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Rome in a Wheelchair
It's safe to say that Italy is still in the early stages of making itself accessible to people with disabilities. Rome's busy streets, cobblestone alleys, and flight upon flight of steps were simply not designed with the wheelchair-user in mind. Also, special restrooms, ramps, and lifts can be difficult to find, at best. But doing a little homework before your trip can help you overcome these hurdles and other inconveniences. And once you reach the incredible Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Colosseum--all of which are accessible by wheelchair--your efforts will have paid off tenfold.
Begin your research by contacting the Italian Government Travel Office nearest you: 630 5th Avenue, Suite 1565, New York, NY 10111; 212-245-4822; or 12400 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 550, Los Angeles, CA 90025; 310-820-0098. Representatives can provide you with the addresses of Italian organizations for travelers with disabilities, as well as lists of accessible hotels. Also, check out the Royal Automobile Club's European Hotel Guide, a helpful booklet that is updated annually and includes information on wheelchair-friendly hotels. Call 081-686-0088 or write to P.O. Box 100, RAC House, 7 Brighton Road, South Croydon, England CR2 6XW, to request a copy. Consorzio Cooperativa Integrate (located at Via Enrico Giglioli, 54A) and the Associazione Nazionale Handicappati (Via Tommaso Fortifiocca, 100) can also provide helpful guides once you touch down in Rome.
After skimming through your stack of informative brochures and booklets, make reservations at one of the recommended hotels or look into renting a villa for the duration of your stay. These are typically spacious, single-floor dwellings with smooth tile or marble floors. If you opt for a hotel room, try to secure a unit on the first floor, or confirm that the hotel's elevator is wide enough to accommodate your wheelchair.
The Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Minerva is one hotel in the historic center of Rome that offers several wheelchair-accessible rooms. Each room is also equipped with air-conditioning, a minibar, trouser press, color satellite television, hairdryer, electronic safe, and direct-dial telephone. Another plus: The hotel is conveniently located near the Panthenon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and other must-see attractions. Additionally, several Best Western hotels and the Sheraton Roma Hotel and Conference Center also offer rooms for people with disabilities. To check out these and other hotels in Rome, log in to Travelocity.
When you're ready to venture out of your hotel for some tempting antipasto or homemade fettuccine, ask your hotel portiere (concierge) to direct you to some nearby wheelchair-accessible restaurants or cafes. Be sure to tip $3 to $6 (3 to 6euro) if the portiere was especially helpful. For your dining pleasure, you may also want to look into any number of outdoor eateries in the city. Generally, you will be able to maneuver your wheelchair more easily at these pleasant sidewalk establishments.
To get around the city, you have several options: rent a car and brave the maniacal roadways of town; flag down a taxi and hope that the driver is careful in storing your wheelchair in the trunk; or take your chances with public transportation. The buses and trams in the center of Rome are painted bright orange; information offices can be found at Piazza dei Cinquecento, just outside the Stazione Termini (the main railway station), or at Via Volturno 65. While most buses feature several seats for passengers with disabilities, most are lacking wheelchair lifts (though the number 590 bus is completely outfitted for disabled persons and travels from the northeast side of town to the southwest).
If you're interested in seeing the city through the eyes of a local, contact Secret Walks (Viale Medaglie d'Oro 127, 00136 Rome; 06-397-28728). This group offers some 30 guided tours of Rome--all conducted in English--including one for the physically disabled. Most tours cost $10 to $12 (approximately 10-12 euro) and last about two-and-a-half hours.
There's no doubt that you should explore the incredible sights of Rome. Just be flexible, patient, and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
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