Information for Disabled

Sweden is a leading country for disabled persons, as well as for those who suffer from allergies. There are a whole range of facilities suitable for disabled persons, designed especially for persons who are handicapped in one way or the other. The facilities are mostly easily accessible. Moreover, there are sound signals at most pedestrian crossings.

Escort

Tourist escort, also being qualified guides, are available in some places, ask at the tourist office.

Lodging

Hotels, camping, chalet villages, youth hostels, please, contact the nearest Swedish National Tourist Office in your home country. There are directories for each province in Sweden. The best way to get more information about lodging is to is to contact the local tourist offices.

Medical facilities

Remember that many types of medicine are prescribed in Sweden because of their narcotic content. It is, therefore, advisable to bring the medicine needed. In order to ensure that such medicine can be brought; a doctor's prescription, as well as a note from a pharmacy, must be brought. All injection needles and cannulae are forbidden by law. In order to ensure that such items can be brought; a doctor's prescription, as well as a note from a pharmacy, must be brought. All types and forms of narcotics are strictly forbidden by law and will unquestionably lead to imprisonment, however, if the drugs are needed to treat illness do not forget the doctor's prescription, as well as a note from a pharmacy.

Public convenience

There is a plenitude of facilities throughout the country. Look for these abbreviations: RWC is a toilet adapted for the disabled in wheelchairs. RTC is a chemical toilet adapted for the disabled in wheelchair.

Transport services

Air

When in need of help to embark and disembark an aircraft, notify the personnel when booking the flight. Help is provided to embark with an electric wheelchair.

Bus

There are several bus companies which provide excellent service for the disabled. Both for transports and guided tours. Contact the local tourist office for further information.

Car

In addition to the general rules listed in Driving, in the Useful Information. The yellow badge carrying the international symbol for the disabled persons allows parking where restrictions usually are in force, however, this is not applicable where parking is completely forbidden.

Disabled transport service

This is a special transport system in Sweden available to all disabled persons in Sweden. It can be used as a taxi service. The charge is by the hour. When taking longer trips the charge will be set for the distance. This service must be booked at least one day in advance. Further information can be obtained from local tourist offices.

Train, Swedish State Railways (SJ)

Allergy

There are non-smoking compartements on all Swedish trains. Animals are not allowed in these carriages. Please ask for seats in the non-smoking section when buying the tickets.
When in a sleeping car or couchettes, it is possible to specify the needs for synthetic materials solely.

Physically handicapped

There are specially constructed "transport chairs", helping the disabled person to reach their seats in the train. These should be booked a few days in advance of the planned journey. Trains indicated with a "T" always carry a transport chair. Folding wheelchairs can be brought into the carriage, other types can not.
It is possible to specify the seat, for example, close to the lavatory or, when in a sleeping car, a lower berth.
InterCity trains, and a few others, have wider and less steep entrances as well as larger lavatories. Look for A7, first class or B7, second class.
A completely new type of carriage is available, allowing passengers to sit in their own wheelchair during the whole journey.

Personal assistance

If one require personal assistance to get on and off the train this should be notified in advance, preferably when booking the ticket.

Visually

Guide dogs can be brought everywhere except in the non smoking lounge areas. In a sleeping car, or a couchette, the whole compartment must be booked. Please, notify the personnel, when booking the ticket, that a guide dog is brought.

Associations

Aphasia Society/Afasi Förbundet (Swedish Only)
The Swedish CDG Society/CDG Föreningen An association for person with the CDG - syndrome, or "Carbohydrate Deficient Glycoprotein - syndrome.
DHR, De Handikappades Riksförbund A National Association for disabled Persons.
The Swedish Association of Neurologically Disabled/NHR, Neurologisk Handikappades Riksförbund. A National Association for Neurological Disabled Persons.
RBU The Swedish National Association for Disabled Children and Young People/Riksförbundet för rörelsehindrade barn och ungdomar
The Swedish Hemophilia Society/Förbundet Blödarsjuka i Sverige
HRF The Swedish Association for the Hearing Impaired/Hörselskadades Riksförbund
Swedish Tourette Syndrome association/Svensk Tourette Förening
Swedish Youth Allergic Association/Unga Allergiker (Swedish only)
Swedish Handicap Institute/Handikappinstitutet The Institute provides information and training and stimulates reSearch and development.

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