded urban areas, I've found hardly any accessible

transportation whatsoever throughout Sweden and Norway. I think the

US has far superior accessibility than any country in Europe. In

Boston and Washington, DC, practically every third taxi is a

wheelchair van. In NYC, accessible car is a phone call away, and is

CHEAP! Granted, my family doesn't take buses very much, but my

experience has been that there's no reason to get stranded in a

wheelchair in the US if you have at least $30 on you.

In much of Europe, we have literally been forced to stay overnight in

places we would otherwise avoid because we could not get

transportation for my duaghter's wheelchair. Outside of Stockholm or

other major cities, there is just no one to call to get a bus or taxi

or anything to get you around. I have seen entrances with the

universal " wheelchair " sign in Sweden that have 3 steps to get

through!

I have met several Europeans who for some reason believe that

accessibility in the US is worse. When they vist here, they are

amazed. Two acquaintances of mine from UK were shocked when visiting

Niagara Falls because they could get so close to the Falls, and could

access nearly every thing in the area. They told me that would never

happen in Europe.

...That's just my observation.

Jerry

> In general, Northern Europe is very accessible - meaning Sweden,

Denmark, Norway and Finland. There are curb cuts virtually everywhere

in big cities, many (if not most) public buildings are fully

accessible and there are accessible toilets in many public places.

Public transportation in general is much better than in the States

and is increasingly accessible.

A FEW RULES

* The list members come from many backgrounds, ages and beliefs So all

members most be tolerant and respectful to all members.

* Some adult language and topics (like sexual health, swearing..) may

occur occasionally in emails. Over use of inappropriate language will

not be allowed. If your under 16 ask your parents/gaurdian before you

join the list.

* No SPAMMING or sending numerous emails unrelated to the topics of

spinal muscular atrophy, health, and the daily issues of the disabled.

Post message:

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Unsubscribe: -unsubscribe

List manager: (Sexy Mature Artist) Email: Esma1999@...

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