Travellers with disabilities
London is getting better for disabled travellers, with all new tourist attractions and hotels now obliged to make full provision for wheelchair users. In addition, access to theatres, cinemas and other public places has also greatly improved. even public transport is very slowly improving all buses are now wheelchair-accessible. The ancient tube and rail systems, designed for the most part, in the nineteenth century, are still a problem for those with mobility problems. The only exceptions are the new Docklands Light Railway, the new sections of the Jubilee line, Tramlink and the Heathrow Express. For a more detailed rundown, get hold of Transport for London’s Tube Access Guide or the more detailed Access to the Underground, from TfL information offices, or by phoning 0207 941 4600.
Accommodation poses a similar problem, with modified suites found only at higher- priced establishments and the occasional B&B. The London Tourist Board website gives access ratings for all the hotels and B&Bs on their books at uk.visitlondon.com.
In view of this situation, you might consider approaching one of the growing number of tour operators catering for physically disabled travellers. For more information on these operators and on facilities for the disabled traveller, you should get in touch with RADAR, the
Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation, which publishes its own guide to holidays and travel abroad. There’s also Mobility International, which, among other things, puts out a quarterly newsletter detailing current developments in disabled travel. Similar services are provided in North America, Australia and New Zealand by the organizations listed below. The essential publication for anyone with mobility problems is Access in London, a thoroughly researched guide by Couch, Forrester and Irwin, with detailed information and maps covering access to everything from tourist attractions and transport to accommodation, entertainment and sports venues, plus a section on wheelchair- accessible toilets. It’s available by post from RADAR or from Amazon. Another valuable service is provided by Artsline (020/7388 2227,) www.artsline.org.uk ), who can give up-to-date information and advice by phone on access to arts venues and events in London: theatres, cinemas, galleries and concert halls.
Contacts for travellers with disabilities
In the UK
All Go Here 01923/840 463, www.aIIgohere.com . Provides information on accommodation suitable for disabled travellers in the UK. Holiday Care 2nd Floor, Imperial Building, Victoria Road, Honey, Surrey RH6 7PZ @0845/124 9971, minicom 0845/124 9976, www.holidaycare.org.uk. Provides a free list of accessible attractions in the UK.
RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation) 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London EC1V 8AF 020/72503222, minicom 020/7250 4119, www.radar.org.uk . A good source of advice on holidays and travel is the UK.
Tripscope The Vassall Centre, Gill Ace, Bristol BS16 200, 0845/7585641, www.tripscope.org.uk. This page set up by the charity tripscope provides a free advice on UK transport for those with a mobility problem.
In North America
Access-Able www.access-able.com . Online resource for travellers with disabilities, Mobility International USA 451 Broadway, Eugene, or 97401 541/343-1284, www ,miusa.org. Information and referral services, access guides, tours and exchange programmes.
Society for the Advancement of Travelers with Handicaps (SATH) 347 5th Ace, New York, NY 10016 212/447-7284, www.sath org. Non-profit educational organization that has actively represented travellers with disabilities since 1976.
In Australia and New Zealand
ACROD (Australian Council for Rehabilitation of the Disabled) P0 Box 60, Curtin, ACT 2605 02/62824333, www.acrod.org.au . Provides lists of travel agencies and tour operators for people with disabilities.
Disabled Persons Assembly 4/173—175 Victoria St, Wellington, New Zealand @04/801 9100 (also TTY), www.dpa.org.nz . Resource centre with lists of travel agencies and tour operators for people with disabilities.
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