Kinshasa - Post Report Question and Answers
Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes - Sep 2024
Yes, if you have physical disabilities I would not recommend coming to this city. Handicap accessible does not exist here. - May 2024
This is not a city for someone with physical disabilities. There are no facilities or services here. - Aug 2022
This would be a challenging place for someone with physical disabilities. The roads do not have sidewalks, and the Embassy buildings (both work and housing) are mostly very old and would not be up to ADA standards. In my opinion, technology in the Embassy seems to be outdated, and it seems like it would be a big challenge to get disability accommodations here. However, with certain preparations, I think certain disabilities like learning challenges or cognitive differences could be manageable. Definitely do your research and talk to people current at post. - May 2022
It really depends on the individual and the disability. Most apartments have elevators. The sidewalks aren't really walkable, but we don't really walk around much. It would take effort, but someone with a disability could identify those places/restaurants/stores that are usable to all and make it work here. - Aug 2019
YES. Kinshasa's infrastructure is not good. There are very few sidewalks, no ramps, and elevators are not common. The embassy itself is far from ADA compliant; there are no elevators and they only recently installed wheelchair ramps and handicapped-accessible bathrooms. - Apr 2019
Yes. - Dec 2017
It can be very difficult to get around here. If your physical difficulties hinder your mobility then I think it could be tough. Most buildings (including the Chancery and JAO) have no elevators and are multiple stories tall. This is not an ADA-compliant post!! - Mar 2017
Yes. The roads are terrible and most buildings are not accessible. Even office buildings rarely have elevators. Popular weekend outings (e.g. visiting the bonobo sanctuary, hiking) are not friendly to those with disabilities. - Jan 2017
I can't even imagine how someone would survive there. - Sep 2016
Yes. The streets/roads are a disaster, there are basically no sidewalks, I've seen two ramps while we've been here - one at the US Embassy and one at the British Embassy. There are people here with physical difficulties, but life is harder for them I guarantee it. - Apr 2016
I would imagine extreme difficulty. The Embassy and housing are not ADA compliant and the city is very difficult to navigate without any physical constraints. There is a very large physically disabled population that crowds the streets in makeshift wheelchairs, crutches, and other crude aids but that doesn't mean it is easy. - Jan 2014
This is not a good city for disabled people. That said, the city is full of polio victims, war and accident victims, and persons with various other disabilities, and they're all managing to get by through some amazing ingenuity. But there are no handicapped spots, ADA compliant facilities, or handicapped washrooms. - Nov 2012
It would be very very difficult. The Embassy is very old and there are no elevators/ramps. Everyday errands are involved and parking is usually on the side of road over bumpy terrain in a crowded area. - Feb 2012
Just getting around would be difficult. - Nov 2011
Too many - Aug 2011
There is no ADA here. Mission buildings and housing are not easily accessible to anyone with special needs, and there are no special considerations. Movement around town or the area can be very difficult. There are no sidewalks, curbs are broken or missing, and streets in a constant state of dis-repair. - Jan 2011
Many, as there really are no sidewalks. - Oct 2010
Bad roads, no sidewalks. Trying to maneuver a wheelchair on the roads would be a nightmare. - Jan 2009
