Jerusalem to become accessible to the disabled

October 21, 2009 - 5:21 PM by

Jaffa_Gate_JerusalemJerusalem’s Old City is one of the top tourist attractions in the world, but with its ancient alleyways and endless stairs, much of the area has been inaccessible for visitors with handicaps. That’s set to change.

An article in Ynet today reported that the Jerusalem Development Authority recently allotted NIS 10 million (about $ 2.7 million) to make the Old City of Jerusalem fully accessible to the physically disabled. The money comes from a special fund in the National Insurance Institute (Israel’s version of Social Security).

Among the improvements: making Jaffa Gate and its surroundings wheelchair-friendly; preparing accessible walking paths in the Jewish, Christian and Muslim Quarters; and possibly buying a car to drive handicapped people around the Old City.

Other tourist attractions to be upgraded include the Tower of David Museum, the Jerusalem Archaeological Park and Davidson Center, the City of David and the Herodian Quarter and Wohl Archaeological Museum in the Jewish Quarter.

Most intriguing: the project includes technologically innovative services for deaf and blind people, such as three-dimensional models which can be touched, vocal signs and visual transcriptions.

As someone who’s father was never able to visit Jerusalem due to the relative lack of physical consideration for people with disabilities, I applaud the city’s efforts. But there’s much more work to be done in the capital and around all of Israel.

Tags: • Category: Environment, health 

Comments

2 Comments on Jerusalem to become accessible to the disabled

  1. Jerusalem to become accessible to the disabled | JewPI on Wed, Oct 21st 2009 5:44 PM

    2. [...] Jerusalem’s Old City is one of the top tourist attractions in the world, but with its ancient alleyways and endless stairs, much of the area has been inaccessible for visitors with handicaps….Read more [...]

  2. maxine blendis on Thu, Oct 14th 2010 4:33 PM

    3. “Negishut Yerushalaim” is a group of kalnoyit/wheelshair users who are trying to report basic problems in our streets by contacting the website “Iryiat yerushaliyim” and going to the 106 site to report problems – we are having some success albeit it is sl0w. One can also call 106 freeof charge and get a “mispar pnia” to check what has happened. We have pocket size flyers to put on cars that block our way.

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