I tried to use the bus for the first time. There is a manual ramp at the back door. I talked to the driver in English and asked him if he can let the ramp down for me but he never got off his driving seat. When I wanted to get off, some passengers went to the driver and talked to him (in Danish) that I needed the ramp but he did not say anything and refused to let the ramp down for me! Again, some people who were on the bus had to do it for me!
I took the bus again to Copenhagen. The bus driver was at first so helpful and supportive and put the ramp down twice for me, but then when I wanted to go back to where I live, the bus driver behaved in the same way as the first one who did NOTHING.
After I got on the bus with the help of some people, the bus driver came to me and said: It is not our responsibility as bus drivers to put the ramp down for you! You should have your helper! I thought this was the most ridiculous thing I have ever come across in Europe. I have traveled to so many countries in Europe and it was always the bus driver who would assist people with disability to get on the bus. Denmark has its own rules which are pushing people with a disability to have caregivers and helpers!
Later on, I found out that the driver is NOT allowed to leave the seat. So I have to rely on the assistance of locals if not accompanied by friends or family. I also learned that the locals which are handicapped can book mini-busses with a big rear ramp that brings them door-to-door. This means that Denmark is not a country that is qualified for inclusive tourism. It can not be a country where disabled people can visit on their own. I live on my own and travel independently.
Why would I need someone else to put the ramp down for me in Copenhagen which is meant to be the capital of a developed country? Why can not Denmark be like other EU countries? Besides, why do not the locals use the public buses as well so the government can save energy and be environmentally friendly instead of booking private cars individually.
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I have lived in Aarhus in Denmark for the past two years, the past 6 months of which have been in a wheelchair. I can tell you that this is NOT a city which is accessible for people with wheelchairs.
The same bus ramp problem described above for Copenhagen also exists in Aarhus (and there are no trains or trams around town). And if you want to take a bus into greater Aarhus, all the buses have three steps up.
Except for on the main shopping street, most cafes, restaurants, and shops have one or more steps to enter. As a prime example of what you can expect here, even the massive modern multiplex cinema is not readily accessible. There are no disabled toilets in the cinema, and the disabled toilets in the adjoining shopping centre are closed in the evenings. The actual cinema rooms are accessed by stairs, and I was led by a staff member to the "disabled entrance" which let me out directly in front of the massive screen, in front of the whole theatre full of people looking on. It would have been impossible to watch the movie from so close to the screen, and no other seats could be accessed there are of course stairs all the way up the aisles. It was an intractable situation, and typical of Denmark's half-hearted approach to accessibility.
Denmark is the only country in Western Europe not to have equal-opportunity legislation for disabled people. So - it is not wonder that this country is so poorly accessible.
GREAT insight Anna, thank you so much!
Hello Anna,
Do you still live in Aarhus? Do you think that something changed about the situation?
For wheelchairguide in Aarhus Denmark, please visit http://www.AArhusPilot.com
Hey! My name is Hardik Dagia.
I am planning to study abroad and settle in Europe.
So according to you which city do you think is best for living independently and is quite accessible to go anywhere around the city on your own in a wheelchair?
Thank you
The first place that's coming to mind is Barcelona. Have you looked into this city?