The website, created as a pilot project by the Municipality of Athens and the Athens directory This is Athens, in cooperation with the social enterprise Me Alla Matia, is now available to provide information on accessible routes for tourists with vision or musculoskeletal disabilities. apparatus.
On the website Accessible Athens-Routes presents eight possible tourist routes in Athens, which combine the most accessible attractions with the least number of obstacles and restrictions.
Information and routes are available in Greek and English.
The website notes that, thanks to a coordinated effort, Athens is gradually becoming more accessible to persons with disabilities, “respecting the necessary respect for the cultural heritage and structural elements that need to be preserved.”
The routes were followed by focus groups of people with visual or mobility impairments, as well as professionals in these fields, who tested the routes in vivo and made suggestions based on their personal experience. The site also provides information on accessibility at each point of interest.
The website offers eight possible routes, 4 for the disabled and 4 for the visually impaired, covering key areas. They were designed based on four excursion routes:
1. From the historic center to Kerameikos square.
Syntagma Square – Ermou Street – Kapnikarea – Monastiraki – Thissio – Gazi – Technopolis – Kerameikos Square.
2. Acropolis – the discovery of ancient Athens.
Pedestrian area of Dionysiou Areopagitu – Acropolis Museum – Odeon of Herodes Atticus – Acropolis.
3. Omonia Square – acquaintance with modern Athens.
Academy of Athens – National University of Athens – National Library – Polytechnic University.
4. National garden and attractions around.
National Gardens – Zappeyon Mansion – Olympion – Panathenaeus Stadium – Parliament of Greece – Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The interactive map shows all possible obstacles and how to avoid them.
All steps along the route are clear and detailed, with the ability to play sound (via a widget) for the visually impaired. Once the route is selected, points of interest, short descriptions, availability, detailed itinerary and map with a link to Google Maps are marked. Also included is information on access to public transport.
Social enterprise “Me alla matia»Is a non-profit organization founded and organized by people with disabilities. It takes action in the area of accessibility counseling in a digital and structured environment, as well as in the area of psychosocial support and training for people with disabilities, their families and professionals in the relevant field.
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