THE APPROACH IN FINLAND

Transport facilities for the mobility-handicapped in Finland are described. A quarter of taxis are small bus-like vehicles which can take 2 wheelchairs and can also be used for able-bodied passengers. The 'Invataxi' service developed specifically for disabled people uses similar vehicles and is likely to be merged with the other service. Taxis are also used to convey home-help personnel, food, medicine and post. Details are given of funding and the cost effectiveness of taxis. The services provided by taxis in Finland are considered to be a more humane way of treating people who would otherwise be institutionalised. A number of recommendations for taxi services for the disabled are listed and include the use of the private sector, the provision of local and central government funding, funding to make taxis wheelchair- accessible and more disability-awareness training for drivers. For the covering abstract see IRRD 853163.