Creating conditions so that people with disabilities can function independently and participate in society on an equal basis with others is the most important objective of the Accessibility Plus programme. We continue to take measures to increase accessibility of public spaces, transport, education, health and many other areas

- says Małgorzata Jarosińska-Jedynak, Deputy Minister for Funds and Regional Policy.

The competitions, implemented with EU funds in PAED with the Accessibility Plus component, include: "Research for the market" "Accessibility - a chance for development", "Innovation vouchers for SMEs" and "Design for entrepreneurs".

During the three years of the programme's implementation, PAED launched all of its competitions. Accessibility Plus is a long-term programme, therefore these measures are still at different stages of implementation. Some of them have already been decided and we can observe implemented solutions, others are still being checked and evaluated, and their implementation will take place in the near future

- explains Mikołaj Różycki, Deputy President of PAED.

So far, the number of submitted applications under competitions with the Accessibility Plus component amounted to 1088, and their value reached over PLN 679 million. Most applications were submitted in the "Design for entrepreneurs" competition - in both calls, implemented in 2019 and 2020. - a total of 961 projects were sent for an amount of over PLN 513 million.

Among the implemented solutions are the following design projects. Electronic Flag System (EFS) for deaf people using karting tracks. It is characterised by the use of light elements such as coloured LED lamps informing deaf persons about hazards that may occur on the track while driving.

Another one is a seat dedicated to seniors. It is equipped with a discreet element that allows the balls to be put down in an upright position.

Both projects are realised as part of the competition "Design for entrepreneurs" financed by the Smart Growth Operational Programme.

The implementations that have been carried out are primarily intended to help in the daily functioning of users. The project "Creation of a design project for a line of furniture" takes into account the needs of the mobility impaired (in particular for people in wheelchairs) and the visually impaired. One of the most interesting solutions will be cabinet lifts, which, thanks to electric control, ensure convenient lowering of cabinets to the height of the user.

In turn, the "STANPAUL" company has developed a line of washbasins whose design is particularly adapted to the needs of people with mobility impairments, both adults and children. The funds thanks to which the projects are implemented come from the competition "Innovation vouchers for SMEs" from the Intelligent Development programme.