Escuela Oficial de Idiomas de Getafe

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A Proposal by Laura R. (Av2 Mon, 2009-10) About 300 words

Proposal for improving the daily life of physically handicapped people in Getafe

This proposal intends to address the problems which physically handicapped people have to face in old towns like Getafe.

Shops

To begin with, something that everybody needs to do, like shopping, is extremely difficult for disabled people. When they want to go into a shop, they have to manage to overcome a big step with their wheelchairs. Considering that the rest of the population can shop wherever they want, why should disabled people have to buy only wherever they can?  It would be advisable and easy to replace those steps with low ramps.

Transport

In terms of transport, the town has many facilities. Most of the train stations and the underground stations are brand new and have a lift, a wide turnstile and a handrail. However, there is a problem with buses. The nearest towns are linked by buses and these are not suitable for wheelchairs. In the same way the Council and the Madrid Community invested money in trains, they should now invest some more money in new buses, in order to give everybody the chance of using public transport. Additionally, considering suitable taxis for physical handicapped people are more expensive than standard taxis, I suggest taxi drivers who want to buy them should receive some kind of benefit.

Amenities

What we also need to consider is how many places like schools, theatres, cinemas and hotels are accessible for handicapped people. New buildings should comply with current accessibility laws, but we should keep in mind that need to make old buildings accessible too.
 
I strongly believe that everybody needs accessible facilities for being able to manage in their town by themselves. It is complicated to be a dependent person and we should do everything we can to improve this situation.

I trust you will consider this proposal favorably.