The author Nélia Alfarrobinha shares a reflection on accessibility inspired by a trip of the Social-Democrat Women to Brussels. During the visit, the group confronted mobility and accessibility difficulties that made visible what many people who use wheelchairs face daily. The author highlights that realities such as inadequate sidewalks, barriers along the route or the absence of accessible alternatives transform what should be a basic right — the freedom to move with autonomy and dignity — into an obstacle that is difficult or even impossible to overcome.
The experience led the author to argue that accessibility is not merely a technical or urban planning issue, but a matter of rights, equality, autonomy and citizenship. She argues that it is necessary to stop viewing accessibility as a set of small isolated interventions and start treating it as a true transversal municipal policy. She emphasizes that it is not enough to build a ramp if it cannot be used, nor is it enough to have a sidewalk if it does not allow safe circulation, nor is it enough to have reserved parking spaces if they are not respected and enforced.
The author argues that when a barrier is removed for some, the city and the parishes improve for everyone. An accessible sidewalk benefits not only those who use wheelchairs, but also elderly people, those pushing strollers or those temporarily facing mobility difficulties. She therefore argues that accessibility is neither a favor nor a concern of a minority, but a public responsibility and a condition for a truly democratic city.
The author concludes that no city is perfect, but what matters is recognizing the difficulties, listening to those who experience them and having the political will to act. She calls on municipal chambers to have a plan, define priorities and start removing barriers. She emphasizes that mobility is not just about being able to move around, but about being able to participate, work, study, socialize, choose and fully experience the city, arguing that a city accessible to everyone is inevitably a better city for everyone.
