Awards for improving accessibility presented to Užice, Kragujevac, Vrnjačka banja, Vračar and Sombor

Award for improving accessibility of public transport in 2022 was presented to the City of Užice based on Decision of the Protector of Citizens. This city was awarded for the reported initiative, which includes the introduction of modern public transport vehicles adapted to people with disabilities, as well as the informational adaptation of public transport stops.

The City of Kragujevac also received an award for improving the accessibility of content in the field of culture, and the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja for improving the accessibility of sports facilities. Special recognition was given to the City Municipality of Vračar, for the initiative of establishing a support website for people with disabilities. The City of Sombor was praised for improving the accessibility of public facilities.

The prize for improving accessibility was jointly awarded by the Protector of Citizens and Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities - SCTM, based on a previously announced Public Call. The Committee for awarding consisted of representatives of the professional service of the Protector of Citizens, SCTM, as well as representatives of the Council of Protector of Citizens for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Twelve cities and municipalities applied for awards and recognition in this area. SCTM implements this activity within the project "Partnership for Good Local Government" supported by the Swiss Government.

 The aim of this activity is to raise awareness of the need for local self-governments engagement in creating an accessible environment for everyone, in accordance with the principles of universal design, as well as to promote good practice examples from cities and municipalities that are engaged in improving accessibility. Awards, recognitions, and commendations will be presented jointly by the representatives of the Protector of Citizens and SCTM at a ceremony the date of which will be announced later.