In our previous blog, we covered some countries that are very accessible friendly for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) - https://thesayfoundation.com/blog/which-countries-are-best-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-why

We listed down which ones and why.

In this blog, we are covering additional countries as well as 4 cities for your reading pleasure. 

Disabled-friendly countries

1. Israel

If you're thinking about traveling to Israel, rest assured that the country is one of the most accessible in the world. By law, public spaces must be accessible to people with disabilities, and this includes museums, natural reserves, eateries, and historic places. 

However, there are some areas that remain inaccessible, such as the Bahai Gardens, Rosh Hanikra, and Mitzpe Ramon pathways. At Ben Gurion Airport (Israel's main international airport), you'll find elevators, ramps, and assistants to help make your travel experience as smooth as possible. And once you're in the country, there's a solid network of equipment and services available to disabled travellers. 

For example, Yad Sarah is a well-known organization that offers medical aid to Israelis and tourists alike. In recent years considerable progress has been made in making Israel's north-to-south axis wheelchair accessible.

2. Germany

Germany is one of the most accessible countries in the world. This is due to a number of factors, including the fact that Germany welcomes disabled tourists, has good infrastructure in all big cities, and provides disabled parking permits to drivers.

Newer hotels are more sympathetic to disabled guests, and costly restaurants are wheelchair accessible. In addition, Germany has created guidelines for tourist products and services that ensure high cross-industry standards for accessibility. 

These guidelines are called "Tourism for All" and businesses that have been verified as meeting these standards can show pictograms to help customers know whether they fulfil special needs.

4 Disabled-friendly cities

1. Denver, USA

Denver is a beautiful city nestled in the Rocky Mountains, and it is also one of the most accessible cities in the world. The city's infrastructure is designed to be inclusive and accommodating for all citizens, regardless of ability.

The streets of Denver are reasonably level and wheelchair-accessible, making it easy to get around the city. The public transportation system is also easily accessible, with a completely accessible metro system and door-to-door paratransit service. This makes it possible for everyone to get where they need to go without difficulty.

In addition, many of Denver's museums are accessible and provide hearing-impaired tours. This allows all visitors to enjoy the rich cultural history that the city has to offer. There are also numerous parks and outdoor spaces that are fully accessible, so everyone can appreciate the natural beauty of Denver.

2. Seattle, USA

Looking at Seattle from a transportation standpoint, it is one of the most accessible cities in the world. It has an extensive public transit system that includes buses, trains, and ferries that are all wheelchair accessible. The city also offers a number of discounts and savings for disabled people using public transportation. 

Additionally, there is a paratransit minibus system and carpooling program specifically for disabled people. special maps have been created to help disabled people navigate the city core. But accessibility in Seattle isn't just about transportation. initiatives at the University of Washington and Microsoft and Boeing have made this city a great place for disabled people to live in terms of quality of life. 

All of these factors combined make Seattle one of the most accessible cities in the world for disabled people.

3. Gydnia, Poland

Gdynia, Poland is a city that goes above and beyond to make sure that its public transit is accessible to everybody. This includes individuals with disabilities. Almost all of the city's buses are accessible to those with disabilities, and Braille signposts are used for the visually impaired. 

Most restaurants and institutions also provide disabled parking and wheelchair-accessible information boards. This city realizes that accommodating those with different needs is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes good business sense. 

When people know they can count on a city to be welcoming and accommodating, they're more likely to visit and spend their money there.

4. Milan, Italy

Milan is one of the most accessible cities in the world. In 2016, Milan won the EU Access City Award for its efforts to be inclusive. The city has improved its transit infrastructure, overcome architectural and sensory hurdles, and committed to full engagement with handicapped residents.

Wheelchair users were once inaccessible to the city, but Milan has made great strides in improving accessibility. The city's bus system is now fully accessible, with low-floor buses and lifts or ramps at all stops. The metro system is also accessible, with a network of elevators and escalators connecting all stations. 

In addition, many of the city's sidewalks have been upgraded with tactile paving, which helps people with visual impairments navigate more easily.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many countries and cities that are accessible-friendly for people with disabilities. The most important thing is to do your research and plan ahead. Remember: You can always get around with the help of others!