Accessibility is important because it makes people’s lives as easy as possible. We’ve chosen five spaces in which access and getting around are both simple and comfortable.
City of Arts and Sciences (Valencia)
Aside from its incredible cultural offerings and majestic installations, this space has been adapted for those with visual, hearing, and physical impairments. The Science Museum has doors made entirely of glass, staff that are available at all times, elevators that make it possible to access every floor, and pathways through the building that are non-slip and step-free, and many other features. There is also a wheelchair lending service for people with reduced mobility.
Singapore
Singapore is one of the most accessible cities in the world. Almost all of the city’s main attractions are completely accessible, including the cable car. There is also a fully accessible train network and taxis for people that use wheelchairs. Large green spaces are another well-known feature of the city.
Milan’s historic centre (Italy)
In 2011, Milan committed to making all of its monuments and historic buildings accessible to people with reduced mobility. The old city is now completely obstacle free. The city council has a close working relationship with organisations for people with functional diversity, who point out architectural and sensory barriers so that they can be removed, create maps of the public transport network, and have a say in urban planning decisions. Everyone can now comfortably move around places such as the Piazza del Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and the Cenacolo Vincianco (where Da Vinci’s The Last Supper is on display).
Château des ducs de Bretagne (Nantes, France)
This monument has been adapted to accommodate visual, hearing, and motor impairments as well as intellectual disabilities. It´s one of the few places in France of a 15th century building with maximum accessibility levels. The courtyard, part of the castle walls, the moats, 28 of the castle´s 32 rooms, as well as the temporary exhibition hall are all accessible.
Kruger National Park (South Africa)
This world-famous nature reserve is now accessible to anyone that wants to learn more about life in the savannah. It has improved its sensory offerings, placing more importance on smells, sounds, and textures, thus making it easier for more people to enjoy the experience.
