Ανάπτυξη ενός προτύπου αξιολόγησης και συνεχούς βελτίωσης της προσβασιμότητας εμποδιζομένων ατόμων σε επίπεδο Δήμου

Abstract

The subject of this doctorate dissertation is the development of a standard for the assessment and continuous improvement of the accessibility of Municipalities to people with restricted mobility. Initially, the need for the development of a standard which will ensure a holistic approach on disability issues, both on a policy and on a transport chain and built environment level, is presented. The application of standards in other areas of activity is examined and the Environmental Management Systems, and especially PERS whose structure was used as a basis for the development of an accessibility standard, are presented. Following these, the proposed accessibility standard is presented which includes the following main parts: - Part 1: Short description of the Municipality and its characteristics that are related to accessibility - Part 2: Policy statement of the Municipality concerning the equal participation of citizens with disability - Part 3: Actions that are related to accessibility, related legislation - Part 4: Municipality departments related with accessibility and their responsibilities - Part 5: Accessibility report - Part 6: Good practice examples Legislation related to disability, and in particular laws concerning each individual Municipality department are identified. The need for the creation of an accessibility committee and its role are analysed and examples of first priority actions for the improvement of the accessibility by the municipalities are presented. Particular emphasis is given on the assessment of the existing accessibility level. A methodology is created which includes accessibility checklists examining a) routes and open spaces b) public buildings c) public transport d) policies related to disability . This is followed by the results of the application of the proposed standard at the Municipality of Thessaloniki. The general characteristics of the Municipality are presented, an accessibility policy statement is formed and the Municipality Departments related to accessibility, as well as the relative legislation, are identified. A detailed accessibility assessment of the Thessaloniki Municipality?s infrastructure and policies is made, which is presented at the dissertation?s annexes, and selected good practice examples are identified. Finally, the results of the application of the proposed standard at the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the results of the present doctorate dissertation, and general proposals for improvement on accessibility issues and further research are presented which make obvious the worth of applying the standard for assessment and continuous improvement of accessibility and the need for its further evolution into a system for the certification of accessibility on Municipal level.