For 4 years now, the Association of Paralyzed People of France has been publishing an Accessibility Barometer that ranks French cities. The city of Nice has been a good student with clear progress in recent years.
From 7.6/20 with an 89th place in 2009 (1st edition of the Barometer), Nice has shown significant progress since 2011, ranked 67th with an average of 10.7/20, reaching 62nd place in 2012 with a notable increase in its overall score to 12.6/20.
The result is certainly not yet flattering for the 5th largest city in France, and the gaps to be bridged remain significant, but the progress is undeniable and should be highlighted. The path is undoubtedly the right one to follow, and we must continue to walk it with commitment and patience.
It is precisely in such matters that Christian Estrosi’s slogan is more appreciated: “I say what I do and I do what I say.” “Starting from the bottom,” as the Gospel says, is not an act of charity but of progress.
This progress, from a political point of view, has been made possible by the work provided by a delegation exclusively dedicated to disability, created after the municipal election led by Sandrine FILIPPINI, deputy in charge of disability, and Jacques DEJEANDILE, Municipal Councillor delegated to Accessibility.
What are the objectives? To make Nice a city that is closer, more humane, and more united, to improve daily living conditions for people with disabilities, and to offer every individual a quality of life and comfort equal to that of all citizens.
The achievements made in Nice since 2008 are part of the law of February 11, 2005, which requires municipalities and EPCI to ensure the accessibility of means by 2015.
Here is an indicative list of completed actions, highlighting a strongly proactive nature:
On-demand transportation: Implementation in March 2009 of Mobil’Azur*, on-demand transportation for people with reduced mobility.
Adaptation of public transport: Of the 1,300 bus stops, 228 are accessible, or 17% of the total, while Tramway accessibility is 100%.
Parking: Increase in the number of reserved parking spaces: 360 reserved spots, 216 of which meet the standards (i.e., 3.30 meters wide) with free parking for all holders of the European Parking Card.
Development of early childhood inclusion,
Renovation of several cultural establishments: Opera House, Louis Nucéra library, Lino Ventura theater, Matisse museum
Accessible beaches: Summer adaptation of two certified accessible beaches for disabled people: Centenaire and Carras beaches
Adapted activities for disabled people in sports, recreational, and leisure facilities: Dance, drawing, painting, tennis, climbing, swimming, fitness, and activities for disabled children on Wednesdays and during school holidays (Adapted Sports Centers)
Development of a disability policy for human resources to maintain employment and professional integration for disabled workers: …
The 2013-2014 prospects:
The continuation of support missions for the inclusion of children with disabilities within municipal structures and the implementation of the Accessibility Plan for Roads and Public Spaces
Lastly, to further develop events and evolve the “All Together” event.
