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Disability impairs people’s ability to do certain things in life. According to WHO, around 15% of the people live with a certain form of disability. Also, 2-4% of people have a major disability in their day to day functioning.
But, that doesn’t mean disabled people have to abstain from enjoying what life has to offer. Many countries have tried to make their cities disabled friendly. But, only a few have been able to do it.
1. Berlin
One city that has made progress in this area in Berlin. The capital city in Germany has a very good transport system. The city’s transportation system is one of the most wheelchair (WC) accessible public transport systems in Europe. In addition, the city has a good number of wheelchair taxis and the sidewalks are rollable and walkable for WC users.
Moreover, the city has invested heavily in making its restaurants, museums, and theaters more accessible. Some of the WC accessible places include the Berlin Wall, Museum Island to name a few. Many hotels in Berlin offer roll-in showers. In 2013, the city was given the Access City Award.
2. Denver
The second city in our list is Denver in Colorado. This city offers a good public transport system for the disabled. By using a combination of light rail and bus service the public transport system is able to make the city accessible to WC users. Even the city museums offer special tours for people with hearing defects. The WC enabled taxi is also available. In addition, the sidewalks are rolled able and walkable. The attractions and sights, hotels and airports are also WC friendly.
3. Singapore
The third city on our list is Singapore. The city has a great transport system. The city provides easy access to WC user in MRT and buses. There are certain WC enabled taxis which has enough space to accommodate the WC.
In addition, the city provides almost step-less access to most buildings. Furthermore, the main tourist places like Sentosa Island, Marin Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay are WC accessible. Also, the malls are made accessible to WC users.
4. Milan
The fourth city on our list is Milan, Italy. Milan has a great transportation system which allows easy access to disabled persons. Apart from that, hotels, museums and other points of interests are disabled friendly.
Also, the city has improved its environment to make life easy for people with sensory impairments. In 2016, Milan was awarded the Access City Award. This award is given by the European Commission to recognize cities that have made efforts to make life better for the disabled.
5. Barcelona
A fifth city worth mentioning is Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona’s public transport system like metros and buses are WC accessible. Plus, the city has WC enabled taxis. The museums cater to partial blind and hearing disabled users. The public toilets are also WC accessible. This city has also made its beaches WC accessible.
In addition to the above cities, there are many other cities which are also disabled friendly.
While choosing such cities, warm and dry are better than snow and cold. Also, a city with a good transport system is the first thing people need to look for. Areas that have no transit options makes it hard for people to move around. Moreover, people who own a car can look for some areas that give easy parking options. Further, people also need to look out for whether the city offers more health care options.
Certain factors that make a place more disability friendly.
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Wheelchair availability in pavements, public transport, beaches
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Easy availability of taxis, toilets, restaurants, shopping marts and points of interest.
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Easy accessibility of hearing equipments and braille system.
Thus, cities can be more disabled-friendly by having some good infra. Another point to consider is whether there is good social inclusion for the disabled. For instance, the ease with which a disabled person can access a job can also boost the disabled friendliness of a city.
Additionally, the use of modern tech and apps can also make a city friendly for the disabled. For example, the use of apps like Wayfindr helps blind to navigate. Tech can go a long way in making lives better for the differently abled.
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