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How accessible is Uruguay for people with physical disabilities?This forum post has messages dated from 03/26/10 through 04/07/10, please be sure to read all the messages. If you feel it is old or outdated, please follow up with a question or comment and someone may be able to update it, or reply with newer information if you have it.
Forum Post03/26/10 09:10New Yorkers in Temecula, CA | How accessible is Uruguay for people with physical disabilities? Anyone have information as to how accessible Uruguay is for people with physical disabilities? I looked at “Una Noche Más B & B” website for a possible place to stay. I read a review, which made reference to narrow staircases. I have a mobility issue and here, in the U.S., there is ADA and access is hardly an issue; however, I have no clue about Uruguay. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Gary |
| "Physical Accessibility in Uruguay"
Not having a physical disability myself, I'm afraid I don't notice these things, but my expat friends with mobility challenges tell me that buildings in Montevideo were not at all designed with accessibility in mind. There are steps everywhere, often even a couple of steps up to reach an elevator (if there is one). This is true even in some hospitals. Hallways can be narrow. Outdoors, sidewalks are notoriously uneven and broken up in some places. I rarely see people in wheelchairs here, but I see many people who walk with great difficulty (in the US they would be in wheelchairs). I also see quite a few people with white canes (blind or partially blind) walking the streets, very often alone -- I marvel at their independence and courage! That being said, anyone needing assistance will quickly find it -- it is common to see someone stop and help a person with a white cane cross a busy street. And my physically disabled friends say that owners and employees of restaurants and other businesses usually bend over backward to help them get in and get what they need. This is Montevideo; I don't know what it's like in the rest of Uruguay, but I would guess the situation is similar. |
Comment #203/26/10 14:38New Yorkers in Temecula, CA | "Oh Well"
Shirley:Thanks for the response. I guess that B&Bs are out and major hotels are in. Regards, Gary |
| "I would say..."
Whether a small B&B or a large hotel to ASK FIRST. I think making assumptions could be difficult. |
| "Accesibility."
I'm afraid we are far away from the US or any other developed country in this aspect. Just recently a few street crossings are slowly being adapted for wheelchair access, mainly in the Center. During the last years, just hospitals and some public buildings are being planned with wheelchair access or adapted for it. There's a unique bus line with wheelchair access to the buses runing only in the Main avenue. And I guess a couple of pilot semmaphores with sound signal for the blind. No more than that. Sorry. |
| "Disability issues in Uruguay"
The short answer to how accesible Uruguay is for those with mobility issues......It isn't. That said I have mobility issues and chose to make Uruguay my home. Wheelchair use is moderately difficult to impossible depending the area and/or building. Scooter use is not possible on the sidewalks. The streets are hazardous but navigable. A safety flag would be advisable. A walker works well in most cases. Best to have the largest wheels you can get.International hotels, shopping malls, airports and bus terminals are fully accesible although not in the way we are accustomed to in the US. There are accessible bathrooms which are well equipped with grab bars, adequate turn around space and accessible sinks. These are available in most public places. There are programs for the disabled but they are not quite clear about the concept. There are ramped areas to some beaches but the "ramp" itself is comprised of slats of wood spaced in such a manner that it cannot be used by wheelchair. It does make access a bit easier as it is a firm surface but certainly not a smoothe one. The handicapped and elderly beach activities take place at the end of said path. Plaza Independencia is completely and beautifully handicapped accessible. It is done to the highest international standards. Unfortunately, once off the plaza there aren't too many places you can easily go. There are several handicapped bus lines. I have not personally made use of these but understand they are not the best. In general the disabled are cared for in house and rarely move about independently as we are accustomed in the US. We are not expected to work in a professional capacity nor to be out and about independently. Most equipment is 'make do' or do without. Bracing, prosthetics, self help devices for home use, etc are as common as the proverbial hen's teeth. That is the norm here. However, if you choose to be independent it is a possibility. It may require a bit of searching for a building which has a level entry etc. It will certainly require some creativity and some inconvenience. As Shirley mentioned, help is always readily available. Unlike the US mindset, here it is the usual MO. No-one thinks twice about it. From my perspective I still find it awkward and somewhat demeaning but I am becoming less sensitive. In summary, if you have a spirit of adventure, are resourceful, creative, and not too thin skinned you can manage here at any level short of quadraplegia. A quad would have what I believe to be insurmountable issues. Paraplegics with good upper body strength and anyone with lesser mobility issues can enjoy Uruguay IMO. I do! |
Comment #603/26/10 18:58New Yorkers in Temecula, CA | "Disability issues in Uruguay"
Clara:Thanks for the response. I am not wheelchair bound; however, my ability to walk on any surface other than a flat one is somewhat problematic. I guess we will have to seriously consider purchasing an auto, and I will have to bring a second prosthetic with me. Again, thanks for the detailed response. Gary |
| "What the US Dept of State says"
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - UruguayPersons with Disabilities The law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, but the government did not effectively enforce these provisions. Local entities did not devote resources to provide appropriate accommodations. Persons with disabilities reported discrimination in employment despite government efforts to assist in individual cases. The government did not discriminate against persons with disabilities and provided additional services as resources allowed; however, difficulties in transportation inhibited some persons from accessing these services. A national disabilities commission oversees implementation of a law on the rights of persons with disabilities. The law mandating accessibility for persons with disabilities to new buildings or public services was not consistently enforced. The law reserves 4 percent of public sector jobs for persons with physical and mental disabilities, but the quota was not filled. |
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