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Reserve
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10 reasons why!
Guestbook & Reviews
About Clemenshotel
Amsterdam info
General
info & tips
Do
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Walk
For
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City
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For the disabled traveller
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
http://www.disabilitytravel.com/travel_tips.htm
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 |
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Disabled visitors
For information please contact the:
Dutch Federation for the disabled
Post-box 1693500 AD Utrecht
Tel: (00 31-30) 2 31 34 54
In Amsterdam there is a special taxi service for disabled
persons:
Tel: 020-613 41 34,
020-633 39 43
020- 655 67 29
Mon- Fri 09–18.00 hours
Please book in advance where possible to avoid disappointment.
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