When it comes to traveling with a physical disability, there is a lot to consider. You need to know that your personal needs will be able to be met and that you will be able to enjoy your time exploring without having to worry about the accessibility of where you are going. Thankfully the world is making more of an effort to make spaces accessible for everyone, but of course, this is being done at different paces and not all cities are equal. So, here are four of the most accessible cities for your next break.
Barcelona, Spain
Alongside the glorious weather, delicious food and amazing culture, there are many other reasons to visit Barcelona, especially if you are a wheelchair user. They have really made a conscious effort to make sure attractions, public transport and pavements are wheelchair accessible. All buses and most of the Metro stations are accessible for anyone in a wheelchair which allows you the freedom to explore. There is even a city beach which offers wheelchair accessible walkways, a crane and lifeguards who will support wheelchair users to be able to get into the water.
Washington DC, USA
As with most aspects of life in the United States, accessibility differs greatly between states, however, Washington DC is known to be one of the most accessible cities. You will find lifts at every metro station which is why so many wheelchair users choose to live here.
When planning your trip away, it’s so important that you consider transport and its accessibility before booking and paying for somewhere! Cause and effect dictate that with so many persons with disability in one place, all museums and arts venues have to cater to these patrons and make sure that their attractions are accessible.
Chester, UK
There are plenty of places in the UK that fall short on accessibility, including London thanks to the tube, Brighton due to steps and Durham with its cobbles and hills but Chester was recently crowned the most accessible city in Europe.
The beautiful Roman-walled city has invested an incredible amount of money on becoming more accessible. For example, the famous Rows Centre of double level shopping now has six access points to allow wheelchair users to explore the quirky shops without battling with stairs. All buses and taxis are suitable for wheelchairs, and even the new theatre at the Storyhouse was built to allow disabled performers access to backstage.
Berlin, Germany
An incredible place to visit, there is so much to see and do in Berlin, especially if you are a bit of a history buff. Most of the attractions are close to one another, so it’s easy to navigate around the city. However, if you do want to get public transport they are generally pretty accessible, and the pavements are flat with ramps to allow you to roam easily.
So, don’t let the fear of not being able to get around stop you from exploring and having adventures. If you do some research you can see that things have gotten a lot more accessible in the past few years, and rightly so! So, what are you waiting for? Charge your power scooter full and book yourself a trip today.
Let us know in the comments below, your experience of accessible places to visit.
