GR
The NGO “Me Alla Matia” evaluated and recorded the accessibility of the central buildings of the Athens University of Economics and Business, while also compiling their current accessibility profile.
This evaluation was carried out following a decision by AUEB to utilize a group of disabled individuals, in combination with specialized professionals and scientists in the field of accessibility. This reflects a clear intention to adopt international accessibility standards, adhering to the disability movement’s global motto, “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
The contribution of the University’s Equal Access Committee, represented by Associate Professor Eleana Galanaki and Mr. Adamantios Dontas, was invaluable to the project. Their prior research, in-depth analysis, and inclusive mindset enabled the report to better capture the current situation, allowing the focus group to make more targeted recommendations. The proactive stance of the new AUEB administration is already aiding in making significant improvements in the daily lives of students with disabilities.
The evaluation was conducted under the scientific supervision of civil engineer Mr. Ilias Chantzos, by a focus group of disabled individuals and experts in the field of accessibility. This ensured that the final user played a crucial role in conjunction with current legislation and European guidelines. Moreover, the experience of the affected users was prioritized so that the findings would not be mere legal documentation but truly functional. For the project’s implementation, existing materials were collected, photos and videos were taken, the current state of points of interest was assessed, and the focus group’s experiences were documented. After reviewing the existing legal framework, evaluations were drafted for each point of interest, and legally substantiated proposed interventions were outlined to improve the experiences of disabled employees and students.
This project marks the beginning of a new, more accessible, and inclusive era for AUEB and its community.
While the required changes are time-consuming, the staff and administration are already fostering a culture of inclusion at both organizational and practical levels, which is the most important foundation.
Since 2018, the NGO “Me Alla Matia” has been implementing programs to assess physical and digital accessibility based on the end user, i.e., the disabled or impaired individual, always in conjunction with legislation. Collaborations with entities such as the Municipality of Palaio Faliro, the Municipality of Athens, Athenian Brewery, Parnassos Ski Center, Hellenic Post, Central Markets and Fishery Organization, Public Properties Company, National Library of Greece, and others, demonstrate that the international motto of the disability movement, “Nothing About Us Without Us,” is the only way to approach accessibility correctly, efficiently, and inclusively.
