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Anathema
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 18 Nov 2004
Posts: 186
Location: Phoenix, Аризона
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 Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 12:38 pm Post subject: Question about disability |
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| I am a wheelchair user and planning to visit Russia next year. I realize that access will be tough, but I can deal with that. My question is regarding how Russians will treat me. I've heard rumors that people with disabilities are not welcomed in Russia, are treated poorly, can even be told to leave the streets by the police. Is any of this true? I plan on being in SPB, Moscow, and Krasnoyarsk. Any input would be greatly appreciated! |
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Randy
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 13 Jul 2003
Posts: 115
Location: Texas, USA
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| Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 7:32 pm Post subject: The Disabled in Russia |
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| You will have a very difficult time in Russia, sad to say. More so if you are traveling alone. I am assuming that you will have someone traveling with you to help. Russia is definitly not user friendly when it comes to people with disabilities. As for the Russian's will treat you, I don't think you will have a problem, and will be welcomed as well as anyone else. I also have a disability, and have to use an elbow crutch, and I have a grandson in St.Pete with Palsy who requires much assistance. You will not see many people on the streets with wheelchairs, and as far as I know, there is still no ramps located on curbs, museums, theaters, and especially the metro's, and other public transportation. Also, restrooms will be a great challenge, but some of the better hotel's are more accomodating. I believe the only time a policeman might tell you to leave from anywhere is if you would be blocking traffic on the streets, public transportation, etc. I think you are very courageous, and admire you for not letting your disability stop you from visiting Russia. I would enjoy hearing of your trip when you return. I think you will have some valuble information to share with other's that are physically challenged. |
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Atomcat
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Joined: 30 Jul 2004
Posts: 187
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cyndy22
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 1076
Location: massachusetts
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| Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 8:54 pm Post subject: |
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Hello Anathema,
I have some knowledge about this. I went to Russia in 1998 using a manual wheelchair. My husband traveled also. We flew into Moscow. This airport does not have an elevator as far as I know. The men working there did help me get up and down a flight of stairs. You definitly need to tip them. From Moscow we flew to Ekaterinburg where we adopted a child. But before they let us on the plane, we had to go see what appeared to be a doctor and nurse. We had a communication barrier but I believe they were concerned if I had any medical issues etc. It was a very weird and surreal meeting but they let us board the plane. You might want to bring with you a letter from a doctor that you can have translated in Russian that states you are healthy etc.
It is true that persons with disabilities are quite isolated through out Russia. You won't see many. You might not even see any. There is an independent living movement however going on in Russia, Ukraine etc. Bound is the name of one such organization inm SPB working hard to make life better for wheelchair users. Alevtina is the director and she and I are in email contact. I will give you her email address and also the email address of a travel business in SPB that does provide accessible transportation and tours in SPB. Alevtina Smirova's email is bound@rol.ru Liberty Travel LTD operates in SPB. tHEIR EMAIL IS sggasparyan@yandex.ru
I think you will be ok as long as you use a manual wheelchair and have someone traveling with you who can assist you in getting up or down a curb or a few steps. Russian people will also help you if they see you having difficulty. You won't find so called accessible restrooms but if you are able to wheel into the restroom and maneuver without grab bars etc. you will be fine.
Moscow is a modern city and I think you will enjoy visiting this beautiful city. I have not yet been to SPB but am also going there at the end of June. Alevtinais helping me find an apartment on the first floor toi rent in SPB. Ican't afford to pay for accessible hotel there and prefer renting an apt. anyway. When are you planning to visit Russia?
We should collaborate on our information as Atomcat suggested. Please feel free to email me directly. I look forward to both of us working together. I will let Alevtina know you may be in touch. |
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Anathema
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 18 Nov 2004
Posts: 186
Location: Phoenix, Аризона
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| Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 12:42 am Post subject: |
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Thanks everyone for your help. It's good to know that some of those rumors I heard, were just rumors. Randy, thanks for your kind words. All my life, when I get an idea in my head, nothing will stop me from carrying it out. And I will be travelling with an assistant. Cyndy, thank you for your assistance! I should clarify that I don't have any dates yet, it all depends on vacation time, etc. I'm assuming sometime in '05, I'll keep ya posted. I'm going to hold off on contacting those people until I have a more definite time table.
But thanks again everyone, I'll keep everyone posted on my progress, and I think coordinating with Cyndy is a great idea! |
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