Welcome to Portugal
EuroCurrency in Portugal
Today’s Weather
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05:09 AM
Wednesday
Basic Country Profile
Location: western part of the Iberian peninsula
Capital: Lisbon
Population: 10.7 million
Major language: Portuguese
Major religion: Christianity
Currency: Euro
Climate: temperate maritime with hot summers and wet winters
Terrain: hilly in the north, plains in the south
Dial code: +351
Time zone: GMT+1
Emergency numbers:
The free of charge phone number for emergency is 112
Health line for emergencies: 808 242424
Disability helpline: 217959 545
Disability Legislations and Policies
Portugal ratified the CRPD in 2009 . More than half the people in Portugal with physical limitations are not officially recognised as such, one in four have difficulty in accessing their workplace, and many do not have the funds to adapt their home to their needs, according to the results of a survey for consumer association DECO.
People with disabilities are protected by law against discrimination in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other state services, and the government effectively enforces the law. The law also mandates access to public buildings and ensures that the laws are adhered to. No legislation covers private businesses or other facilities.
Travel Related Information
Public transportation vehicles in general have specially reserved seats for individuals with disabilities, but some vehicles may not be equipped to load and secure wheelchairs mechanically.
Trains: The State Railway Operator, Caminhos do Ferro Portugueses (CP) has a service called “integrated mobility service” (SIM) aimed at helping passengers with reduced mobility. English-speaking customer service representatives can be reached by phone at 351 808 208 746 (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday-Friday). SIM staff provide for train and station accessibility; assistance during boarding/exiting or during the train ride; and they also assist with trip planning. Some train stations are equipped with elevators. For additional information, please visit CP’s website.
Subway (Metro): Thirty-one of Lisbon Metro’s 52 stations offer full accessibility to people with disabilities. There are no reduced fares for passengers with disabilities. There are, however, elevators and moving walkways at main stations that provide access from the platform to street level, as well as payment machines adapted for passengers with disabilities and/or visual impairment. Passengers with visual disabilities can travel with their guide dogs as long as their service animals are leashed and muzzled. Check Lisbon Metro’s website for more information.
Porto’s new metro system affords accessibility for passengers with disabilities system-wide with a network of elevators, ramps, and spaces for wheelchairs onboard metro cars. Check Porto Metro’s website for more information about accessibility available only in Portuguese. Public transportation vehicles in general have specially reserved seats for individuals with disabilities, but some vehicles may not be equipped to load and secure wheelchairs mechanically.
Porto’s new metro system affords accessibility for passengers with disabilities system-wide with a network of elevators, ramps, and spaces for wheelchairs onboard metro cars. Check Porto Metro’s website for more information about accessibility available only in Portuguese.All Portuguese airports provide wheelchairs and bathrooms to accommodate disabilities.
Parking for people with disabilities, designated with a wheelchair symbol, is available in most supermarkets and commercial centers. Some lots offer free parking to vehicles displaying a disabled parking sign. There are no discounts for street parking.
The National Help Line for the Disabled (Linha Nacional de Apoio à Deficiência) can be reached by phone at 35121 795-9545 (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday). Assistance is only available in Portuguese.
Useful Links
www.countryreports.org
www.wheelchairtraveling.com
For accessible hotels see:
www.disabledholidays.com