SKALICA by Wheelchair is the name of a new map which shows physically disabled people in wheelchairs which parts of the town have barrier-free access. The map was published by the town of Skalica in co-operation with Trnava Self-Governing Region. It contains 37 buildings and facilities in the town which have wheelchair-access facilities. According to Mária Štepanovská, head of the social-care and health-care department at Skalica Town Hall, the map will be distributed through facilities used by disabled people.
“We are aware that the situation in town is not ideal for people in wheelchairs,” Štepanovská said. “The map is the first step in highlighting the problem and starting to discuss it.”
The town expects feedback from local organisations, and help to start realising its vision of a barrier-free town. Publication of the map was preceded by the study and evaluation of publicly accessible places: offices, public institutions, social- and health-care facilities, schools, banks, cultural monuments, sporting facilities, etc.
According to Štepanovská, the gradual removal of barriers will be appraised not only by people with physical, sensory, or mental disabilities, but also by older people, pregnant women, people with prams, and temporarily handicapped people.
