Photo: Matej Mišič
The "Inclusive and Accessible Society – ViDD" initiative was officially launched by Zavod Iskriva, The Intermunicipal Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Nova Gorica, Zavod Vozim and Arctur Company on October 23, 2024, in Ljubljana with the conference "New Investments, Joint Development."
The event highlighted the importance of creating inclusive environments for the 1.3 billion people worldwide living with disabilities. The conference featured key discussions on universal design, successful municipal projects, and collaboration between stakeholders to foster accessibility for all.
In an exciting announcement, organizers revealed that a follow-up conference will focus on the accessibility of tourism, expanding the initiative’s scope to another critical sector.
The event was divided into three sections:
- Investment in Knowledge: Speakers highlighted inclusive policies and regulations, with examples from Slovenia and the EU. Experts emphasized the importance of universal design and the role of municipal councils in improving accessibility.
- Investment in Development: Nova Gorica was showcased as a model for inclusive planning, with discussions on how its approach influenced regional accessibility efforts.
- Investment in Cooperation: The panel addressed challenges municipalities face in implementing accessibility policies, stressing the need for communication, empathy, and building expert networks to improve outcomes.
The second one was moderated by Urska Starc Peceny, lead of T 4.0 deprtament at Arctur.
Photo: Matej Mišič
Key representatives, including Mayor Samo Turel and members from the municipal and cultural sectors, shared their experiences in creating accessible public spaces. Andrea Bellavita, Director of the Basilica of Aquileia, joined the conversation to highlight how Nova Gorica’s approach influenced accessibility planning in his own region.
The conference emphasized that while legislative frameworks are necessary, they often face practical implementation challenges. Solutions must be tailored to the specific needs of regions, municipalities, and, most importantly, individual citizens.
The announcement of a follow-up conference on the accessibility of tourism signals a continued commitment to expanding the conversation and addressing accessibility in all sectors of life.
