Facilities in Italy aren't particularly geared towards disabled travelers, though people are helpful enough and progress is gradually being made in the areas of accessible accommodation, transport and public buildings. The historical and, in some cases, crumbling fabric of many of Italy's cities and villages presents particular problems.

The Italian State Tourist Office can supply you with detailed information about facilities and accommodation in Rome and Florence and a booklet in English, Servicing for Disabled People, published by the Italian State Railways, listing their services. Cooperativa Sociale has a useful Web site - www.coincociale.it - with some pages in English and a wealth of information, tips and links in Italian.

If you do not use a wheelchair all the time but your walking capabilities are limited, remember that you are likely to need to cover greater distances while traveling (often over rougher terrain and in hotter temperatures) than you are used to. And if you use a wheelchair, have it serviced before you go and carry a repair kit.

Read your travel insurance small print carefully to check that pre-existing medical conditions are not excluded. And use your travel agent to make your journey simpler: airline or bus companies can cope better if they are expecting you, with a wheelchair provided at airports and staff primed to help.

A medical certificate of your fitness to travel, provided by your doctor, is also extremely useful; some airlines or insurance companies may insist on it. Finally, don't forget any medication you may require - carried with you if you fly - and a prescription, including the generic name, in case of emergency.

Italy guide

Getting there
When to go
Where to go
Italy general info
Italy
Average costs
Credit and debit cards
Cost, money, banks
The euro
Insurance, health cover
Embassies, consulates
Red tapes, visas
Banks and exchange
Travelers with disabilities
North-South divide

Getting around
Ø Trains
Ø Flights
Ø Driving
Ø Cycling, motorbiking
Ø Ferries, hydrofoils
Ø Hitchhiking
 

Festivals:
Ø Religious, traditional
Ø Diary festivals
Ø Food festivals
Ø Arts Festivals
Ø Ferragosto

Italy food and drink
Ø Italian cuisine
Ø Italian pizza
Ø Lunch and dinner
Ø Drinking

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