From 1 to 5 September, the first of two visits as part of the ID: CITIZEN project took place in Warsaw, Poland. This completed the first phase of the project, which focused on exploring positive examples in the field of accessibility and inclusive urban planning in the capital of Poland. The visit was implemented in partnership with the Integration Foundation (Poland), the Tenenet Association (Slovakia) and the Hand in Hand Organization (Hungary), with support from the International Visegrad Fund.
15 participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with the portfolios in the field of the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy, the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy and taking part in a meeting with the Urban Planning Department of the City of Warsaw, where urban and accessible infrastructure solutions were presented. The relevant ministries as the most affected presented their effectively structured programs for the employment of people with disabilities, inclusion, as well as their innovative campaigns to raise general awareness. The role of the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy as a coordinator and evaluator within the framework of the architectural and digital accessibility program was also highlighted.
Visits were held at the VARSO business complex and the PZU insurance company, as examples of full accessibility, including ecological solutions, energy efficiency, care for the environment and employees, including people with disabilities. Both facilities have received recognition and a certificate for accessibility, awarded by the Integration Foundation.
“The University of Warsaw and the meeting with the head of the disability and accessibility sector, Mr. Vdovik, gave us an excellent insight into the challenges and opportunities for overcoming them, in order to achieve the highest possible level of accessibility in education. This center works not only to improve the quality of education for people with disabilities, but also generally for the quality of life for this community of 15% of society,” said Ruลพica Stojanovska, one of the representatives and project coordinator at the Equality Association.
At the meeting with Ms. Donata Konczyk, Head of the Accessibility Sector at the City of Warsaw, an opportunity was presented to strengthen cooperation between the government and non-governmental sectors, as well as to take a joint initiative with partner countries in implementing the next steps for sustainable solutions and strengthening international cooperation.
Through these experiences in Warsaw, we will draw positive examples in order to achieve the project’s objectives and prepare a joint publication with recommendations intended for policymakers in order to improve inclusiveness in all partner countries.
