Rome

 

Attitudes

 

The people of Rome were very helpful and accommodating.  Unlike the other places we visited, there has not been a large amount of progress in accessibility in Rome.  The concept that individuals with disabilities may need to access sidewalks, transportation, and public areas independently is not apparent.  We also observed many individuals with physical disabilities going without food, housing, mobility equipment, and healthcare.        

 

Roads/Walkways

 

Roads are rough, broken cobblestone with some crosswalks and crossing signals.  The sidewalks do not have ramps.  Streets are not very clean.

 

Food

 

Many restaurants have one or two steps at the front, but often staff members are willing to assist with maneuvering the steps. 

 

Shopping

 

Most stores in Rome had at least one step at the entrance.

 

Transportation

 

Roman Buses:  Unfortunately, accessible transportation in Rome is rare.  Several buses in Rome had accessible features; however, many buses had broken ramps, untrained drivers, and drivers that refused to lower ramps.  We found no other service within our budget and therefore had to use the buses.  Again it is a good practice to signal the driver by waving, so that he/she knows you wish to board the bus.  All stops are listed inside the bus and on the bus stop.  If possible, write down your stop name and have a companion/stranger alert the driver.  To board the buses, we depended mostly on assistance from strangers that would lift me in and out of the bus.  This obviously would not be an option for most WU especially with power mobility devices.

http://www.atac.roma.it/ (Select Roma Accessible, No English Provided)

 

Roman Metro:   There are two metro lines in Rome, Line A and Line B.  The transportation office claims that stops Cipro-Musei Vaticani and Valle Aurelia on Line A are accessible and all stops on Line B are accessible except Circo Massimo, Colosseo and Cavour (at the entrance for direction Laurentina).  We did not attempt to ride the metro in Rome.

 

Attractions

 

Coliseum: The accessible entrance can be found in front of the Arch of Constantine.  The Coliseum is surrounded by cobblestone and large stones with large gaps, which are very difficult to push over.  Once inside, purchase tickets and explore the ground floor.  Half of the arch is barrier free.  When you reach the half way point, there are five steps going down and then five going up.  These can be avoided by traveling along the top of the steps to a blocked off archway.  Going through the arch will decrease the barrier to one step.  Do not hesitate to slide the gate over to allow room for your chair to pass.  There is an elevator to the second floor, where there are no steps and large stone floors.  Exit through the accessible entrance path.

http://www.the-colosseum.net

 

Pantheon:  The Pantheon is surrounded by cobblestone, but is wheelchair accessible.  There are makeshift ramps at the entrance and no steps inside.  Be careful on the makeshift ramps as one seemed to be separating from the steps.  Admission is free.

 

Piazza Navona:  Piazza Navona has a cobblestone ground and a few curbs without ramps.  The fountains are also surrounded by a step over gate putting approximately 1.5 feet between a WU and the fountain.

 

Musei Capitolini:  Musei Capitolini is surrounded by cobblestone and one must watch for broken stones that will cause the wheelchair to flip over.  The museum is accessible on the right side of the building, but there is a large drop off if walking on the sidewalk.  The ground floor is accessible through a temperamental stair lift that can only hold 330 lbs.  The fifth floor and terrace are accessible by an old elevator and steep makeshift ramps.

http://www.museicapitolini.org/en/index_msie.htm (Select Information; then General Information)

 

Fontana di Trevi:  Fontana di Trevi is surrounded by cobblestone.  A WU can access the top level without using steps.  The lower level requires use of four large steps that may be slippery.

 

Vatican City/San Pietro Basilica:  San Pietro Basilica is surrounded by cobblestone and is accessible from the right side.  There is usually a long, chaotic line in which people tended to push and get very impatient.  You may have to be vocal so that the crowd does not bump your chair or place you into an inaccessible space.  Locate the baggage check room and ask for assistance.  A staff member will escort you to an elevator that will take you to the main floor.  The basilica will be to your right and the tombs on your left.  Ask attendants to open the crowd gates, so that you can access the basilica by ramp.  The tombs are fully accessible with makeshift ramps.  A WU is able to access the open area in front of the basilica without barriers.

http://www.vatican.va/

 

Vatican City/Museums:  The sidewalks in Vatican City are the most accessible in Rome as the majority have curb cuts.  The museums are accessible at the “viale vaticano” entrance.  WU do not need to wait in the line; instead, proceed to the entrance and a guard will let you in.  You must show identification for admittance.  Admission is free for WU and companion.  Elevators will take you to the main floor, where you can access the Rafael rooms.  In order to access the room that holds The Last Judgment paintings, follow the long hall of painted rooms and use the stair lift.  No other areas are accessible.

http://www.vatican.va/

 

Foro Romano (Forum):  The path through the forum has packed dirt, areas of stone, and random other obstacles.  A WU would be unable to push over portions of the path, but could with a strong companion or help from other tourists. 

 

Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps):  A WU can view the Spanish steps from the bottom; however, there is no accessible route to the top of the steps.  The ground is cobblestone.  A WU can go up to the sunken ship fountain.