American disability

Peppersdad,

I would think you have the same rights as disabled EU citizens.

Here is a good website to check for more detailed information: http://www.sagetraveling.com/Wheelchair-Accessible-Travel-Tips-Italy

According to above website, you need to know that there may be a different entrance for persons with disabilities ( esp. if using a wheelchair or electric scooter) to some of the main attractions in Italy.

Here is some info regarding access to the Colosseum in Rome: http://www.sagetraveling.com/Disabled-Access-at-the-Colosseum-in-Rome

The Sage website is mostly for people in wheelchairs.My wife has bad arthritis and walks with a cane.

A recent post here has raised the question of whether US disabled placards would be honored in Italy. Someone just assumed that it would be ok and they found out it would not. That was an issue with a placard in a car for parking, but it made me think that someone in this situation would want to do further research, if that is possible.

Of course another possibility is purchase skip the line tickets

Peppersdad,

I've traveled with my elderly mom (80's) who walks slowly... and it's challenging for her to walk on steep terrain or to climb too many stairs, so I found the sage travel website helpful because it's full of travel tips.

I will look at it again
Thank you

If you want to use an elevator instead of stairs, some museum elevators require quite a bit of walking to reach, and you sometimes must ask staff for access. Also note that many older hotels have stairs from the street to reception, before any opportunity for an elevator; confirm with the hotel if that's important to you.

A few years ago I was in Florence, Rome and parts south. I found it difficult to get info before hand but this is what happened. In Florence I went to the tourist office near the Duomo where I found I was eligible with my USA parking placard to go to the head of the line, enter any state owned site free and also free for my companion. Public transportation was also free. The same for Rome but not the transportation, so I think the site benefits are throughout the country. I also parked for free, having asked a few times and taking it from there with no trouble. My disability is diminished mobility and fatigueability (used in France as a disability) but not in a wheelchair. Good luck, have fun.