Many buildings in Amsterdam, especially listed historic structures, have steep, narrow steps and no elevators. Check accessibility in advance, especially for restaurants and smaller hotels. Cobbled streets and ultra-narrow sidewalks can also make for tricky walking.
An increasing number of businesses in the tourism and leisure industry are making their premises more easily accessible. Buildings that are found to be independently accessible by wheelchair users are awarded the International Accessibility Symbol (IAS). Many attractions and museums meet these standards, and the newest trams and the metro are wheelchair-accessible. Arrangements can be made up to two days in advance (for international trips, three hours in advance for national journeys) with the Dutch Rail Service (NS) for travel assistance for disabled passengers.
For further information, contact De CG-Raad (the Council for the Chronically Ill and Disabled) in Utrecht. Phone 030-291-6600. http://www.cg-raad.nl/english.html. To rent wheelchairs, phone 886-0000 or visit http://www.amsterdamthuiszorg.nl.
