Accessibility plan study in buildings utilized by the public

2nd -3rd primary school – municipality of Papagou-Athens to enable a child suffering from left hemiplegia attend school and conform harmoniously

Introduction:

The buildings utilized by the public are defined as structures or assembling materials into a structure or country sides used by citizens for social, economic, trade, religious, scientific, educational, cultural, entertaining or athletic events and activities, as well as for temporary residences or waiting settings for public means of transport.

Schools should offer students the opportunity to participate in all suggested activities and take advantage of all benefits plainly, directly and autonomously.

Accessibility is twofold: it requires both sufficiency of school practices (including programmes and strategies for children with special educational needs) and support of the appropriate facilities or equipment.

Thus, a reachable school ought to have a network of accessible areas. This network should consist of an approachable route connecting the entrance of the school’s outer perimeter to the remaining areas. The passage needs to be continuous, non-intermittent, uniform and harmonious communicating with the major routes of the building.

Conclusion:

The quality of life and independence of each student in the school environment, being handicapped or not, are of the utmost importance not only for oneself, but for others as well. School knowledge in conjunction with transport safety enhances student dexterity and makes daily activities plausible.

Therefore, the school area, where the child spends almost one third of the day, should be reachable, serving their needs fully, so as to avoid the anxiety and insecurity felt when being in a place hampering and restraining someone’s independence and identity.

Lastly, when the student handles school environment skillfully, utilizes all areas and facilities successfully, exchanges information among other students and teachers, he/she will be able to dismiss inferiority feelings, resume an active role, be more responsible, take part in teams and organize life making essential decisions about future.