A few weeks ago, the Accessibility area has changed its organizational structure and name, becoming Universal Accessibility, and in combination with the Mobility area, serving different disabilities. The mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, confirms that “this change has been based on the fact that accessibility policies are not just for one area, but for all municipal areas” and argues that “for this reason, we need all the departments municipal authorities to achieve a natural transversality in the coming years and that the actions that are undertaken are designed from a universal accessibility perspective, regardless of whether they are works, maintenance or equipment”.
Public transport, waste deposit, citizen attention, activity programs, sports promotion, summer camps, rehabilitation works, employment plans, information signage, tourist promotion, tree pits, furniture , etc., are actions that at the time of initiating the corresponding contracts have to incorporate everything related to universal accessibility.
“To this end -recalls the Councilor for Accessibility, Javier Rivero- the Mayor’s decree dated December 4, 2021 was drafted and formalized, regarding the establishment of instructions to guarantee the accessibility of municipal projects, works, services and supplies. ”.
For her part, Evelyn Alonso, in charge of the area and current head of Universal Accessibility, points out that “in the last year and a half we have written and presented the accessible signage manual for municipal buildings, so that all areas unify criteria and comply with cognitive accessibility.
Rivero maintains that “this section of cognitive accessibility has been largely forgotten, which is why planning is now being launched that is essential for the population in general” and recalls that “the framework agreement for interpreters has also been awarded for all services, and telephone assistance will be implemented for deaf people who call 010” and announces that “the districts have 200,000 euros in total for small actions, and the support of the area for any technical query”.
In addition, the two construction projects for Las Teresitas beach have been unblocked, close to bidding for the new Sustainability and Public Services area, and the drafting of the construction project that will make 250 PRM parking spaces accessible in the downtown area is being completed. and part of the Salud-La Salle district.
Therefore, from the area different tools have been placed in the hands of the entire City Council to facilitate compliance with Universal Accessibility, and the reason is none other than to remind all the municipal work areas that, on a daily basis, always keep this matter in mind, since people with disabilities do not need an Accessibility area, but rather an Accessibility Corporation.
On the municipal website, accessing Services, Accessibility, the Mayor’s Decree and the Signaling Manual are available, in addition to a virtual mailbox, in case someone needs to transfer a request https://www.santacruzdetenerife.es/web/municipal-services/accesibility
