So last 2019, before the pandemic, I brought my mom to Taiwan. She’s a person with a disability (PWD) and yes, it was just her and I! Having experienced Taiwan several times already, I noticed that there are so many PWDs who are able to go around the city on their own.
My mom on the other hand is an adventurer and traveler herself. I asked her to tag along and she thought that seeing Taiwan herself and experiencing the city that she thinks is PWD friendly would be an awesome idea!
From the airport we took a bus to Taipei Main Station then took a taxi to our hotel. The airport bus terminal was very PWD friendly as it was all level that even people in wheelchairs can navigate them alone.
That same day, we took the metro to Taipei Main Station to meet up with my mom’s friend. She explains that the Taipei Metro was full of accessibility features for people with disability such as tactile floors that help the blind navigate the subway.
This is the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. See those stairs they were not a problem, The same steps were inclined and acts as a ramp on its ends!
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The museum also have the usual wheelchair access. There were plenty of ramps for the disabled.
Danshui Fisherman’s Warf
Our next stop was Danshui’s Fisherman’s Warf. We used the MRT again all the way from the Museum. It was a good one hour in the train. You can see through the windows as the scenery become more relaxed compared to the capital.
Getting off the train and the station was a breeze with the series of ramps and elevators that is available to use. We started exploring Danshui (Tamsui) from the docks where the famous white bridge is. My mom’s friend who was wheelchair bond didnt get to climb the bridge though because it had stairs instead of a ramp. She enjoyed the view though from the warf.
Danshui Lover’s Bridge
Taking the Maokong Gondola
The next day, we were off to explore Maokong. We road the transparent gondola all the way to the top of the mountain. The same day that afternoon, my mom took the slow train to see her friend at the next county.
The huge damper to stabilize the Taipei 101 bldg.
This is Liberty Square and that at the top of the photo is the Chang Kai Shek memorial. We didn’t bother going there as it was about to close and it was starting to rain.
Going back to the airport via the Airport MRT
Checking in the scooter and mom getting wheeled to the departure gates.
So there, that was about three to four days of adventure in Taiwan with my mom. I wouldn’t say there were no issues going around like finding the elevators or the ramps but there are! Also, accompanying two people with disability was extremely tiring when in Taiwan. Not because you have to assist them all the time, actually they can be very well independent on their own. It was exhausting trying to catch up with two people on wheels and you on the other hand have to walk-run just to keep up! Hahahaha!
Anyways, if you have elderly on wheelchairs or just like me with a loved one traveling with disabilities, do not be afraid that their access will be limited. Yes there will be restrictions for them but I tell you, its going to be negligible.
You can also watch our Taipei vlog to see the full PWD in Taipei experience.
Boats waiting for the race to start
Pedicab Race Finishers waiting for the rest of the pack
LGU night performers
Mutya ng Tabakla Candidates
Rock Tabak Concert
Mayor Krisel enjoying the night with senior citizens during the seniors night
Live band for the city’s senior citizens
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