Disability support services for wheelchair users in The Netherlands
Welcome to a summary of disability support services offered to wheelchair users living in The Netherlands — specifically Amsterdam. I’ve tried to provide an accurate overview, but please refer to the official websites for updated information.
Disclaimer: Although the list below includes a lot of wonderful services, it can be a challenging and lengthy process to get the help you need. Regulations are very strict, and you may find (like I did) that you need more support to live and move independently but simply don’t meet certain criteria. In any case, I hope this list can give you an idea of the potential support out there.
Who to contact
WMO Helpdesk for questions about mobility aids, accessible housing (renovations), home help, and transport services in Amsterdam.
Sociaal Loket provides free advice and information on a variety of topics, including disability support services.
Clientenbelang Amsterdam offers free advice and support about accessible homes, mobility aids, accessible transport, financial aid, and more.
UWV for information about (partial) unemployment disability benefits and work reintegration.
Mobility aids
Wheelchairs
If you’re living in the Netherlands and need a wheelchair long-term, you can apply for one via the municipality’s WMO Helpdesk. This includes:
Manual wheelchairs
Transport wheelchairs
Electric wheelchairs
Children’s wheelchairs
Adapted bicycles
There is also a possibility to apply for adapted bicycles via the WMO Helpdesk. This includes:
Walking bikes
Adult tricycles
Handbikes
Wheelchair bikes
Bicycle seats
Bathroom aids
Certain bathroom aids are not financed by the municipality. These can be bought or rented via an organisation like Medipoint. Examples include:
Shower chairs
Bath boards
Raised toilet seats
Toilet chairs
Grab rails
PGB vs. Zorg in Natura
Mobility aids and equipment via the municipality can either be obtained via a ‘Persoonsgebonden Budget‘ (PGB) or ‘Zorg in Natura‘:
PGB: This is a personal budget allocated to you by the municipality. It allows you to choose and compare options and buy your mobility aid from the company of your choice. With a PGB, you sign contracts, and make payment- and delivery arrangements yourself. More information can be found on the Dutch government website.
Zorg in Natura: The municipality chooses your mobility aid, the company it is purchased from, and arranges everything. This is less effort for the user but means you have less flexibility.
In both cases, the wheelchair or other mobility aid is officially municipality property (even if you’ve used it for a long time).
To apply for a wheelchair or adapted bicycle in Amsterdam, contact the WMO Helpdesk.
Housing
Making your current home accessible
Wheelchair users living in the Netherlands can apply for home accessibility modifications or renovations through the municipality. Examples include:
Widening doorways
A chairlift
A wheelchair-friendly shower
Making the garden accessible
Ramps or automatic doors in communal areas of an apartment building
Accessibility arrangements can be arranged via PGB or Zorg in Natura (see above ‘Mobility aids’ section for a comparison).
Moving into a new accessible home
Wheelchair users living in the Netherlands may be eligible to move into a fully wheelchair-friendly home with the help of the municipality.
Various criteria apply, including permanent wheelchair use; your current home is not wheelchair accessible, and the municipality has deemed modifications to your current home impossible or too expensive. If you are considered eligible, you can then apply for specific wheelchair-friendly homes listed on Woningnet Amsterdam. You can also apply for financial help with relocation costs.
For housing-related applications, contact the WMO Helpdesk or make an appointment at the Sociaal Loket Amsterdam for free advice and support.
Transportation
Car modifications
If you are living in Amsterdam and need accessibility modifications made to your car, you can apply via the WMO Helpdesk.
Disabled parking card (GPK)
If you’re a wheelchair user living in the Netherlands, you may be eligible for a European disability parking card (‘Europese gehandicapteparkeerkaart’ or ‘GPK’). This permit enables you to park for free in all disabled parking spots in the European Union (with the exception of parking garages; standard rates apply).
You can either apply for a drivers permit or a passenger permit. There are a number of criteria in order to be eligible for the permit (e.g. permanent wheelchair use, or chronic disability that severely impacts walking, and more) Further details can be found on the City of Amsterdam website.
Disabled parking permit for Amsterdam
If you have a European disabled parking permit (GPK) and are a registered resident of the city, you can apply for a disabled parking permit specific to Amsterdam. This allows you to park for free along parking spaces in Amsterdam’s streets.
Aanvullend Openbaar Vervoer (AOV)
The AOV (Additional Public Transport) service is meant for Amsterdam’s residents who have a disability which impacts their ability to independently use public transport. This taxi service picks you up and drops you off at the door of your destination. Costs are the same as public transport tickets for that distance. You may bring a companion during your trip (same rates apply).
The AOV is meant for travel to and from social and leisure activities – visiting family, friends, a trip to the museum, etc. It is not meant for travel to medical appointments, school, or work. If you apply and are eligible to use the AOV, you will receive a card with a unique AOV passenger number and online account.
You can book an AOV car or wheelchair accessible van, at least an hour in advance, via phone or the AOV app. Taxis are shared by AOV customers, meaning you may share a taxi with one or more passengers along your route. This makes the length of journeys quite unpredictable, as you might be by yourself, or you might be with 3 others who get dropped off first.
To apply for an AOV card, contact the WMO Helpdesk.
Valys
Valys is an additional taxi service meant for travel outside your region in the Netherlands (e.g. travel outside Amsterdam). Eligible applicants receive a personalised passenger number and card. For more information, please see the Valys website.
Transport to work
If you have reduced mobility and are unable to take public transport to work, the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) can help to arrange and subsidise a taxi service or suitable mobility aid for your daily commute. Click here for more information.
Airport wheelchair assistance
If you’re travelling by plane, Schiphol Airport provides wheelchair assistance services for departures and arrivals.
A ‘Carer’s Travel Pass’ on public transportation
If you live in The Netherlands, have a disability, and are unable to travel with public transportation independently, you may be eligible for a OV Begeleiderskaart (“Carer’s Travel Pass”). This allows the person accompanying you on public transportation to travel for free. Please see the Dutch government website for more information.
Social support
Rehabilitation team
Dutch hospitals and rehabilitation centres have what’s called a ‘rehabilitation team’. Led by a rehabilitation doctor (‘revalidatiearts‘) this multidisciplinary team also includes:
A social worker, who can support you emotionally, but also practically in terms of helping to organise disability benefits, understanding health insurance coverage, reintegration into work or school, and more. (Dutch: maatschappelijk werk(st)er).
An occupational therapist, who helps you to find ways to adapt and become as independent as possible in daily tasks despite physical challenges. This can also include practical help with applications for mobility aids, and more. (Dutch: ergotherapeut).
If you aren’t under the guidance of a rehabilitation team but feel you could benefit from the support, I recommend talking to your GP to discuss possibilities.
Additional help at home
The WMO Helpdesk can also help you to see if you are eligible for support like shopping or cleaning, meals on wheels, or other services.
Disability benefits and reintegration
Disability benefits
The UWV is the Dutch authority responsible for unemployment benefits and financial support if you are unable to work due to injury, disability or illness. Click here for a detailed overview of the different unemployment- and disability benefits in the Netherlands.
Reintegration in the workplace
The UWV also helps people to reintegrate into the workplace. Click here for more information.
Sports
Uniek Sporten has a large selection of adaptive sports opportunities across the Netherlands. It also includes a rental service for adaptive sports equipment.
Dutch Adaptives is an organisation that promotes adaptive sports. They hold several events each year and have a growing network of participants.
The City of Amsterdam made a list of municipality-supported sports programmes for wheelchair users and people with a disability. Click here to learn more.
* The above links are only in Dutch; feel free to contact me if you’d like a translation.
Useful Links
“What assistance can I get from my municipality?” on the Dutch government website provides an overview of social support available in the Netherlands.
“Where can I apply for a personal budget?” provides official information about the PGB for mobility aids, housing modifications, and other services.
The “Help and support with health and care“ page on the City of Amsterdam website offers information about the WMO Helpdesk and Sociaal Loket.
