Vienna has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Access City Award for its exemplary commitment to improving accessibility for persons with disabilities. The announcement was made today at the 2024 European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference, organized by the European Commission and the European Disability Forum. This marks a significant recognition of the city’s comprehensive initiatives aimed at enhancing public spaces, transportation, and services for individuals with disabilities.
Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, presented the award, highlighting Vienna’s outstanding efforts in integrating accessibility into urban life. “Vienna’s initiatives are a model for other cities, demonstrating how accessibility can be woven into the fabric of urban planning,” Dalli stated.
Vienna is the second Austrian city to receive this award, following Salzburg’s win in 2012. The city’s Inclusive Vienna 2030 strategy is a cornerstone of its accessibility efforts, emphasizing collaboration with organizations representing persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. Specific projects, such as accessible swimming pools, intelligent traffic lights, and extensive support for housing and employment integration, have significantly improved the quality of life for many residents.
The city boasts that all metro stations and over 95% of its bus and tram stops are now accessible, utilizing tactile guidance systems, low-floor vehicles, and multisensory emergency systems. These advancements reflect Vienna’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment for everyone.
In addition to Vienna’s recognition, the Access City Award also honored other cities for their commitment to accessibility. Nuremberg, Germany, received the second prize for its strategic approach in transport, employment, and sports, ensuring compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The city’s dedicated Disability Council plays a crucial role in engaging persons with disabilities in urban planning efforts.
Cartagena, Spain, secured the third prize for making tourism and cultural activities more accessible, including assistance for disabled individuals at popular beaches and reserved seating at public events. Additionally, Borås, Sweden, was given a special mention for its exemplary built environment and transport initiatives, continuing its legacy of exceeding national accessibility standards.
The Access City Award, established in 2010, celebrates cities prioritizing accessibility. This year saw a record 57 candidate cities, the highest number in a decade, with 33 pre-selected by national juries before the final shortlist was determined by the EU jury.
With over 100 million people in the EU living with disabilities, the need for accessible spaces—both physical and digital—is paramount. The Access City Award is part of the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, which aims to create a Europe free of barriers, ensuring that all individuals can exercise their rights and make independent choices.
As Vienna sets a benchmark for accessibility, its recognition serves as an inspiration for cities across Europe to prioritize inclusivity and improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
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First published in this link of The European Times.
