I need a wheelchair.
'Rotelle' — ro-TEL-le. Double 'l'; stress on the second syllable.
Ask at an airport, museum, or tourist site when someone in your group is unable to walk and needs wheelchair assistance. Most Italian attractions offer this service on request.
'Sedia a rotelle' (wheelchair) literally means wheeled chair. 'Ho bisogno di una' (I need a) + feminine singular noun. This phrase can be extended: 'Ho bisogno di una sedia a rotelle per mia madre' (I need a wheelchair for my mother).
C'è un servizio di assistenza per disabili?
Is there a disability assistance service?
Ask about the full range of mobility services.
Il percorso è accessibile?
Is the route accessible?
Check whether the tour or site is wheelchair-friendly.
C'è l'ascensore?
Is there a lift?
Stairs are common obstacles in Italian historic buildings.
Italy has made significant progress in making tourist sites accessible, but the historic nature of many buildings limits what can be done. The Vatican Museums, Uffizi, and Colosseum all have wheelchair access to major areas but not everywhere. Pre-booking wheelchair assistance is recommended.