Accessible city for all

The City of Komotini (EL) devised a multi-phase urban development programme to improve accessibility and social inclusion, with the involvement of disabled people. It started with the Urban II Community Initiative Programme (2000-2006), which funded urban regeneration interventions to encourage economic competitiveness and integrate the most vulnerable groups of its multicultural population.  

The second and third phases (2007-2020) included additional urban infrastructure (bike lane network, accessible open spaces, buildings and schools), and also the establishment of social structures co-funded by the municipality and run by a local NGO (community centre, halfway houses and activity centre for and run by disabled people, after-school programmes for children with intellectual disabilities, smart city technologies and app). 

To create a city accessible for all, Komotini developed a city-wide strategy through a series of plans (policy, 4-year operational, tourism, urban development, sustainable urban mobility, and urban accessibility). These regarded accessibility as a horizontal integrated policy, with disabled people seen as equal partners participating in advisory boards and steering committees. Disabled people run and oversee the disabled (kinetic and intellectual) halfway houses, after-school programmes, and daily activity centres, with the municipality in a supporting role (e.g. funding infrastructure).  

The practice invites disabled people to Komotini to complete their rehabilitation, and to feel embraced by a city to which they often return as tourists. This process involves professionals from the local university, and social workers, gymnasts and police cadets who learn about the process and help transfer it to other cities when they go home. 

The practice has helped Komotini transform from a medieval city to a fully accessible city, a process started under the Urban Initiative (2000–2006), and continued with funding from the Regional Operational Funds of East Macedonia and Thrace (2007–2013 and 2014–2020). For 2021–2027, the current project ensures secure funding, to further improve infrastructure, of up to EUR 30 million from several sources. 

Komotini exemplifies how, even with a relative lack of urban planning and resources, a city can become accessible to all - if its officials put accessibility high on their policy agenda and work alongside dedicated individuals with experience of disabilties. This can transform a city from being an unwelcoming destination for disabled people, to one that attracts disabled people and inspires them to demand the same changes in their own cities.  

The city elevated disabled people to make them equal partners in urban regeneration, realising that building state-of-the-art infrastructure alone is not enough. By collaborating with people with disabilities and valuing their input, the results had greater impact. This resulted in a halfway house, considered a model for other cities, that is visited by hundreds of disabled people from all over the world, while its members are invited to other cities to talk about their experience. The practice proves that participatory planning works and is a replicable process. 

Komotini actively involves disabled people and their organisations in decision-making, enabling them to participate in committees for accessibility initiatives and issues related to disability rights. They also act as equal partners in the implementation of various municipal projects and civil protection plans. The Disabled Association of Perpato, for instance, is part of the consortium responsible for handling Food aid and material assistance in the FEAD programme in Komotini, and it also collaborates on social enterprise initiatives and the design of urban interventions in the city.  

Disabled people work closely with the social services, helping provide day-to-day assistance. In the last three years, 966 disabled people received training, 1 519 were assisted or referred to services, 5 825 received counselling (in person or via phone), 8 405 transportations took place, and 60 received specialised services in two day-care centres. Other NGOs in Komotini have been inspired by Perpato’s example, including DADAA (autism support association) and Agioi Theodoroi (intellectual disabilities association), which greatly adds to the level of community support for the participatory approach.  

The city’s transport system - bus and train stations, local buses, taxis - is now fully accessible, with the creation of designated parking places, and 20 km of accessible walkways.  

Key accessibility initiatives include: 

• 90% of schools (73 buildings) are accessible, all with disabled WC facilities.  

• Accessible theatres, city hospital, and urban medical centres.  

• 47 out of 60 playgrounds made accessible. 

• 75% of city-owned buildings now accessible.  

• Accessible city centre, all sports facilities are accessible, as are the university and police academy facilities. 

• The city library is accessible, to WCAG 2.0 standard.  

• Disabled people can move freely in the city centre (public buildings, shops), with mapped accessible walkways available to view online.  

• Mapped residences of disabled people, to support emergency services. 

• Training for 444 disabled people and 5 300 students.  

• Twelve new beach access points for people with mobility problems, using different technological solutions.