I am interested in staying in Italy for one month, Sept.2009. My wife and I are physically challenged.. what opportunities do we have to rent an electric wheelchair/scooter while there....? What is public Transportation like in about all of Italy. We want to stay in the Florence area as our base.. what do u recommend. You have been so helpful in the past... thank you
Here's a website devoted to accessible travel in Italy:
Accessible Italy
(Later Edit)...Gee, Steve, now you don't even bother looking things up. You just take the information from people posting after you to make it look like you had it first. It really shows your character and your desperation to be seen here as the "expert." Even though you are far from it.
It is called plagiarism. But the standard can be pretty low for some people. I don’t know what your complaint is. You should be flattered. Steve is an equal opportunity plagiarizer. He takes from everyone. It is an honor that he chose your posting to enhance his posting. As he has pointed out to me in a PM, it is the quality of the answer that is important and not the source of the information.
Les, if you look in the "Plan Your Trip" section of this website, you will find some links in the Favorite Links area.
Les,
You may also want to have a look at the Graffiti Wall (click the link above) and look in the "Accessible Europe" section. There may be comments there from others who have travelled under the same circumstances.
Good luck!
Hi Les,
Ironically I was just listening to a Rick Steves podcast, which discussed the challenges of accessibility in Italy for those with physical challenges. Rick gave a few tips about how to get around on public transportation in a couple cities, and he mentions a tour guide friend of his that owns a mini-bus in Florence with all-access, meaning you can get around all the backstreets of Florence even where no cars are allowed/pedestrian only; he did not say a specific name of this tour guide but maybe if you contact the ETBD office in Edmonds, WA they could have some contact information for you.
If you would like to listen to the little blurb on the podcast, you can find it under the tab on this website, Rick on Radio or itunes,
Podcast "River Rafting in Idaho & Four Corners USA"
from the 5:09 to 9:15 minutes mark he answers the caller's question.
I hope you enjoy your trip in Italy!
Hi Les,
Unfortunately Italy has quite a ways to go in being handicapped-friendly. However, Florence is a good place to choose as a base, as it is relatively compact and flat.
If you have an able-bodied companion who can go with you, I would definitely encourage you to talk to them.
Good luck!