Accessibility Initiative in the Canary Islands

Overview

The Canary Islands' Department of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood, and Families has formalized a fifty-year, free concession of two amphibious chairs to the municipality of Haría.

These specialized chairs aim to:

• Enhance accessibility for people with mobility challenges on beaches and bathing zones.
• Foster greater inclusion and safety during the bathing season.

Funding and Government Orders

• The agreement follows a recent government order authorizing the transfer of 76 such chairs across several local councils in the region.
• Funding for this initiative comes through EU Recovery funds (NextGeneration), dedicated to improving accessibility and social inclusion.

Responsibilities and Oversight

• Haría's local government will be responsible for:
  • Collecting
  • Maintaining
  • Operating the chairs
  • Ensuring they are available and in good condition for use in designated beaches.
• The Canary Islands' government will oversee:
  • Proper delivery
  • Monitoring compliance through regular reports.

Usage Restrictions and Goals

The chairs are strictly for accessibility purposes and cannot be transferred or used in ways that deviate from their intended function.

This move underscores:

• Regional efforts to make public recreational spaces more inclusive, especially for those with disabilities.
• Continued investment using European funds to upgrade social infrastructure.

It reflects a broader commitment to accessible, community-focused public services that benefit both residents and visitors.