Part of official (Ministry of Culture) leaflet announcing wheelchair access to Acropolis. The leaflet was offered in Greek, English, Japanese, French, Spanish and German during the paralympics.

Just for the record: there's an accessible toilet about 50 metres from the entrance of the Acropolis archeological site.

Shopping for wheelchair users got easier during the paralympics. But many of these temporary ramps have since disappeared from the streets of the Plaka area.

Aussie paralympic athlete gets up close at the Parthenon

Atop the Acropolis in style

For detailed directions, read a Paralympian's account: http://www.athensguide.com/disabled/index.htm

Up and Up to the Acropolis

Stairlift to and from the Acropolis

Yes, wheelchair access to top of Acropolis

A blow was struck for better mobility in Athens when the Paralympic Games were held in August 2004 - wheelchair users could access the top of the Acropolis, thanks to a stylish lift up the North wall of this mighty edifice. Perhaps a little nerve-wracking for some. But many took this worthwhile experience in their stride. A "permanent" lift is planned later.

The photos show the two-stage ascent - stair lift and cage lift, followed by views atop the Acropolis.

Detailed directions for wheelchair users are given in this Paralympian athlete's account: http://www.athensguide.com/disabled/index.htm

COMING soon! OSSATE project on ACCESSIBLE tourism in Europe

I have opened a new BLOG with information about a new European project which seeks to improve information services about the accessibility of tourist destinations in EU countries.

Go to
http://ossate-central.blogspot.com/

I am Project Manager of the OSSATE project, which runs from January 2005 to December 2006.