Please note, if you have a disability and require the necessary services we recommend that you (and a carer) register as a 'pilgrim with a disability'. As well as giving you easier access to designated viewing areas this will also enable you to use the WYD08 accessible shuttle bus service between public transport and World Youth Day venues.

If you are not a registered pilgrim (with the recognised disability or carer identification) and you have mobility difficulties, you will need to use the NSW Government operated Shuttle Buses. These will be running from Bondi Junction to the Final Mass at Centennial Park. If you are not a registered pilgrim and require assistance getting to the Final Mass, you must get to Bondi Junction. Please allow plenty of time if you intend to use this service as long delays are expected.

Pilgrims with a disability

WYD08 aims to enable all pilgrims, with or without a disability, to participate equitably in reaffirming their faith and to participate in the WYD08 events fully and inclusively.

You will have the choice of participating in WYD08 with your group or being allocated to the Disability Needs Area at the major events*, and some of the Catechesis and Youth Festival sites within the CBD.

*major events are the Opening Mass, Papal Welcome, Stations of the Cross, Vigil and Final Mass

Please carefully read the information below, but for specific information relating to your area of disability please:

• Click here if you are deaf or hearing impaired.
• Click here if you are blind or vision impaired.
• Click here for all other disabilities.

Dunital / UNITALSI. This service is intended to support pilgrims with disabilities who have decided they want to attend WYD2008 together with their companions, friends or family, this service can be used by all pilgrim-groups in order to actively support the shared experience of a joint pilgrimage.

1. General information on Registration

• WYD08 will take great care in allocating pilgrims with a disability to accessible locations and venues throughout the week's events, particularly with regard to accommodation and catechesis sites. To help us best assist you, please register all your needs and requirements in our registration system .
• If you are accompanied by a carer, you will need to indicate this, and their name, on your registration form and join or form a group that will include your carer.
• Your carer will also need to register as a pilgrim, indicate that they are a member of your group and pay the registration fee.
• It will be the group leader's responsibility to ensure that your disability needs are appropriately registered. NB: It might be a good idea for you to be the Group Leader to ensure your requirements are met.
• If you wish, you can form a small family group or register with your carer as a group. We would encourage any pilgrims with disabilities (and their carers) to form a small group (so as to be able to access the Disability Needs Areas) and link this group to your larger group to ensure you are still able to participate in all the other WYD08 activities with your friends or parish.
• As a registered pilgrim with a disability, both you and your carer will be provided with a Pilgrim Passport which features a disability symbol. This symbol allows you to access the Disability Needs Areas at major events and venues (where provided) and entitles you to use the Access shuttle bus service.

WYD08 volunteers will be on hand within WYD08 venues to assist you and your carer/s to access your allocated area, or the disability needs areas, at the major events. Your carer will need to assist you in getting from your accommodation and Catechesis site.

Limited numbers of accessible toilets will be provided at the major events within ALL the regular amenity areas.

Emergency health and medical care will be available at the major venues and at many of the city sites and venues.

2. General information on Accommodation

There are several things to be taken into account before registering. Please consider your package and accommodation choice depending on the level of care and comfort you require:

• The accommodation in Package A is simple accommodation - which is floorspace provided in schools and parishes. Some of these accommodation sites have disabled access and disabled amenities. Please do not select Package A if you cannot sleep on the floor.
• If you require a higher level of accommodation you will need to choose Package B and either stay in 'own accommodation' which covers both staying with relatives or friends and/or arranging for an accessible hotel room through our registration system. There are a variety of hotels in Sydney which would suit your needs.
• If you live locally, and do not require accommodation, please choose 'own accommodation' for your group and tick 'make own arrangements' on the disability page.
• If you are staying with your group you will be accommodated in the same facilities as your group members.
• If your group chooses Package A and you (and/or your carer) wish to change your accommodation to Package B you will need to create a new group, but you can link your new group to theirs. This means you will be in separate accommodation (with your carer) but can participate in the rest of the activities with your original group. We will do our best to ensure this link for you, but cannot guarantee it.

3. General information on Disability Needs Areas

• Access for persons with mobility disabilities and/or in a wheelchair will be provided at all major events, at many Catechesis sites and at the various Youth Festival events within the CBD.
• As a pilgrim with a disability you have the choice of participating in WYD08 with your group or being allocated to the Disability Needs area at the major events and at the various Youth festivals within the CBD.
• Please email disability@wyd2008.org if you wish to be allocated to the Disability Needs area.
• At major venues the Disability Needs Areas are located in areas which are more closely linked to public transport services, shuttle bus drop off and pick up locations (where provided), and onsite venue amenities and services.
• The Disability Needs Areas provide better access, more space and are generally closer to accessible toilets. They are more comfortable and easier to access and are suitable for all pilgrims with a disability. People with higher mobility needs, especially wheelchair users, are encouraged to seek allocation to these areas.

4. General information on Transport

• Accessible

  

  public transport and transport hubs will be clearly identified and allow young people with a disability to plan your journey to the WYD08 events within Sydney.
• This symbol indicates that a rail station or bus service is accessible to a person who uses a wheelchair.
• An access shuttle bus service, for pilgrims with a disability and their carer/s, will operate between Central station and Randwick Racecourse for the Vigil and Final Mass only.

Expect Delays

Due to the large crowds expected during WYD08, you and your carer/s will need to allow plenty of time to get to and from WYD08 venues and events.

It is recommended that you and your carer/s carefully consider the events you wish to attend and ensure that you take with you any personal care and medical items you need for the day.

Packing extra care items and food is recommended as all pilgrims, including pilgrims with a disability, are likely to experience delays when arriving at and leaving mass gathering sites.

Travel with a Carer

Major railway stations, especially Central station, and bus interchanges will be congested during WYD08. To ease the potential difficulties you may experience in moving through these crowded transport terminals it is recommended that you travel with a carer/s or friend who can provide assistance if required.

Access Shuttle Bus Service

As a registered pilgrim with a disability, both you and your carer/s are entitled to use the Access shuttle bus service. This is a limited service and will shuttle you and your carer/s between Central station and Randwick Racecourse for the Vigil and Final Mass only.

Please Note: For a carer to travel on the Access shuttle bus they must be accompanied by a pilgrim with a disability.

The access shuttle bus service will not be made available for any other WYD08 events as all other WYD venues are in the CBD and are in close proximity to accessible rail stations and bus stops. For these events, you and your carer/s will need to use the public rail and bus networks.

Click here for further information on Public Transport

Please contact us at disability@wyd2008.org if you:

• Have difficulty completing the registration or wish to inform WYD08 of your specific disability needs.
• Are intending to use the Disability Needs Areas at major venues and events.
• Are planning to use the Access Shuttle Bus for transport between Central Station and Randwick Race Course for the Vigil and Final Mass.
• Are intending to stay at Randwick Race Course for the overnight Vigil.