In the plenary session held this Thursday, the Island Council of Lanzarote, unanimously, has given the green light to the initial approval of the Island Strategy for Accessibility and Inclusion, a comprehensive project that covers the period 2024-2030 and aims to make the island a benchmark in universal accessibility and social inclusion.
This milestone occurs a few days before the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is celebrated every December 3, highlighting Lanzarote's commitment to improving the quality of life of its most vulnerable citizens.
The president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, expressed his satisfaction with this initiative: "Today we reaffirm our commitment to equal opportunities for all the inhabitants of Lanzarote and La Graciosa. This strategy is not only a technical document, but a declaration of intent that places people with disabilities and the elderly at the center of our public policies. We want to be an example of how accessibility and inclusion are essential pillars for the progress of any society."
For her part, Marci Acuña, as head of the area, added: "Accessibility and inclusion are not just objectives, they are fundamental rights. We call on all social actors to join this collective effort and work together for an inclusive Lanzarote to move towards a fairer and more inclusive society, reaffirming that inclusion benefits everyone and guarantees greater social cohesion."
A Strategy of transversal scope
The Island Strategy, promoted by the Area of Social Welfare and Inclusion, coordinated by Marci Acuña, is based on seven lines of action that cover key areas such as social care, education, employment, universal accessibility, tourism, sports and citizen participation.
In addition, it includes more than 100 specific measures designed to ensure a more accessible and inclusive island for the more than 17,000 people with some type of disability and the 18,000 people over 65 years of age who reside in Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
Among the planned actions, the following stand out: the development of an Island Plan for Universal Accessibility with an investment of 7.5 million euros; the creation of new accessible infrastructures such as the Day Center for the Elderly of La Graciosa and the High Requirement Residence of Tahíche; the expansion of training and employment programs adapted for people with disabilities; and the promotion of accessible and sustainable tourism, reinforcing the image of Lanzarote as an inclusive destination at an international level.
A commitment to participation and dialogue
"With this initial approval, Lanzarote takes a decisive step towards building a more egalitarian, inclusive and supportive society, aligning itself with the principles of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals," says Acuña.
The text of the Strategy will be available for public consultation in the Official Gazette of the Province of Las Palmas and the Notice Board of the Cabildo of Lanzarote for 30 days, during which suggestions and proposals for improvement may be submitted.
The Cabildo of Lanzarote, in collaboration with associations and groups on the island, "reaffirms its commitment to work to ensure that this roadmap translates into real improvements in the quality of life of citizens and in the construction of a society where no one is left behind."
