The Council for Personal Autonomy in Santander has presented its fourth personal autonomy plan, which seeks to establish a city that is accessible and inclusive for everyone. Zulema Gancedo, the councillor overseeing the initiative, led the meeting where the roadmap was introduced, reaffirming the city's commitment to creating an environment where all citizens can engage fully and independently in urban life.
The plan, which will guide actions from 2027 to 2030, is structured around five strategic pillars, complemented by a series of transversal measures. Each pillar includes clear objectives, concrete actions, and a system of indicators to track progress annually until the plan's conclusion in 2030.
“We want a city that is easier to navigate, safer, more intuitive, and with public transport and municipal buildings that are fully adapted,” Gancedo emphasised. “We aim to promote personal autonomy and independent living, ensuring that every resident can manage their affairs and enjoy Santander without barriers.”
Key pillars of the plan
The first pillar focuses on internal organisation within the city council. This involves defining who will coordinate the plan, appointing accessibility officers in each municipal area, integrating accessibility criteria into public contracts and purchases, and maintaining ongoing dialogue with social entities and users. Continuous training for municipal employees is also included.
The second pillar addresses public spaces, aiming to identify and remove barriers in streets and squares, enhance pedestrian pathways, review and optimise parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility, adapt urban furniture to eliminate obstacles, and install more accessible public restrooms.
The third pillar concentrates on mobility, ensuring that urban buses and their ramps are operational, improving onboard audio information, reviewing accessibility at bus stops, and ensuring that routes to these stops are obstacle-free for safe and comfortable connections.
The fourth pillar aims for 100% accessibility in municipal buildings. This includes reviewing entrances, ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms, enhancing citizen service counters with hearing support systems, simplifying procedures, and ensuring proper access for individuals using assistance animals.
The fifth pillar focuses on communication, ensuring that municipal information is clear and comprehensible. Improvements will also be made to the accessibility of the city’s website, applications, and social media platforms.
Transversal actions and new commission
In addition to the five pillars, the plan includes transversal actions that span all municipal activities. It will promote direct participation from people with disabilities, maintain successful awareness initiatives like the 'Soy Capazitado' competition, and encourage accessibility in leisure, culture, sports, and inclusive employment.
During the meeting, the establishment of the Transversal Technical Commission for Personal Autonomy and Accessibility was announced. This commission will facilitate coordination, collaboration, and joint efforts among various municipal areas to ensure equal opportunities and effective participation for all in community life.
“We want to promote the incorporation of personal autonomy and universal accessibility in the design, planning, development, and evaluation of the policies, services, projects, and actions of the Santander City Council,” Gancedo stated.
The commission will not only focus on removing architectural barriers but will also encompass sensory, cognitive, communicative, and digital accessibility, as well as the conditions for accessing and using services and administrative procedures.
Another key point discussed was the campaign 'Santander accessible for all', aimed at informing, raising awareness, and educating the public about the importance of universal accessibility. This initiative highlights that accessibility is not a privilege or a need exclusive to certain groups, but a necessary condition for building a more inclusive city.
The campaign consists of four awareness videos focusing on different accessibility measures and resources that facilitate daily activities. Each video uses practical examples and relatable situations to explain the function of these resources and their significance for people with disabilities. The goal is to foster a more informed, aware, and committed citizenry regarding accessibility, promoting attitudes of respect, empathy, and shared responsibility.
Through this initiative, the city aims to convey that behind every accessibility measure lies a real need and an opportunity to enhance the autonomy and quality of life for all residents, not just those with disabilities.
