Are there any blog readers who are wheelchair users?

I’m looking for any blog readers who are wheelchair users, or who have accompanied wheelchair users around the Vesuvian sites. I’ve accompanied wheelchair visitors myself and know that it is well worth it, if somewhat tiring!

We all know that archaeological sites are particularly challenging in terms of access, and it is something that the Soprintendenza is aware of and trying to prioritize (Commissario Fiori is keen to tackle this issue properly in 2010).

However, in the immediate we’d like to help improve the experience of wheelchair visitors (we being the Herculaneum Conservation Project) – and one proposal we’re looking at is a scheme where you could borrow a wheelchair from the ticket office on arrival at Herculaneum, one that would be more robust, lighter and could take the curbs better.

What do you think? Is it a waste of time and money? Is your average wheelchair already robust enough to cope? Would you rather have other services offered?

Any feedback would be very much appreciated!
Thanks, Sarah