ACCESS CITY AWARD
3 April 2023
The Access City Award was created by the European Commission to reward cities that have prioritized accessibility for people with disabilities.
Accessibility is a prerequisite for the participation of people with disabilities. A city is accessible when people with disabilities can, for example:
– to receive information;
– to use buses, trams and metro;
– to enjoy parks and playgrounds:
– to enter and around buildings such as the library, sports hall and town hall.
WHO CAN APPLY?
The Accessible City Award is open to all EU cities with over 50,000 inhabitants or urban areas made up of two or more cities with a combined population of over 50,000 inhabitants
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process is divided into two phases: pre-selection at national level and final selection at European level. National juries in each country select a maximum of three cities. The European Jury selects the winners from among the pre-selected candidates.
The jury examines the measures taken and planned in the following areas:
– built environment and public spaces;
– transport and related infrastructure;
– information and communication;
– public facilities and services.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a consistent approach to accessibility across all four areas and an ambitious vision.
WHY THE ACCESS CITY AWARD?
Around 87 million people have some form of disability in the EU. If things are not accessible, they will not be able to participate in the community like other people. Moreover, Europe is now essentially an urban society, with seven out of ten EU citizens living in towns and cities.
The Accessible City Award is part of the EU’s wider efforts to make life better for people with disabilities.
The Accessible City Award is an EU initiative that:
– recognizes the efforts of cities to become more accessible
– promotes equal access to urban life for people with disabilities
– enables local authorities to promote and share their best practices