Welcome to Netherlands
EuroCurrency in Netherlands
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Basic Country Profile
Location: North Europe
Capital: Amsterdam, the Hague is the seat of government
Population: 18 million
Major language: Dutch
Major religion: Christianity
Currency: Euro
Climate: cool, cloudy and humid for most of the year
Terrain: flat and low-lying
Dial code: +31
Time zone: GMT+1
Disability: 2 Million
Emergency numbers:
European emergency number – 112
Police – 0900 8844 (if you need to contact the police but it is not an emergency)
Disability Legislations and Policies
The Netherlands ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 13 July 2016.
In the Netherlands, discrimination on any grounds is prohibited by Article 1 of the Constitution. This means that no one may be treated unequally due to his religion, creed, political convictions, race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or chronic illness, employment hours (full time or part time) or type of employment contract (permanent or temporary). These are known as grounds of discrimination. ‘Age’ will be added to the list of grounds in 2004. Unequal treatment based on these grounds of discrimination is prohibited in all kinds of employment, in offering goods and services and in educational and career counselling. The Act on Equal Treatment of Disabled and Chronically Ill People came into effect on 1 December 2003. This law gives people with disabilities the right to the adaptations that are necessary to enable them to participate fully in society.
Travel Related Information
Holland offers many options for persons with disabilities. The historic city centres may be somewhat complicated to visit, but many tourist attractions, hotels and restaurants are accessible for persons with disabilities.
When travelling by train in Holland, the NS (the Dutch national railway company) has special facilities in place to ensure that your journey is as comfortable as possible. Inform yourself in advance about the facilities that the stations you will be visiting have to offer.
Most trains also have accessible entrances for wheelchair users, and most intercity trains also have a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Most buses in Holland are accessible; more information can be found, among others, on the website of Amsterdam’s public transport organisation, the GVB, and the website of the main bus company in much of southern Holland Veolia.
There are accessible attractions, restaurants and hotels in every Dutch city. For Amsterdam, download the city guide showing accessible routes and additional information.
Many theme parks and amusement parks such as De Efteling, Madurodam and Walibi World are also very accessible, and the staff is always glad to help. This also applies for museums, which also often offer special tours that focus on all senses, such as smell, touch and hearing.
Are you visiting a theatre or concert hall? Then ask about the possibilities; special spacious seats or spaces and discounts are often available.
You are sure to enjoy a tour of the canals of Amsterdam, where a number of companies fit their ships with platform lifts. For a variety of outdoor activities, such as zip-lining, blokart racing and sailing, see the page on accessible travel in Holland.
Specially modified cars can be rented from Hertz or Bever. Domestic care while on holiday can be booked with Comfortzorg. For great bed breakfasts, check the website of EelkeDroomt.
Amsterdam is famous for its bicycles, and in order to ensure that everyone can enjoy a bicycle trip, it is possible to rent modified bicycles and book accompanied cycling tours.
You can also rent special beach wheelchairs in various locations on the Dutch coast.
www.holland.com
Useful Links
For trips accessible for persons with disabilities check:
www.disabledholidays.com