The largest information portal on accessibility in Greece.

Accessibility is defined as the distinguishing feature of the environment, service or good, which allows the autonomous and equal access of each user to it. Also, accessibility is the feature of the environment that allows all people to participate in it, with safety, autonomy and comfort.

This can include things like designing websites and apps that can be used with a screen reader, or creating physical spaces that are wheelchair accessible. Accessibility is an important consideration in the design of products and environments, as it can ensure that they are usable by a wider range of people, including those with disabilities.

In the context of places, accessibility refers to the degree to which a building or public space can be easily entered, approached, and used by people with disabilities, particularly those who use wheelchairs. This can include things like the presence of ramps, elevators, and accessible bathrooms, as well as the overall layout and design of the space. It also includes providing information in accessible format (e.g. braille, large print, audio description) and providing accessible means of communication (e.g. sign language interpretation). The goal of accessibility in places is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in and enjoy the spaces and activities offered there.

The variety of disabilities also implies different needs of the people who experience them. The following is a basic breakdown of the accessibility criteria, depending on the type of disability a person has.

People with mobility disabilities:

People with mobility disabilities face difficulties, which are mainly due to physical, architectural and mainly technological barriers. For this reason, they need:

• Flat or slightly inclined surfaces that do not slip and do not have steps
• Sufficient space for movement, overtaking and maneuvering, as well as for transfer from/to the wheelchair
• Flat stairs horizontally and comfortably on ramps, stairs, doors, elevators
• Stairs with handles on both sides, markings on the edges, and comfortable treads
• Signage at eye level
• Easy-to-operate doors with handles at appropriate heights
• Accessible sanitary facilities and mechanisms at appropriate heights and easy to operate

People with visual impairments:

People with visual impairments face difficulties mainly with information/communication and the use of devices, equipment and aids. For this reason, they need:

• Corridors with sufficient crossing width with other users and a smooth finished surface
• Visible corridor boundaries and markings for steps
• Obstacle marking up to head height
• Tactile or Braille signage, audio signage and information
• Strong color contrasts
• Well-lit spaces
• Simplicity and clarity of forms and elements of the environment
• Supporting services such as guides, readers, guide dogs, etc.

People with hearing problems:

Hearing-impaired people respectively face difficulties with information and possibly with the perception of written and spoken speech. Therefore, they need:

• Spaces with good acoustics and good lighting

• Visual signage/information and interpretation in sign language

• Alternative methods of communication such as SMS, written note, etc.

• Audio enhancement aids

• Simplicity and clarity of forms and elements of the environment.

People with mental or intellectual disabilities:

People with mental or intellectual disabilities often require special services. So, for example, people who suffer from claustrophobia are likely to be unable to use public transport.

People with other disabilities:

People with other disabilities and chronic conditions are particularly susceptible to infections and germs, which requires strict cleanliness in public areas and therefore corresponding procedures/policies.

The positive response to the integration processes of people with disabilities in society plays a decisive role in their level of socialization.

At the same time, the satisfaction of tourist needs complements the coverage of other basic needs, such as the need for rest, entertainment or exploration of the natural environment, and the need for social interaction and contact with new cultures.

If one thinks that tourism is a form of “escape” from everyday life, one realizes that it is a key stimulus for people with disabilities, who are forced on a daily basis to face the natural, artificial and ideological barriers of society.

Some of the results of related researches initially state that meeting the travel needs of the disabled positively enhances the extent of their social “normalization”, as during a trip their experiences are cultivated in various ways and their interaction with others develops more easily.

In addition, it has been observed that people with sensory disabilities benefit from participation in outdoor activities, since they feel more autonomous and their abilities are cultivated, due to the interaction with the external stimuli they receive from the natural environment.

In fact, it has been proven that people with physical disabilities who take part in sports events in nature increase their sense of inner fulfillment and self-confidence dramatically, which directly affects their ability to make decisions and their overall development.

However, despite the benefits of being involved in such events, people with disabilities often choose not to participate in tourism activities due to the lack of accessible infrastructure. Physical barriers, partial information and infrastructure accessibility and the low level of services in accommodation are some of the most common causes of distancing and introversion of PWDs.

Although accessible or tourism for people with disabilities refers primarily to people with disabilities, other social groups are also included in its demand, such as the elderly, pregnant women, infants and children in wheelchairs, etc. According to the World Health Organization, in 2021 over one billion people have some kind of disability, a number that translates to 10% of the world’s population.

Regarding the amount of demand for accessible tourism, the potential tourists with disabilities are estimated at 89-120 million and concern people with financial ability, who mainly use holiday packages, prefer to pay in advance for their reservations and travel during the periods low peak. The size of the tourism market for the disabled reaches 166 billion euros.

Given that Greece is one of the most popular tourist regions in Europe, with the tourism industry being one of the main factors of its general economy, the “investment” in accessible infrastructure and targeting accessible tourism are capable greatly increase her annual income.

At Accessible Greece we fully understand the huge scope for development of the country’s tourism industry and at the same time, we embrace the need of people with disabilities to travel.

The participation of users on the platform builds the relationship between them.

Through comments or ratings, users will be able to to express their opinion about a destination, with the result that this opinion is also presented to the rest of the users, who have not yet visited the specific destination.

So, they will have a first impression regarding what they will face in an upcoming visit, and if they wish, they can express their questions and interact with the other users.

In this way, the feeling of “community” between users is strengthened.