Guidelines for accessibility in the historic city of Valletta

Abstract

Immense progress has been witnessed across Europe in recent decades to address the challenges of disability and the inequalities that it creates, through legislation, policy and infrastructure. In Malta too, the sterling work of the National Commission for Persons with Disability (KNPD), and more recently, the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), has transformed this sector, so that today it is unthinkable for a new building not to be universally accessible. Historic city centres, however, still present a wide spectrum of challenges to residents and visitors with different needs. The present guidelines, which explore some of these issues in the context of the World Heritage City of Valletta, are therefore a very welcome contribution. [excerpt from the Foreword by Prof. JoAnn Cassar]