Universal Accessibility and Digital Inclusion (GRATH0003)

Commitment ID

GRATH0003

Commitment Title

Universal Accessibility and Digital Inclusion

Problem

The Municipality of Athens faces significant obstacles to universal accessibility, both in public spaces and in digital services. In the physical environment, serious deficiencies are observed such as insufficient ramps, the absence of “quiet routes” and sensory overloading environments, which make mobility difficult for people with disabilities and people on the autism spectrum. At the same time, in digital services, the absence of universal digital accessibility excludes part of the population – especially the elderly and people with disabilities – from fully utilizing these services. The lack of training of Municipality officials and Legal Entities on digital accessibility issues, the absence of interoperable tools, unified mapping and regular evaluation further complicate the implementation of effective interventions and intensify social exclusion. Strengthening human resource skills and adopting a systematic approach to universal accessibility are deemed necessary to remove barriers and ensure the equal participation of all citizens.

Status quo

The Municipality of Athens has recognized accessibility as a cross-sectoral priority and has established a Working Group on Accessibility and Inclusion. Actions such as the “Seven Accessible Routes” and awareness-raising campaigns have been implemented, while the Urban Accessibility Plan is underway. At the same time, interventions have been launched in schools and cultural spaces, as well as pilot projects for smart crossings. However, implementation remains fragmented: there is no updated map of accessible routes, data is collected in an unsystematic manner, infrastructure is not regularly inspected, neurodiversity is not sufficiently taken into account and municipal service staff lack training in physical and digital accessibility.

Action

The Municipality of Athens is committed to implementing a comprehensive plan to enhance physical and digital accessibility, focusing on two key interventions: (1) the implementation of the “I Approach” program, which will provide mobile and digital support to people with disabilities and psychosocial difficulties, including travel companions and accessible service points, and (2) the training of Municipality executives and supervised legal entities on the design and management of digitally accessible content and services. At the same time, cooperation with civil society organizations, the use of measurable progress indicators, and systematic information and awareness-raising of citizens will be strengthened. The goal is to develop a people-centered model of universal accessibility, which will empower vulnerable groups and improve equal participation in the social and digital life of Athens.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The commitment will substantially contribute to reducing the obstacles faced by vulnerable groups in their daily lives, strengthening both their autonomy and their access to critical services. The “I Approach” program will offer practical and psychosocial support to people with disabilities and digitally excluded citizens, facilitating their movement and contact with municipal structures, cultural and sports venues and more generally with the concept of “entertainment”. In parallel, the training of Municipality officials on digital accessibility issues will ensure the proper design, use and maintenance of digital tools that are friendly to all. The expected results are an increase in participation, a reduction in social exclusion and the foundation of a functional, inclusive and fair city for all citizens.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

The commitment to universal accessibility and inclusion is linked to the long-term goal of the Municipality of Athens to establish a city founded on the principles of Equality and Democracy, where every citizen—regardless of abilities—enjoys visibility, rights and active participation. Through the enhancement of physical and digital accessibility, the training of human resources and the creation of support mechanisms, the commitment embodies the values of Extroversion, accountability and inclusive governance. It is a central pillar of the Municipality’s strategic vision for an open and welcoming Athens, where transparency is combined with active concern for the equal participation of all citizens in public life.

Primary Policy Area

Civic Space, Inclusion

Primary Sector

Cross-sectoral, Public Services (general)

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?