The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and this Consulate are keen to ensure that their buildings and services are fully accessible to disabled members of the public. Wherever possible, we have made our buildings and services accessible. Sometimes, however, this is not possible due to security or other restrictions. In these situations we will try to provide a service or access to a building in an alternative way to ensure equality of access for disabled people. To assist disabled visitors, we have set out below details of disabled access at this Consulate. We hope this information is helpful.

General physical access

The British Consulate in Florence is located on the first floor of a 14th century palace on a busy street in the city centre. Offices and private apartments on upper floors share the ground-floor entrance with the Consulate. The building is listed, but the Consulate has been adapted to be as accessible as possible within the very strict building constraints placed upon it.

Access from the street to the entrance atrium is clear, and there is a lift to the first floor. There is a custodian on duty who will call a member of Consulate staff if a visitor requires assistance. In the event that a visitor is unable to access the Consulate via the lift, a member of staff would arrange to see them in the atrium.

The lift is small and would take one, light travelling wheelchair. Otherwise, entrance is by a flight of broad, marble stairs with a secure handrail. The stairway is well lit, but there is no edging on the stairs as this would contravene listed building regulations.

Floors are covered in marble or fitted carpet.

The toilet is inside the Consulate on the first floor. There is a wide entrance to the lockable outer wash-room, but the entrance to the inner WC is narrow. Consulate staff would provide assistance from the washroom to the toilet if required.

There are no parking facilities at the Consulate, but there are facilities for set-down. The nearest pay parking is about 500 metres further along the street. Visitors should be aware that there is a police patrol vehicle stationed permanently alongside the front entrance.

Emergency evacuation procedures include arrangements for the evacuation of disabled visitors.

Phones are accessible to wheelchair users.

Access for visually-impaired users

This is a small Consulate with only one, public room. Signing is clear and easy to read. Documents are not provided in braille, but a member of Consulate staff will assist visually impaired visitors as required.

Guide dogs are welcome, but should be kept under control at all times to comply with legislation.

Access for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors

There are no particular facilities for customers who are hard of hearing; and none of the staff is proficient in signing. However, a member of staff would take time to ensure effective written communication.

Hearing dogs are welcome, but should be kept under control at all times to comply with legislation.