Guida alla mobilità - Mia MedicalMia Medical

25 March 2021
Ingrid Stefanazzi

Mobility Guide

1. The right to mobility

Article 27 of Law 118/71 states, inter alia:

"...public transport services and in particular trams and metros shall be accessible to non-ambulatory disabled persons..."

The decree that implemented this rule dates back to 1978 (Presidential Decree 384/78), to which must be added Law 41/86.
All these regulations tend to facilitate the mobility of the disabled by their own or public means.

We must add that with the issuance of the Ministry of Transport decree of 18/7/91, all buses, whether for public or private use, with more than nine seats used for the joint transport of disabled persons and other passengers, including those used for school transport, must meet certain technical prescriptions, such as to allow access to non-ambulatory persons and wheelchairs.
Later regulations dictated rules in specific fields:

Law 104/92 art. 26 - Requires regions and municipalities to ensure the mobility of disabled people even where public transport is not accessible
Law 21/92 stipulates that taxis must also be accessible to the disabled. It requires municipalities to regulate and define the minimum number of taxis for transporting the disabled.
Presidential Decree 503/96 calls for public transport to be equipped with those devices that allow the disabled to be transported safely. Art. 24 of the decree prescribes the obligation for metros to reserve at least three seats for people with walking difficulties, to have enough space inside a car to accommodate a wheelchair, and to facilitate access to the metro also through the installation of lifts.
Ministerial Decree 236/89 art. 2, which recommends the installation of devices signalling the proximity of sources of danger, in particular for the blind (audible traffic lights), Braille signs for lifts and light signals for the deaf and dumb.
The Italian postal service has started to set up disabled-accessible counters in application of the D.P.C.M. of 30 January 1996 (Quality Charter of the Public Postal Service).

2. Travelling

ARTICLE 20 OF THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES deals with PERSONAL MOBILITY. "Moving and getting around independently is very important for people with disabilities.
Personal mobility has many aspects: travelling, moving from one place to another in a city, moving within a building.
States must make mobility easier for people with disabilities. But it is the people themselves who decide which way they prefer to move. People with disabilities must have access to everything that facilitates mobility'.

2.1 Travelling by car

Disabled persons, with physical or sensory limitations, may obtain a special driving licence for categories A, B, C and D, subject to verification of physical and psychic requirements carried out by special 'local medical commissions', set up at each provincial authority in the Piedmont region through the ASPs of the provincial capital. Special driving licences may be restricted to driving vehicles of particular types and characteristics, and with certain adaptations prescribed by local medical commissions.

The necessary limitations and adaptations must be entered on the driving licence. According to the Highway Code, the special driving licence must be renewed every five years. The actual duration may be shorter, depending on the type and degree of the holder's pathology, which may be subject to worsening in the near future.
For the disabled person who buys or adapts a vehicle in his or her own name (or in the name of a family member or tax dependent child) there are certain tax benefits:

exemption from payment of motor vehicle tax (vignette);
VAT at 4%;
the IRPEF deduction of 19%;
exemption from registration tax at the PRA (except for the blind and deaf → Definitions).

For holders of special driving licences who have undergone an examination for the renewal of their licences, the offices of the DMV are authorised to issue a provisional driving permit, which is valid until the conclusion of the procedures. In addition, for those who have to adapt their car for driving or transport purposes, there is an ASP contribution of 20% for car adaptation.
The following categories of disabled persons or their dependent family members are eligible (i.e. the gross annual income of the disabled person must not exceed €2,840.51):

the blind and civilly deaf (formerly 'deaf-mute');
mentally or mentally handicapped persons who receive an accompaniment allowance;
the disabled with severe limitation of walking ability or suffering from multiple disabilities;
disabled persons with reduced or impeded mobility.

Facilitation for circulation and parking of vehicles with the disabled on board

In accordance with art. 5 of Presidential Decree 384/78 and Presidential Decree 503/96, vehicles transporting the disabled may park and circulate in restricted traffic zones, in the preferential lanes open to public transport and taxis, and may park in areas where there is a ban as long as they do not obstruct traffic. The vehicle must have the appropriate badge displayed. Issued by the municipality of residence.

Summing up:

The mark is valid throughout the country (Ministry of Public Works Decree No. 1176/79 Art. 2);
is strictly personal, not linked to a specific vehicle, and is valid for five years.
Presidential Decree 384/78 provides for special parking spaces to facilitate the mobility of the disabled. Law 104/92 art. 28 requires municipalities to provide parking spaces for the handicapped, both in those managed directly or given in concession, and in those built and managed by private individuals;
In special cases, (residential streets or parking spaces at offices or workplaces), the disabled person may request that the signpost, provided by the municipality, show the number plate of the vehicle used by the disabled person himself, in order to allow the exclusive use of that particular parking space (Ministerial Decree of Public Works no. 1270/79);
Vehicles displaying a parking card may park in many zones that are otherwise prohibited. Parking is never permitted, even with a parking card, in the following areas - reserved lanes; - preselection zones; - zebra-patterned pedestrian crossings; - bus stop areas; - pedestrian islands.
Marked vehicles may also drive in areas closed to normal traffic (e.g. historic town centres).

The only restriction is the prohibition to use the preferential lanes set aside for public means of transport only (in particular rail vehicles). Circular no. 1030 of 13 June 1983 of the Ministry of Public Works reiterates that if the preferential lane is reserved for other categories (taxis, refuse collection, security, etc.), it may also be used by vehicles bearing the disabled person's markings.

Where to apply

The badge must be applied for at the municipality of residence (usually at the traffic police headquarters).

Who can benefit

All disabled persons with severe and persistent mobility difficulties and all those who, due to the severity of their disability, cannot independently access public transport, (please refer to the provisions of the various municipalities).

2.2 Urban transport

In addition to the provisions of Presidential Decree 384/78, (bus accessibility, metro seat reservation, etc.), other measures have intervened to facilitate the mobility of the disabled by public transport. It should be remembered that Law 104/92 art. 26 requires regions and municipalities to ensure the mobility of disabled persons and to make up for the lack or absence of public transport where it is lacking with suitable means.
In several municipalities there are reduced fares for disabled persons, as well as the possibility of using the taxi service for free or at a reduced rate.
Lastly, it should be noted that the Ministry of Transport has the authority to type-approve prototypes of urban, suburban and taxi buses that are accessible to the disabled (Article 26, paragraph 5, Law 104/92).

2.3 Travelling by train

The State Railways has planned and implemented various initiatives to make it easier for the disabled to use the train. Reception centres are in operation in 110 stations. These centres are the point of reference for the travel needs of the disabled.

What can you get from the reception centre?

Accompaniment and help from the station entrance to the train;
Help and accompaniment for getting off the train to the station exit or accompaniment and accommodation on any connecting train;
If required, ticket purchase and seat reservation;
The free availability of a wheelchair for travel within the station;
The signalling of the request for the refreshment service at the seat on trains equipped with a restaurant car;
Information on rail services.

How to get assistance?

In order to use the services, it is necessary to call or go to the reception centres at least 24 hours before the departure of the chosen train.

In addition, it is advisable to arrive at the station 45 minutes in advance in order to get the maximum assistance.

Inside the station

In many stations the platforms and ticket counters have been fitted with slides to allow wheelchair users access. In stations where the barriers have not yet been dismantled, assistance staff are on hand to help with any difficulties or obstacles.

Wheelchair transport

The transport of the disabled person's wheelchair is free of charge. In this regard, it should be borne in mind that:

those travelling with a rigid wheelchair must use the carriages provided and marked with the symbol for the disabled; if this is not possible, work out the most appropriate solution together with the reception centre;
the transport of disabled persons with powered wheelchairs is only permitted on trains equipped with luggage compartments.

On the train

If the reception centre is activated, the disabled person is brought into the carriage with a special lift. In the composition of main trains, there is a second-class carriage designed to accommodate two disabled persons with wheelchairs or who need to travel in a lying position and two accompanying persons. It will be the responsibility of the departure reception centre to notify the arrival station in order to activate the necessary assistance. In addition, on trains equipped with a refreshment service, the disabled passenger may request a drink directly at the seat occupied, with no surcharge on the list price; for the use of these seats and the relative reservation, Ferrovie dello Stato recommends contacting the reception centres.

Blue card how to get it

The blue card is to be requested at station ticket offices or reception centres, upon presentation of the certificate attesting to the need for accompaniment issued by the medical commission for the recognition of civil disability of the Provincial Health Authority.

What it entitles

This card can be used to purchase a train ticket and any supplement, valid for two people, (i.e. free travel for the accompanying person).

Facilities

- Disabled children between 4 and 12 years of age are eligible for a reduced 50% ticket.

- Blind persons. Persons with a visual capacity of less than one tenth, in both eyes, (recognised by the special committee of the ASP) can take advantage of a special concession (concession 3) valid for five years and for travel by an accompanying person only. The concession is arranged by the Italian Union of the Blind and the Italian Association of the Blind.

2.4 Travelling by air

The transport of disabled persons by air is governed by European Regulation (EC, 1107/2006).

The Regulation provides for compulsory and free assistance for all passengers with reduced mobility and applies to all flights (scheduled, charter, low-cost):

departing from or in transit through an EU airport (including Norway, Iceland and Switzerland);
departing from a non-Community airport to a Community airport (including Norway, Iceland and Switzerland) , only if the airline operating the flight is Community (or Norwegian, Icelandic or Swiss).

Furthermore, it is important to know that the assistance of users of this means of transport is regulated by specific airline regulations.

Airport reception

In some airports in Italy, e.g. Rome Fiumicino, Turin and Milan Malpensa, information and assistance services are active. These are the Friendly Lounges, where televisions, nursery facilities, children's games, telephones for the deaf, barrier-free toilets, newspapers and magazines also in Braille, and special seats are available. At all other Italian airports, the re-entry point for the disabled is the check-in desk at the airport of departure.

Wheelchair at the airport and in flight

In several aircraft, aisle-side seats with fold-down armrests are available, allowing disabled customers to sit and move around more easily. The company provides an on-board wheelchair for easy movement within the cabin. Disabled passengers in possession of their own wheelchair can check it in free of charge as checked baggage. On request, if there is space, the chair can also be transported in the cabin.

Oxygen therapy and stretcher on board

This service, which is only available on certain planes, must be booked at least 48 hours before departure and is subject to a surcharge. In some cases, the presence of an accompanying person who provides for the personal needs of the assisted person during all phases of the trip is mandatory.

Guide dogs

Guide dogs for blind passengers may travel in the hold with a special kennel or, subject to space availability, in the cabin provided they are muzzled and leashed. The carriage of guide dogs is free of charge and is not subject to animal weight limits. Passengers must request the availability of space for their dog when booking their flight and must also provide the necessary equipment for the animal's journey (muzzle, kennel, etc.).

Lunch on board

In some cases, if travellers have specific dietary requirements, they can book special meals, available on all flights
international flights lasting at least 3 hours. In this case, these requirements must be indicated at the time of booking or within 24 hours of departure.
All customers requiring special assistance must complete and hand in the Medical Information Form (Medif), which is the medical clearance, at check-in no earlier than 7 days before departure.
Legislative Decree number 24 of 24 February 2009 outlines the obligations for airport operators and airlines. In addition to the ban on refusing boarding or booking a flight on the grounds of disability or reduced mobility, here is a summary of the most important provisions:

information for disabled passengers must be in an accessible format, whether it concerns safety regulations or any restrictions on transport;
after departure, you must inform the operators of the destination airport of the presence of a disabled person on board and of the assistance needed upon arrival;
information in the terminals must be clear for people with disabilities and every aircraft must have suitable staff to provide assistance; in addition, all airports with an annual passenger transit of more than 150,000 must select and make public the quality standards for assistance.

2.5 Travelling by ship

Passengers with reduced mobility are entitled to free assistance during embarkation and disembarkation, when changing vessels, on board or in the port area. To obtain the best possible service, you should contact the carrier, ticket office and/or tour operator at least 48 hours before the journey and specify the type of assistance required. Even if this has not been done, the carrier and terminal operator are required to make every effort to assist the passenger during embarkation and disembarkation and during the journey. For special needs in terms of accommodation, seat assignment or assistance, i.e. if you need to bring along medical equipment, you must inform the ticket office at the time of booking. Carriers may ask the passenger to be accompanied by another person, if this is necessary for safety reasons due to the conformation of the vessel and/or port facilities: in this case the accompanying person travels free of charge. Should the traveller encounter difficulties in exercising his/her rights or face problems in obtaining assistance during the trip, the port authorities or the carrier with whom he/she is travelling must be informed.

2.6 Travelling by coach

A person with a disability has the right to travel even when using the coach as a means of transport. In fact, they cannot be prevented from buying a ticket, making a reservation or boarding a coach on the grounds of reduced mobility, unless this is absolutely necessary to comply with health and safety regulations or the infrastructure is not such as to guarantee safe transport.

For long-distance journeys (more than 250 km):

the transport company must allow a person of your choice to travel free of charge - if this solves health and safety problems that would otherwise prevent you from travelling;
you are entitled to assistance and to get on and off the bus.

Assistance is free of charge, but to make sure you get it, you should contact the transport company, ticket office or tour operator at least 36 hours before your trip and specify the help you need. The operator or terminal manager may ask you to present yourself at a designated point one hour before the scheduled departure. Should problems arise in obtaining assistance during your journey, you should inform the terminal operator or the transport company with which you are travelling.