Experts and people with disabilities discussed accessibility in Bulgaria as part of the international AccessibleEU project, which forms part of the European Accessibility Resource Centre and is funded by the European Commission. The forum took place here on Friday.
Steli Peteva, Director of the Institute for Community-based Social Services Foundation, said that the forum matters, as it examines the issue of accessibility through the lens of different sectors and perspectives – an accessible urban environment, accessible digital processes and products, and accessible services. She added that the event is particularly interesting, because it marks the conclusion of a four-year cycle of work on the European AccessibleEU project, which included in Bulgaria. She emphasized that nobody today views accessibility as charity or as something for which there are no funds. “We all know that it is every person’s right and that the State has a duty to guarantee it,” added Peteva. There is a sufficiently developed regulatory framework, and Bulgaria has harmonized its legislation with European requirements. This, according to Peteva, provides not only a framework and direction, but also clearly defined responsibilities and commitments. When these are not fulfilled, there are instruments available to exert pressure, the expert concluded.
Natalia Grigorova, founder of the Bulgarian Huntington Association, outlined the services her organization provides to support people with rare diseases and their families, who also face challenges regarding accessibility. Grigorova stated that there are 8,000 types of rare diseases, affecting one in every 2,000 people. In 95% of cases, there is no cure. The association provides psychosocial support, aftercare, rehabilitation, advocacy and training for relatives on how to care for those affected.
Grigorova reported that in Sofia alone, more than 150,000 people are living with rare diagnoses. That is why the organization is setting up support centres for families with rare conditions in Sofia and Burgas, on the Black Sea, organizing rehabilitation camps for people with rare conditions, and providing specialized social, psychological and counselling support.
Tihomir Raychev, Chief Architect of Burgas Municipality, noted that an accessible environment is a set of measures that requires a great deal of work to achieve. Raychev emphasized that his city is striving to make further improvements this year. He added: “We have installed wheelchairs on the beaches to provide access to the sea, so that people can get into the water, as well as special ones for people with disabilities, to make the sea accessible to everyone.” He highlighted the public transport stops that have been adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities. He called on all stakeholders not to stop fighting for an accessible environment, because, in his words, this is a comprehensive, ongoing effort, rather than a one-off action.
Radina Doneva, a founding member of Bulgarian Design Council, said that design shapes the world, while accessibility determines who this world is open to. She said that it is vital for accessibility to be incorporated right from the start of any design process, so that the world we are building is suitable for everyone.
Experts, People with Disabilities Discuss Accessibility in Bulgaria 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-16 11:41:09
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BULGARIA NEWS – NEWS AGENCY 2009–2026 2026-10-16 11:41:09
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