CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
If you are traveling with a child or adult with a physical disability it is a good idea to plan your trip to Venice in advance. Due to the narrow streets, crowded waterbuses, and bridges it can be difficult to get round the city in wheelchairs or with crutches. However, that does not mean that you can’t visit Venice, you just have to be smart in deciding where to go. Although it may be difficult to navigate the central areas inside Venice because of the huge number of bridges, you can still easily reach a number of interesting places without crossing any steps.
For some months of the years the bridges from Saint Mark’s square to Via Garibaldi all have ramps so you can visit sights in that area, including the Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace that are wheelchair accessible (although you cannot access all parts). Strada Nuove (a long shopping street that runs through Cannaregio) is also easier to navigate as there are few bridges and they have less steep inclines (not exactly a smooth ramp but a sort of evened out step).
Venice’s local authority website has suggested accessible routes, itineraries and maps called “Barrier free Itineraries” www.comune.venezia.it/archivio/1381.
areas to stay
Staying on Lido can be a good option. This island can be reached by car via a car ferry from the mainland, and there are roads on the island making it easier to get around. From Lido there is a large boat (number 14) that goes to Saint Mark’s square (stop San Zaccaria) every half an hour, with more space for wheelchairs than other waterbuses (journey is less than 15 minutes). There is an inclusive play park “Parco Ca’ Bianca” on Via Malamocco 20 with equipment for children of all abilities to play together, including large swings, roundabouts that accommodate wheelchair users. It was donated by a local family who run a non-profit organization called Associazione Leonardo Onlus.
using waterbuses
In theory all waterbuses are wheelchair accessible, but some lines have small boats or are very crowded which might makes things more uncomfortable. Lines 1, 2 and 14 have much more space that the others, with space for wheelchairs both outside and inside. The smaller boats (likes lines 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 6 etc) have a dedicated place for wheelchairs outside but the inside cabin can only be reached by stairs (although there are usually about 8 priority seats for older persons and people with disabilities). Line number 14 (which goes from San Zaccaria to Punta Sabbioni via Lido) is big and has much more space for wheelchairs both inside and out. The staff are usually helpful and we often see wheelchair users travelling on the waterbuses.
For children with visual impairments, several museums and galleries have multi-sensory tours that you can book. Some museums also provide guides with sign language.
For bathroom facilities Ca’ Giustinian (near San Marco) has large changing tables and a kids corner, which you can access for free.
If you are travelling to Venice with a child with special needs, please feel free to email us and we will help with suggested itineraries and tips from a local family.
