News

As part of the REALLOCATE project, a collaborative consortium meeting took place in Barcelona on October 22–24 2024, bringing together three cascade cities to share mobility challenges and explore inclusive urban solutions. One of the standout moments of this gathering was an innovative knowledge exchange between the cities of Lviv and Barcelona, focusing on accessibility improvements in Lviv’s Medical Quarter.

Lviv selected Barcelona as a mentor city due to its extensive experience and strategic approach to urban accessibility. Over the course of three collaborative sessions, Lviv consulted with Barcelona's experts and horizontal partners to gather insights and best practices that would help shape its Accessibility Replication Plan.

Key Exchange Topics and Outcomes

• 24 January 2025 – Accessibility Plan Development

The first session delved into how Barcelona approaches accessibility planning. Discussions centered on the background and organisational structure of IMPD (Municipal Institute of People with Disabilities), which plays a key role in shaping inclusive strategies. The session covered the initial phase of Barcelona’s Accessibility Plan — the Diagnose — a process of assessing existing conditions and needs in urban infrastructure and services.

• 21 February 2025 – CASBA Project: Accessible Shops Without Barriers

The second session spotlighted the CASBA Project, a city initiative aimed at evaluating the accessibility of local businesses and urban environments. Barcelona shared findings and resources, including student-generated documentation and the practical guide, Making Our Shops Accessible. The session emphasised the importance of understanding the "chain of accessibility," ensuring people with disabilities can navigate spaces from start to finish without obstacles.

• 7 March 2025 – Sectorial Accessibility Plan for Museums (2024–2030)

The final session focused on accessibility within cultural institutions, particularly museums. Barcelona presented its Sectoral Accessibility Plan, which takes a comprehensive approach including physical, communicative, and cognitive accessibility. The process includes diagnosis, staff training, new tools, and ongoing assessments, reflecting a commitment to long-term, structural change.

Reflections and Future Directions
The exchange between Lviv and Barcelona underscored the vital role cities play in promoting inclusivity and equal access. Through structured dialogue and real-world examples, the collaboration not only strengthened Lviv’s strategic direction but also reinforced a shared European vision: public spaces, facilities, and services should be accessible to all, regardless of ability.

These ongoing exchanges reaffirm the commitment of European cities to fostering environments where inclusion is a lived reality. Barcelona's initiatives serve as a blueprint for other regions, helping build a more accessible and equitable future across Europe.