The programme of the 3rd Lower Silesian Accessibility Congress included expert panels, workshops, tourism equipment testing and a concert. Participants in respite tourism shared their inspiring stories. Accessibility means equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their health condition.
This year, the Lower Silesian Accessibility Congress took on a unique form. The event was organised by specialists working for Lower Silesian non-governmental organisations involved in social tourism, in cooperation with employees of the Marshal’s Office.
The organisations involved include: Stowarzyszenie Bonitum, Fundacja Ładne Historie, Fundacja Imago, Fundacja Nasza Fundacja, Fundacja Niesamowity Dolny Śląsk and Karkonoski Sejmik Osób Niepełnosprawnych. Their joint work will enable even better networking among NGOs working for inclusive tourism.
“This is already the third Lower Silesian Accessibility Congress. It all began with a nationwide respite tourism network, which was established two years ago. The organisations co-creating this event belong to that network. The network was established at the initiative of organisations, but we also invite public and private entities to cooperate,” explains Sylwia Myślicka from Fundacja Nasza Fundacja.
The two-day conference featured expert panels, meetings and discussions that were highly important from the perspective of accessibility. One of the panellists was Jerzy Pokój, Chair of the Lower Silesian Regional Assembly. In addition, invited guests could take part in practical workshops, including tourism equipment testing.
Accessibility is an extremely important issue for local governments. For several years, various initiatives have been emerging in Lower Silesia to develop and increase architectural and digital accessibility. It is very important to guarantee people with special needs access to information, products and services, making their lives more fulfilling. However, the main and most important goal of accessibility is to ensure equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their health condition. That is why this year’s November congress was one of the most important events on our region’s calendar.
“For many years, the regional government has cooperated with non-governmental organisations that showcase social tourism beautifully. We know that NGOs are the best barometer of the needs of people with disabilities. As a person with a disability myself, I have been pursuing my dreams for 25 years and practising cycling, stadium and mountain tourism, and I know that this is the best way to activate people with disabilities,” concludes Paweł Parus, the Marshal’s Plenipotentiary for Persons with Disabilities.
The event is organised by Lower Silesian NGOs, and the honorary patronage was assumed by Lower Silesian Voivodeship Marshal Paweł Gancarz.