The Austrian capital received the European Union's Access City Award for its exceptional efforts to adapt urban spaces for people with disabilities. The city has demonstrated an integrated approach to ensuring the availability of all city services and infrastructure, reports euro-pulse.ru.
Vienna's transport system has been completely rethought, taking into account the needs of citizens with limited mobility. Almost all metro stations, as well as more than 95% of public transport stops, are equipped with special devices for convenient movement.
The city's cultural institutions are also tailored to accommodate visitors with different disabilities. The Vienna City Museum offers unique guided tours in sign language and tactile exhibitions. Each exhibit is accompanied by a description in Braille, and visually impaired visitors can examine tactile copies of the works.
Inclusion is a priority for urban planning. When reconstructing existing facilities and designing new facilities, the needs of people with disabilities must be taken into account. A fundamental feature of Vienna's approach is the active involvement of public organizations representing the interests of people with disabilities in the process of making urban planning decisions.
In addition to ground infrastructure, the city has specialized services, such as excursion bicycle taxis for wheelchair users and barrier-free swimming pools.
The German city of Nuremberg and the Spanish city of Cartagena received second and third places.