The new project will see over 287 beaches accessible to those in wheelchairs, but the project goes far beyond this.
Greece is well known for its glorious beaches, but up until recently, many of them were not accessible to those in wheelchairs.
However, Greece now has a new system being set up on over 287 beaches to ensure easy access for people with disabilities. Read on to find out more.
Flexible freedom for wheelchair users – the Seatrac System
The system, Seatrac, will see self-operating mechanisms at various beaches throughout the country. No staff will need to be on-site to operate the ramps, making it easier than ever for everyone to access the beach.
Describing access to the sea as an inalienable human right, Greek tourism authorities have taken it upon themselves to give access ways a makeover for the better.
Flexible freedom will be guaranteed to wheelchair users who want to access the sea by themselves, and so far, 147 beaches have been retrofitted with the Seatrac system, but it doesn’t stop there.
The ongoing initiative is a significant part of the government’s efforts to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, and the system has been implemented in other parts of Greece too.
For example, the famous Acropolis of Athens has a wheelchair elevator and wheelchair-friendly sidewalks, bathrooms, and snack bars have also been installed.
Greece makes hundreds of beaches accessible to wheelchairs – the new initiative
It is estimated that over 100,000 people with disabilities live in Greece. Under the new government initiative, these people can engage in activities such as swimming, which will, in turn, benefit their physical and mental health.
The new ramps, which are currently being installed, will be available to anyone who wants to use them and will be built in various locations, such as Crete, Santorini and Mykonos, to name but a few tourist spots.
Ignatios Fotiou, who helped develop the new project, stated, “Seatrac does not provide only independent access to the sea…it provides dignity and independence to people with mobility issues that want to enjoy swimming”.
The new ramps are set to expand the lives of locals living with disabilities. Still, they will also be a boost for the economy, making the beaches accessible to tourists with disabilities also.
An inspiration – paving the way for other countries
The Greek government, which has also set up funding for businesses that want to make their facilities more accessible, have also launched a website to help you find the relevant information.
The website, which will include a list and map of all the beaches with wheelchair accessibility, will enable people to plan their wheelchair-included beach trip.
The new ramps are a welcome development to make our world more inclusive for people with disabilities, and Greece has shown its commitment to making this happen.
The news has been greeted with enthusiasm by people with disabilities worldwide, who see it as a significant step towards greater inclusion and accessibility.
It is hoped that other countries will follow Greece’s lead and take similar steps to make their beaches and tourist attractions more accessible.
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