GR
Golden Hall continues to evolve in the field of inclusion, aiming to provide the best possible experience for people with disabilities visiting the shopping center.
The space, which is already accessible according to legislation, features disabled toilets on every level, ramps, spacious elevators, and designated parking spaces for people with disabilities in all parking areas.
For the increased safety and comfort of visitors with disabilities, the mall’s administration, in collaboration with the NPO “Me Alla Matia” implemented last July the educational program “More Effective Service for People with Disabilities and Impaired Mobility” for all its staff. This allowed employees to engage directly with people with disabilities and collaboratively establish the best conditions for coexistence, reception, and service within the mall.
The next step for Golden Hall, again in collaboration with the NPO “Me Alla Matia” involves an in-depth assessment of the accessibility provided to individuals with visual, auditory, and mobility impairments throughout the central area of the shopping center. This evaluation was carried out by a focus group of people with disabilities and accessibility experts, ensuring that the end user plays a crucial role, while also considering current legislation and European guidelines. The primary focus is on the real experience of the user, ensuring that the resulting technical report goes beyond mere compliance and recommends functional and practical improvements.
The outcome of this evaluation is the creation of an accessibility profile, which provides detailed instructions and consolidated information about the space, access to it, and services available for individuals with disabilities. The goal is for visitors to prepare for their visit as effectively as possible, ensuring a better experience with fewer obstacles.
This assessment highlighted the unique inclusion initiatives by the administration, such as permanent free parking for vehicles of people with disabilities, voice announcements in elevators, the provision of manual or electric wheelchairs for easier navigation within the mall, and the installation of seating in elevator cabins for individuals with limited mobility.
These initiatives, which are just the beginning, underscore Lamda Development’s commitment to a more inclusive experience at its shopping centers and reflect its inclusive philosophy.
What’s the next target? Mediterranean Cosmos in Thessaloniki, where the educational program for more effective service to people with disabilities has already been completed for staff, and the accessibility assessment and profile are being finalized to enhance the existing access.
Similar staff training programs and accessibility evaluations are also set to be implemented at The Mall Athens and Designer Outlet Athens.
These actions are part of Lamda Development’s strategic commitment to initiatives and activities that raise awareness and promote familiarity with issues of inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities. In this context, the company collaborates with the NGO “With Other Eyes” to implement the educational program “See Life With Different Eyes” for students in schools located in the neighboring municipalities to the Hellinikon project (Elliniko-Argyroupoli, Alimos, Glyfada).
