©
Steve Johnson
Russia Travel Guide
©
Steve Johnson
Russia isn't the most welcoming of countries - just going through the lengthy visa application process is testimony enough to prove the point. So it's hard to believe that disabled visitors will find all they need to safely and comfortably travel around...
To understand the problems that a disabled traveller to Russia may face, you need to look at how Russia's 13 million disabled people live. Being accepted by society is a huge problem for the Russian disabled population; it's considered taboo and has often led to disabled children being abandoned. What's more, an equal rights law, which has been in place since 2005 and a 2001 law regarding disabled access, never seem to be applied.
That Russia only recently signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, goes to show how far behind the country is with regards to disability. That said, during recent years and, in particular, whilst organising the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sotchi, the Russian government has taken positive steps to help disabled people. Thanks to the 'Accessible Environment, 2011-2015' directive, the state is actively improving its infrastructure, so that it may adequately cater for the disabled population.
The current social situation for Russia's disabled population means that during your trip to Russia you are likely to encounter some difficulties. You'll find that public transport, stairs and toilet facilities are not adapted to wheelchair users. Going into a cafe or trying to withdraw money may be a problem, as well using the St. Petersburg and Moscow underground networks, which are both inaccessible if you're using a wheelchair. Only 25% of Moscow's buses have reduced mobility access. Even a visit to the Kremlin is tricky. There's no wheelchair access and the paved roads around Red Square are extremely difficult for reduced mobility visitors to navigate.
Problems can also arise for blind or partially sighted visitors. Even in larger towns, tactile or reflective markers on pavements and on public transport are non-existant.
All the same, you will find that the Russian government is trying to improve the situation. In St.Petersburg, theHermitageMuseumisaccessiblethankstoaproperlyadaptedlargecapacitylift. You'll also find some attractions have access ramps and allocated disabled parking spaces. There are currently no visa exemptions for disabled British passport holders or their carers. Even if the country poses problems, more and more disabled tourists are going on enjoyable holidays to Russia, so it's well worth giving it a go!
