Greece has taken a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility by making hundreds of its beaches wheelchair-friendly, providing people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the country’s stunning coastlines.
With the help of the Greek-designed Seatrac system, wheelchair users can now access the sea without any assistance. This innovative technological assistant is designed to promote autonomy, quality, and wellness in everyday life. Officials announced that a total of 287 beaches across Greece will be made fully accessible to people with mobility problems by introducing essential facilities such as parking, bathroom/changing facilities, ramps and corridors to sun loungers, and refreshment bars.
Greece’s Commitment to Inclusivity: The Seatrac System
Greece is revolutionizing beach accessibility with the introduction of the Seatrac system. This free service offers unassisted sea access to people with disabilities and mobility issues, giving them the opportunity to enjoy beach activities with their family and friends. The Seatrac system is a technological assistant designed to promote autonomy, quality, and wellness in everyday life. With the help of Seatrac, Greece is making a total of 287 beaches fully accessible to people with mobility problems, with 147 beaches already transformed to be more accessible.
A Step Towards Equality: The Ministry of Tourism’s Initiative
Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias declared that equal access to the sea is an inalienable human right. He added that the 15-million-euro project is being funded by the European Union and national resources. The Ministry of Tourism stated that fully accessible beaches help people with disabilities and mobility issues engage in activities such as swimming that contribute to their physical and mental health.
Access to beach activities enhances the quality of life for everyone, giving people with disabilities and mobility issues the chance to participate in beach activities with their family and friends. Moreover, fully accessible beaches contribute to the development of the local economy by attracting visitors with disabilities, as well as visitors with limited mobility, such as elderly people, pregnant women, and people with temporary injuries.
Greece’s Struggle with Accessibility: Steps Towards Improvement
The topography of Greece makes it challenging for people with disabilities to move around freely. Even before uneven streets and steps were created, the country’s rocky and mountainous terrain posed accessibility challenges. However, Greece has made great strides in ensuring the ease of movement and access for disabled persons since the 2004 Athens Olympics. The recent introduction of the Seatrac system is another step towards creating a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities and mobility issues.
For more inspiring stories about inclusive holidays, check out this BrightVibes article about the world’s first fully accessible waterpark.
All info about accessible Greek beaches
The Ministry of Tourism in Greece has created a website that provides info, short videos on facilities and serves as an essential tool for those with disabilities.