A Guide 2 Facilities for the Disabled in Aquitaine

Description:

France has recently implemented some great improvements for disabled residents and visitors.

The French Ministry of Tourism has started a campaign to raise awareness of the needs of disabled people when travelling.  They have designed a logo depicting four specific types of disability:

• Physical (impaired mobility)
• Mental disability
• Partial sight or blindness
• Hearing difficulty and deafness

You can find a logo displayed in airports, public places and guide books indicating meeting points where help is available.

If you are planning to travel to and around France it is advisable to contact your accommodation or holiday provider to explain your specific needs to ensure that your individual requirements are met.

Equipment

You are able to hire or buy disabled or elderly equipment in most areas usually through the local pharmacy.    To find your local supplier search for "Handicapees: materiel et services pour" in the Pages Jaunes (French Yellow Pages).

Priority Cards and Concessions

A ‘Carte de Priorité Pour Personne Handicapee’ is available to people who are considered to be at least 80% disabled.  The card allows the holder priority queuing and seating at public events and places.  To apply for the Carte de Priorité please visit your local Maison Departementale des Personnes Handicapees (details below). 

Other concessions are often available, for example, if you are registered blind you can often take a companion on many public transport free of charge.

Accommodation

There is not a uniform standard of facilities to be provided in accommodation and it may vary so it is best to check with individual accommodation providers to ensure their facilities meet your individual needs. 

Detailed travel and tourism information for the disabled is also available from the Association Tourisme and Handicaps. 

Libraries

There are several organisations that provide books on tape or disk to visually impaired and disabled people. 

Calibre Audio Books is a UK charity providing a free postal service of English speaking audio books and disks all over Europe. 

The English Language Library for the Blind in Paris will also provide books on tape in English to English speakers all over the world by post.  They can be contacted on 01 42 93 47 57.

Sports

For information on national and international disabled sporting activities and events visit the Federation Française Handisport.

Utilities

France Telecom has a number of services called 'Solutions Handicap'. 

Parking

The international blue scheme applies throughout Aquitaine, however, it is advisable to check local disabled parking regulations at the nearest Mairie.

Cars parked in disabled spaces must display an EU parking badge in the window which provides parking entitlements in all EU countries.  Disabled parking spaces are marked with a wheelchair symbol and it is essential that you do not park in pedestrian areas or roads where no parking is allowed.  Parking on roads is generally not free of charge for disabled drivers however drivers with disabilities may park for as long as they like where parking is free but time limits apply.

If you have a parking badge from another European country you can display it along with the following note which has been provided by an EU Automobile Association;

“Carte de stationnement pour handicapé. La personne à qui appartient cette carte de stationnement est un visiteur handicapé d'un autre pays de la communauté européenne et a les mêmes droits en matière de stationnement qu'un handicapé de votre pays. VERSION COMMUNAUTE EUROPEENNE”

If you wish to apply for an EU parking card whilst resident in France the disabled person, or their attending doctor, will need to submit an application to the applicants local Maison Departementale des Personnes Handicapees(Details below). The card is valid for one year and must be renewed four months before it expires.

Transport

Throughout Aquitaine Ulysse Transport provides a transport service specifically for those with mobility problems.  Transport is also provided for the elderly and infirm, the poly-handicapped, the blind and disabled children requiring transport to and from school.

Please note that the drivers do not always speak English.  Services are available in;

Trains

The main French railway service, SNCF,  has good disabled facilities for passengers with hearing and sight problems as well as wheelchair users.  Trains have designated spaces and facilities in the carriages and in some locations a transport service to the station is available.

When you purchase your ticket disabled passengers are also able to book a free door to door bag transport service.  Your baggage is delivered within 24 hours of your journey.

The Channel Tunnel also offers services for disabled passengers which can mean that it is sometimes easier to travel on than by plane.  For example, disabled passengers can remain in their vehicles rather than get out which may be easier for some passengers than getting on and off a plane.

The Eurostar also offers passengers in wheelchairs first class travel for the same price as a second class fare.

Car Hire

Some car rental companies have vehicles available which have been adapted with hand controls.  Not all locations have these cars on site but may be able to arrange one on request for a small delivery fee.  Please contact the individual suppliers to find out what is available in your area.

Further Information

France

Maison Departementale des Personnes Handicapees (MDPH)

Locally information for people with disabilities living in Aquitaine.

Dordogne 24:

Bâtiment E de la cité Administrative Bugeaud

24016 Périgueux cedex

Tel. : 0 800 800 824

email: mdph24@dordogne.fr

Gironde 33:

Immeuble Le Phénix

264 boulevard Godard

33300 Bordeaux

Tel. : 05 56 99 69 00

email : mdph-accueil@cg33.fr

Pyrénées Atlantiques 64:

Rue Pierre Bonnard

64000 Pau

Tel. : 05 59 27 50 50

email : mdph64@wanadoo.fr

Landes 40:

23 rue Victor Hugo

40025 Mont de Marsan

Tél. : 05 58 05 40 40

Courriel : mlph@40.fr

Lot and Garonne 47:

Hôtel du département 1603 avenue du Maréchal

Leclerc

47916 AGEN cedex 9

Tel. : 05 53 69 20 50

email : mdph47@cg47.fr

or visit their national website

http://www.solidarite.gouv.fr/espaces,770/handicap,775/

French government website providing practical, legal and social information to disabled residents

 http://www.apf.asso.fr/

News, information and advice for people living with paralysis in France

http://autisme.france.free.fr National organisation, which helps autistic people.

Leaving the UK

Triscope

A national charity providing free travel and transport information for disabled passengers

08457 58564       .

Royal Association for Disability And Rehabilitation (RADAR)

National association with a specialist information department.  Information includes travel guides such as 'Getting There' which is a guide to facilities at airports.

0207 250 3222

Holiday Care Service

A national charity providing travel and holiday information and support for disabled people

0845 124 9971

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