22nd International AIDS Conference
Amsterdam, Netherlands | 23-27 July 2018

Accessibility information

AIDS 2018 is committed to accommodating the needs of individuals with disabilities by providing the following services:

  • Accessibility information desk for assistance and a registration desk
  • Free registration for personal assistance (upon request and approval of required documentation)
  • Wheelchairs (upon request)
  • English International sign language for selected key sessions
  • Live translation of speech into text (CART, or real-time captioning) for selected key sessions
  • Braille Pocket Programme (upon request)
  • Stage lift for speakers (upon request)
  • Disability networking zone (DNZ)

For any accessibility-related questions, please contact [email protected].

Conference accessibility

Accessibility information desk

An accessibility information desk will be set up for people with disabilities to get assistance on site. The desk will be located in the registration area and will be available during the official registration opening hours.

Personal assistance (upon request and approval of required documentation)

Conference delegates with specific accessibility needs who are interested in bringing their own assistant with them (such as a sign language interpreter or CART typist) are requested to contact us at [email protected].

Wheelchairs (upon request)

Delegates will be able to borrow manual wheelchairs at RAI Amsterdam. Requests must be sent in advance to [email protected]. Use of the wheelchairs is free, although leaving your ID as guarantee will be requested on site. It is therefore recommended that you carry a second ID if you intend to borrow a wheelchair on site. The wheelchairs can be used only inside the venue.

Sign language interpretation for selected key sessions

English International sign language will be provided for the opening ceremony, the daily plenary sessions, the special sessions and the closing session.

Real-time captioning (CART typology) for selected key sessions

Real-time captioning (CART typology) will be provided for the opening ceremony, the daily plenary sessions, the special sessions and the closing session.

Braille Pocket Programme (upon request)

A braille version of the AIDS 2018 Pocket Programme is available for delegates who make the request through the AIDS 2018 online registration system.

Stage lift (upon request)

The IAS has arranged to have a stage lift for the duration of the conference. Speakers who have a particular need are requested to contact [email protected] by 29 June 2018.

Disability Networking Zone

Since 2010, the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC), in collaboration with its partners, has spearheaded efforts to highlight disability at the International AIDS Conference through a vibrant five-day programme hosted at the Disability Networking Zone (DNZ) in the Global Village.

For AIDS 2018, the Dutch Coalition on Disability and Development (DCDD), Afrique Rehabilitation and Research Consultants NPC (ARRC) and the IDDC are working with international and local partners to create the DNZ programme. The AIDS 2018 Global Village DNZ thus aims to:

  • Increase awareness and knowledge on the intersection of disability and HIV
  • Disseminate and present cutting-edge research evidence
  • Disseminate good practice and innovations through diverse formats
  • Enhance engagement and dialogue with researchers, donors, advocates and people with disability
  • Enhance strategic networking among disability-orientated organizations, disabled people’s organizations, mainstream AIDS-related NGOs, governments, stakeholders, researchers, clinicians and activists
  • Actively involve people with disability and people living with HIV, particularly youth, who experience disablement on an episodic, temporary or permanent basis.

Amsterdam city accessibility information

Transport

Bus & tram

Most buses and trams have a ramp at the door in the middle of the vehicle, which the driver manually operates Most bus and tram stops have tactile paving. More information can be found here.

Metro

All metros are accessible by wheelchairs, with the metro entrances being at a level that is equal with the platform. All metro stations can be accessed via a lift. However, metro stations sometimes have multiple entrances, and not every entrance has a lift. Most metro stations have tactile paving. More information can be found here.

Train

Most trains are not at equal level with the platform. Assistance and/or a ramp are provided to travellers with disabilities upon request. If you require assistance, you’ll need to request this service at least one hour before departure. You also need to be at the meeting place at the station at least 15 minutes before departure.

For assistance, please call NS (Dutch national railway) at +31-(0)30-2357822 (available 24 hours per day, seven days per week) and mention the date, the departure time and arrival time, as well as the departure and arrival stations for your journey. More information can be found here.

Accompaniment to the aeroplane at Schiphol Airport

You can request NS Travel Assistance for help boarding or deboarding at Schiphol Airport. More information can be found here.

Taxi

Most taxi companies in the Netherlands also offer services for wheelchair users. Be aware that taxis are quite expensive in the Netherlands and prices for wheelchair taxis may vary. A few options for wheelchair taxis in and around Amsterdam are:

  • Staxi: +31-(0)20-7058888. More information can be found here.
  • Taxi Salders: +31-(0)36-5339999. More information can be found here.
  • Taxi Rolstoel: +31-(0)85-8887779. More information can be found here.

Tourist information

Amsterdam and Metropole Region guide

This city guide includes tips for accessible restaurants and sights of interest that have been collected with residents of Amsterdam with limited mobility. All venues in this city guide can be reached without stairs. It also provides maps with short routes that guide you along the city’s highlights. The guide covers:

  • Public transport in and around Amsterdam
  • Recommended accessible routes
  • Accessible attractions and museums
  • Accessible restaurants
  • Accessible toilets
  • Accessible markets and shopping streets.

Please click here to access the City Guide Amsterdam & Metropole Region: Accessible Routes Through Amsterdam.

I amsterdam

I amsterdam is the motto created by Amsterdam’s official city marketing organization. Its website features tips for people with disabilities.

Please click here to access the I amsterdam website.

Accessible Travel Netherlands travel agency

Accessible Travel Netherlands is a travel agency with local knowledge, specializing in holidays for people with accessibility needs. It offers the following services:

  • Tailor-made holidays
  • Accessible package holidays
  • Accessible tours and activities in The Netherlands
  • Mobility equipment rental
  • Wheelchair-accessible taxi booking
  • Accessible accommodation booking.

Please click here to access the Accessible Travel Netherlands website or contact [email protected]

Here are some of our top suggestions

Restaurants

A few options for wheelchair users in Amsterdam:

  • Café Restaurant Amsterdam. Watertorenplein 6, phone: 0031-(0)20-6822666. Website
  • Vapiano. Oosterdokskade 145, phone: +31-(0)20-4201825. Website
  • Beurs van Berlage. Damrak 243, phone: +31-(0)20-5304141. Website
  • Bijenkorf Amsterdam. Dam 1. Website
  • EYE. IJpromenade 1, phone +31-(0)20-5891402. Website

Other accessibility features

  • Sign Language Coffee Bar. Amsteldijk 52HS, phone: +31-(0)20-6752831. Website
  • Rijksmuseum. Website
  • Canal cruise: Blue Boat Company has wheelchair-accessible vessels. You need to make a reservation in advance. Website