In its latest move towards inclusivity, Greece has now implemented a programme where hundreds of beaches would be made accessible to people with reduced mobility. The system is a free service that offers unassisted sea access to people with disabilities and mobility issues.
The country is introducing a Greek-designed Seatrac system for wheelchair-bound people. Currently, nearly 150 beaches have undergone the changes while the rest would be done soon.
A Seatrac system allows a wheelchair-bound person to lower the seat to the level of the water while letting out a retractable path. The person can get to the waters by accessing the newly-built path that is also protected by rail guards.
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Speaking at a press conference, the tourism ministry said that a total of 287 beaches will introduce essential facilities like parking, bathroom/changing facilities, ramps and corridors to sun loungers, and refreshment bars to people with non-compliant abilities.
“Equal access to the sea is an inalienable human right,” said Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias, according to Greek Reporter.
Boost to local economy
According to the tourism ministry, making the beach accessible to a diverse population will also provide a local boost to the economy. Besides, people with noncompliant abilities, it will also attract elderly people, people with temporary injuries and even pregnant women.
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The tourism ministry has also designed a website solely dedicated to educating and informing people about the latest development while letting more and more people come together to enjoy the turquoise waters of the European nation.
This initiative, which has its own website, is meant to support Greece as an accessible seaside holiday destination. Holidaymakers can use a live map to see which shorelines are currently open to the public.
According to the government, accessible beaches will also let people with limited mobility enjoy water activities such as swimming which would be beneficial for both the mental and physical health of a person.
Where does Greece stand in terms of accessibility?
People in Greece have long argued that the hilly terrain has a limited scope of access to people with reduced mobility. However, it was not until the 2004 Athens Olympics that efforts were made to make the events and places more accessible to people with disability.
Further, recently it placed concrete on the rocky terrain of the Acropolis despite resistance from archaeologists. The move, was, however, hailed by people from the community.
In April, Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Sara Minkara travelled to Greece to participate in the Delphi Economic Forum where she spoke at large discussing the importance of inclusive education, healthcare, and disability rights in the context of the climate crisis.
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She emphasised the importance of value addition brought by people from a diverse populace if included within the daily economy.
Earlier in April, the cultural ministry in Greece also granted free access to museums and archaeological sites to disability card holders to boost equality in culture and labour in the country.
The card was created with the help of the National Confederation of Persons with Disabilities (ESAMEA) and also ensures free entry to the caretakers and companions of those with limited accessibility inside the cultural centres.
“The Digital Disability Card gives people with disabilities and their companions the right to gain access to cultural sites with dignity, without the need for onsite certification of their disability and free access to archaeological sites and museums,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, according to a report by Greek Travel Pages.
