Does anyone know how an 78 year old disabled man, who has extrteme difficulty with walking, can get around in some limited way in Venice? He is very keen to see Venice. Is there anywhere that hires out lightweight wheel chairs for a short period? Do places like art galleries provide wheelchairs to get about inside their premises? Are wheelchairs allowed on Venice's water buses? If anyone knows where I can get this information, please advise. It would be really appreciated. Thanks a lot.

A recent poster whose daughter had just broken her leg decided to carry a wheelchair from the US. She figured that this way she wouldn't loose time looking around for the equipment (in various cities) and would be certain to have an equipment that fitted perfectly (very light, dismountable, etc.). She reported back that the trip went perfectly. <BR> <BR>Paulo

Paris, <BR>I think that is wonderful that your friend is keen to undertake such a goal. Everyone should visit Venice. I am sure it can be done, but not easily. The biggest problems in getting about are the bridges (up and down every canal). If he limits himself to St. Marks Square and surroundings, it should be possible even in a wheelchair to see quite a bit. Most museums and public facilities do have elevators, but they are hidden from the public and only used when requested. <BR> <BR>However, getting in and out of the vaparettos would be a bit daunting for a person with extreme difficulty. When are you going? I will be there next week and I could scout about a bit and report back in mid July when I return. <BR>Good luck to you friend.

one or more of these websites may be of some help <BR> <BR>www.fhwa.dot.gov <BR>www.access-able.com <BR>http://www.jsrd.or.jp/dinf_us/disabi...ces/travel.htm <BR>www.everybody.co.uk <BR>www.accessibleitaly.com <BR>www.disabilitytravel.com <BR>www.flyingwheelstravel.com <BR>www.dales-discovery.co.uk escorted tours for disabled travelers <BR> <BR> http://goeurope.about.com/travel/ <BR>goeurope/library/venice/aa980202.htm is an article about being a disabled traveler in Venice

You may wish to give a look in the following threads: <BR> <BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/crossro...messagesframe& <BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/crossro...messagesframe& <BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/crossro...messagesframe& <BR> <BR>You may also drop Cathy an email (sure she wouldn't mind). <BR> <BR>Paulo

I forgot about this article as well--lots of practical info,including the vaporettos <BR>http://www.tour-web.com/accessibleitaly/infovene.htm

<BR>Renting a water taxi for a tour around the canals seems to a perfect way to see Venice. <BR> <BR>When we were in Venice last month, we noticed that _some_ of the bridges featured special lifts for wheelchairs -- but nowhere near all of them.

I never gave this a thought until I was in Venice last year and saw a man in a wheelchair, obviously a resident of the city, getting on/off the vaporetto. It was one of those very compact style chairs --- and the "boatman" (??? what do you call those guys who tie/untie the rope as boat docks) --- anyhow, this guy assisted the man both on/off of the vaporetto. So, it can be done.

Just returned from Venice last night. Having someone in my family who is physically challenged, I was accutely aware that Venice can be extremely difficult for people with mobility issues. I saw only one bridge, on the island of Murano, that had an electrical lift in place to transport chairs. On several occaisions we observed a person walking over the bridge with a partner following with their chair. It seems like one must have to have some ability to walk to travel more than very short distances. <BR> <BR>The public boats, although very crowded, were all outfitted with ramps that accomodated wheelchairs, strollers etc. I would urge your friend to make the trip. The Italians, like other people of the world, are extremely helpful and accomodating when seeing people in need of assistance. You will have a wonderful and memorable experience.

I took my mother, age 81, to Venice last year. She's had a stroke, walks with a cane and tires easily. Needless to say, the bridges with their steps were daunting. I would suggest finding a hotel near San Marcos (make sure it has an elevator before booking), then use the vaporettos to visit the Accademia and other points of interest, if possible. The vaporettos are a challenge, but more wheelchair-accessible than those many little bridges with their many little steps. In our three days there, I only saw one with a ramp. But Venice is definitely do-able! Take it easy, soak in the ambience and you'll have a wonderful time. It's a city for relaxing and watching as much as for exploring.