Poland, accessible for all

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, wins 2020 Access City Award, for making the city more accessible for citizens and travelers with disabilities. How to make travel accessible for all, which places of interests in Warsaw are ready to meet tourists with special needs Globe4all asked Małgorzata Tokarska – the head of Accessible Poland Tours. 

Accessible Poland Tours is the first travel agency in the country, organizing tours for wheelchair users and reduced mobility travelers.  When it comes to accessible city breaks, adapted vehicles and hotels, sights and impressions, Małgorzata Tokarska is the expert. Being herself a person with disability and a passionate traveler, Małgorzata established an accessible travel agency to explore the world. 

As a Polish proverb says “Do odważnych świat należy” (the world belongs to the brave), so Małgorzata has already visited more than 55 countries, but she just can't stop travelling. And she knows very well from her own experience how to organize a comfortable trip for people with reduced mobility. Małgorzata is ready to open the beauty of her native Poland for foreign visitors, and for fellow citizens – the wonders of the world.

Accessible Poland Tours started as adventure 

- How did Accessible Poland Tours come about?

- Travelling has always been my passion. The idea of setting up this type of business was born after visiting Australia in 2002. While I was there, I addressed the agency which was run by a disabled man. At that stage I thought: If he could do it why should not, I try the same? It took some time to make my dream come true and in 2009 I started my adventure as a licensed Tour Operator for disabled people with a strong focus on support services for disabled tourists, particularly for people with reduced mobility. Still, it is the first travel agency for this target group. Being disabled myself I am fully aware of all requirements for these travelers.

- Who helps you with your work?

- I run my office as a sole trader, which means that all work connected with preparing a tour I do by myself. Furthermore, I conduct the tours personally that guarantees a steady implementation of accessibility in all offers.

- What services does Accessible Poland Tours provide to tourists with disabilities from other countries?

- Our offer includes the following services: transfer in an accessible van or a regular car from the airport or station to the hotel, organization of guided tours: half and all day tours, general or themed tours in Warszaw and outside, booking of all accommodations ranking from budget hotels to luxury hotels (and each is personally inspected for individual needs), arrangements for personal assistant and diet on request, local attractions & special events: reservation of tickets to the historical objects, theatres, restaurants, SPA resorts and rehabilitation stay, rental of rehabilitation equipment.

- Are there many such travelers in Poland?

- There are some individuals or small groups who wish to visit Poland.  I also cooperate with other tour operators specialized in services for disabled people abroad. I hosted people from Israel, UK, USA, Brazil and other countries. However, a lot of people these days organize the visit by themselves thanks to the Internet. I have not had any people from Russia yet, but I do hope to have some one day.

- What time of year is better for tourists with disabilities to come to Poland?

- Poland is beautiful in all seasons but for people with reduced mobility or wheelchair users I recommend Spring – Autumn.

- Can you give any advice to tourists with disabilities from Russia who would like to visit Poland?

- To all people from all over the world I say the same: Poland is very friendly for disabled people but before coming you are advised to seek for some assistance from professionals or search the information from the Internet. It is always better to double check the service to avoid some disappointment. Accessibility disability standard should be Universal, but I must say it is not.

- Do you organize outbound tours to other countries for people with disabilities in Poland?

- Yes, I am dealing also with outcoming tourism. My clients show a strong interest in engaging with culturally focused activities like city breaks over a period of around 5 or 6 days. The groups are small, averaging 10 – 15 and include around 4 to 6 wheelchair users. On other occasions I organize larger groups (40 – 50 persons) in co-operation with Foundations or Associations that support the disabled, on request / commission. I have organized and conducted remarkably successful tours to Paris, Barcelona, Budapest, Rome, Vilnius, Berlin, London, Tuscany.

I also organize  a group to Saint Petersburg, Russia. People love the city, attractions, and the atmosphere. They are very positively surprised to have such a good service.  I think that accessibility here is not bad.  Even the underground is possible to use thanks to the special assistant’s service. I wish more accessible toilets would be available in the city. I have a group for this coming August to Petersburg. But we will see if it is possible to come. One thing I would like to mention. In most countries in Europe and the world registered disabled people and their cares are offered reduced price at museums and tourist attractions. In Russia (Petersburg) foreigners even have the higher rates to pay and they are no discounts for disabled people.

Poland is a land of diversity

- What sights of Poland, in your opinion, are most adapted for people with special needs - for travelers in wheelchairs, hearing or visually impaired?

- Poland as country has a lot of attractions to offer. More and more places are becoming more and more accessible. It is a land of diversity. Tatras in the south part of Poland. The Baltic sea is in the north. Beautiful lake districts as well as national parks. Well known health resorts with mineral sources. All these waits for everyone.

- How do you check the accessibility of certain objects, attractions, for visitors with special needs?

- Clearly, the best solution is for me to check everything personally, but this is not always possible.  I attempt to obtain as many details as possible before taking people to an event, hotel, or destination. I request the hotel to send photos of the room, the restaurant, and each facility. Being disabled myself, I therefore understand what details need close attention. In addition, I seek out information from Social Media sites, information blogs and YouTube. When contacting various guide services, I also request they carefully check the route for any obstacles, the location of accessible toilets and advise me of any areas of concern.

- Is public transport in Poland adapted for wheelchair users?

- Public transport in big cities is very friendly. When it comes to trains the situation is slightly worse. The main problem is the lack of ramps on the platform. Of course, some trains have fixed electric ramps inside. You can also arrange train assistance who helps you to travel by train. It needs to be booked 72 hours in advance.
 

- Are there any special hotel rooms, designed for travelers with access needs?

- Tourism sector is getting more and more aware of access needs and realize that disabled people are also clients. You can find which hotel provides the rooms with roll in shower.  Sadly, I have to say that more rooms are offered by luxury hotels starting from 4****. Another problem which I find difficult to understand is the fact that most of the rooms are double rooms not twin rooms. Disabled people often travel with their cares and they are not very happy to share the bed with a stranger. Sometimes, the policy is of the hotels is very strict and there is no way to put extra bed. In addition, you have to pay extra for it.

This issue arises all over the world. The question is: is it something difficult to arrange separate beds and zip up if needed?
Since my clients are normally not affluent persons – I therefore seek out budget style accommodation which often includes good quality hostels. Then comes another challenge - to find sufficient number of accessible rooms.  

- In theaters, museums, and other cultural places, are there programs for the blind or deaf tourists?

- Museums and other cultural institutions have a duty to cater to people with a wide range of needs and this includes visually impaired people.
A lot of tourist attractions are fully equipped with modern facilities for this target group. 

Subtitles are available on films for those with impaired hearing and there is also information available in Braille. For example, blind people can explore the Royal Palace in Warsaw with special map and recordings of descriptions of the exhibitions. Some museum’s exhibit artistic works that are experienced through a sense of touch. They are also special tours available for blind people.

- How do you generally assess the state of the accessible environment in Poland?

- There are rules to ensure accessibility of the built environment requiring that land, sea and air transportation, and housing are made accessible. A lot of has changed for better regarding accessibility. Our society is more aware of the disability issues and people’s needs. More and more disabled people go out and try to socialize with others.  

When I hear “Let’s go somewhere”, I am the first one waiting at the door

- What motivated you to work in tourism for all?

- Being myself disabled – I have inborn disability (I have undergone many hip operations) and I have to walk with the crutch, so I decided to establish this type of agency by myself. Furthermore, I became a license tour leader to be able to take care of my clients while travelling. By doing that I can reduce the cost of the tour. I can also add that I am a member of ENAT - European Network for Accessible Tourism. As an expert of accessible tourism, I have been invited to many European projects like Europe Without Barriers. Presently I am involved in the project Access-IT - Innovation for Accessible Tourism In Natural And Rural Areas. 

- How often do you travel, which countries do you choose?

- I love travelling very much, and it gives a kind of power. When I hear the word “Let’s go somewhere”, I am the first one waiting at the door. I have already visited over 55 countries. For example, talking about distance countries I have been to Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Kenia, Cuba.  Not mention European countries, of course.
 

- Which place or attraction impressed you in terms of accessibility?

- Most places I chose to visit are friendly for tourists with reduced mobility. I find Spain very friendly for wheelchair users. There are available regular taxis in Barcelona and Madrid for example which are take 1-2 wheelchairs. I do not have to arrange them in advance and them chargé almost the same. Since my groups are small choosing taxis as a mean of transport during sightseeing happen to be more economic.  

- Where do you dream to go as soon as travel becomes possible again?

- Actually, I can go anywhere just to move but my great dream is to visit Alaska or Baikal. I hope that my dreams will come true one day.  

Photos by Małgorzata Tokarska