Description
Initiatives undertaken by the Austrian capital to improve access to public spaces, public transport, information and communication technologies and public services have significantly improved the lives of people with disabilities. The city's comprehensive approach, combining social, economic and environmental sustainability, is a prime example of how large capital cities can successfully integrate accessibility into every aspect of urban life. Vienna is the second Austrian city to win the Access City Award, after Salzburg in 2012.
Helena Dalli, Commissioner for Equality, presented the award to the city of Vienna at the 2024 European Day of People with Disabilities conference organised by the Commission and the European Disability Forum. This year's edition marked the 15th anniversary of the Access City Award.
All underground stations and more than 95 per cent of bus and tram stops are accessible using tactile guidance systems, low-floor vehicles and multi-sensory emergency systems. Vienna's Inclusive Strategy 2030 and its collaborative approach with organisations of people with disabilities in decision-making also demonstrate the city's strong commitment to achieving accessibility. Specific projects such as accessible swimming pools, smart traffic lights and support for housing and employment integration have contributed significantly to making Vienna more accessible and inclusive.
Nuremberg (Germany) received the second award for its committed and strategic approach to accessibility in areas such as transport, employment, sport and leisure to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Its special council on disability ensures active engagement with people with disabilities in city planning. As this year was marked by the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Commission also awarded Nuremberg a special mention for accessible sports infrastructure for its investment in inclusive sports centres with adapted equipment and training for coaches in adaptive sports and inclusive swimming programmes.
The city of Cartagena (Spain) won the third prize for its efforts to make tourism and cultural life more accessible to people with disabilities. For example, the city offers assistance to people with disabilities when bathing at popular beaches, accessible reserved seating at public events, and accessible recreational areas and playgrounds.
Borås (Sweden) was also awarded a special mention for its role as a model in the built environment and transport. This honours the city's long-standing commitment and initiatives to significantly exceed national accessibility standards in public transport, streets, buildings and other parts of the built environment. Borås won the Access City Award in 2015 and continues its enduring efforts to remove barriers for people with disabilities.
More than 100 million people in the EU have a disability, according to Eurostat. Accessible spaces, both physical and digital, are a crucial first step towards achieving equality. Access to transport, public buildings, shops, parks or websites is essential for people with disabilities to make their own choices and take control of their lives.
Since 2010, the Access City Award has celebrated cities that make accessibility their priority. The award is also part of the Disability Rights Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to build a barrier-free Europe.
This year, 57 candidate cities applied for the award, the highest number of applications in the last decade. Of these, 33 were pre-selected by national juries. The four finalist cities were then selected by the EU jury.
Source: European Commission - DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
Image owner: European Commission - DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion