Rio de Janeiro improves accessibility
Mayor announces package of measures to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities and Riotur launches accessible tourist guide
Moving sidewalk for wheelchairs on Ipanema Beach
Rio de Janeiro has good standards of accessibility on its streets, in buildings, and at tourist and cultural attractions. Mayor Edwardo Paes has now announced a series of measures to further improve accessibility. These enhancements are focused on downtown, and include sidewalk renovations and the installation of accessible public restrooms and telephones.
Beyond the citys financial center, the Municipal Secretariat for Public Works is finalizing plans to improve accessibility in the Sambódrome; the Olympic Village in Gamboa; the Campo de Santana, a public park; as well as Avenida Marechal Floriano and Passeio Público, two historic downtown streets, which will gain more ramps and tactile flooring. Accessibility makes it possible for everyone to get to know the city. Tourists with disabilities only go where they know they can go. The city improved immensely in terms of accessibility due to the Pan American and Parapan American Games, said former Olympic athlete, Mauro Bernardo.
The citys main cultural and tourist attractions also provide access for people with disabilities. At the end of 2008, Riotur, Rio de Janeiros tourism agency, launched its Guide to Accessible Tourist Attractions. It contains 30 locations with elevators and ramps, which provide level surfaces and suitably trained employees.
The guide includes the Museum of Modern Art, the National Library, the statue of Christ Redeemer, Maracanã Stadium and Sugarloaf Mountain, among other places. The latter destination has a platform which adapts to any type of wheelchair. This equipment ensures mobility and safety. Any person using a wheelchair can access all parts of Sugarloaf, starting from their arrival in the cable car station, in the ticket booth and in the gondolas, explained Maria Ercilia Leite de Castro, the general director of the company operating the Sugarloaf cable car. The attraction also has four elevators for people with physical disabilities, three wheelchairs and completely accessible restrooms.
The publication, which is available at hotels, tourist attractions and information desks, also includes information about accessible transportation. Eleven Rio de Janeiro Metro stations have elevators, including those located in Copacabana and Ipanema. Other transport options include a taxi cooperative with vehicles that have boarding platforms, and buses with hydraulic lifts and reserved space for people using wheelchairs.
Beyond the citys financial center, the Municipal Secretariat for Public Works is finalizing plans to improve accessibility in the Sambódrome; the Olympic Village in Gamboa; the Campo de Santana, a public park; as well as Avenida Marechal Floriano and Passeio Público, two historic downtown streets, which will gain more ramps and tactile flooring. Accessibility makes it possible for everyone to get to know the city. Tourists with disabilities only go where they know they can go. The city improved immensely in terms of accessibility due to the Pan American and Parapan American Games, said former Olympic athlete, Mauro Bernardo.
The citys main cultural and tourist attractions also provide access for people with disabilities. At the end of 2008, Riotur, Rio de Janeiros tourism agency, launched its Guide to Accessible Tourist Attractions. It contains 30 locations with elevators and ramps, which provide level surfaces and suitably trained employees.
The guide includes the Museum of Modern Art, the National Library, the statue of Christ Redeemer, Maracanã Stadium and Sugarloaf Mountain, among other places. The latter destination has a platform which adapts to any type of wheelchair. This equipment ensures mobility and safety. Any person using a wheelchair can access all parts of Sugarloaf, starting from their arrival in the cable car station, in the ticket booth and in the gondolas, explained Maria Ercilia Leite de Castro, the general director of the company operating the Sugarloaf cable car. The attraction also has four elevators for people with physical disabilities, three wheelchairs and completely accessible restrooms.
The publication, which is available at hotels, tourist attractions and information desks, also includes information about accessible transportation. Eleven Rio de Janeiro Metro stations have elevators, including those located in Copacabana and Ipanema. Other transport options include a taxi cooperative with vehicles that have boarding platforms, and buses with hydraulic lifts and reserved space for people using wheelchairs.
