Access City – The European Award for Accessible Cities
66 European cities (including a number of cities from Ireland) from 19 EU countries have been competing to receive the Access City Award 2011. The Award recognises efforts and achievements in improving accessibility in four main areas: the built environment and public spaces; transport and related infrastructures; information and communication (including information and communication technologies); and public facilities and services.
The innovative European competition sets out to showcase and reward cities of over 50,000 inhabitants which act as proactive supporters of accessibility for persons with disabilities and take exemplary steps to improve accessibility in the urban environment. Out of the 30 national nominees, the European jury selected four European cities as finalists but unfortunately Ireland wasn’t represented. These cities are Avila, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Cologne, Germany and Turku in Finland.
The Award for the most accessible European city was announced on the 2nd of December 2010 and was given to Avila, Spain. The European jury selected Avila because of its wide-ranging plan, the high level of political commitment, the progress achieved so far, and the effective involvement of people with disabilities in the process.
Follow the link for further information on the most accessible city in Europe and judges decision.
