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The winners of the Access City Award 2026 (Easy-to-read)

The Access City Award is a prize we give every year to cities that work hard to make life easier for persons with disabilities.

Easy-to-read version

Easy-to-read is information
that is written in a simple way     
so that all people can understand it.
You can find more information at: 
www.inclusion-europe.eu/easy-to-read
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About Access City Award

The Access City Award is a prize 
we give every year to cities 
that work hard to be accessible.
Man holding an award cup
A city is accessible 
when all people can live in it
and use all things and services
without problems. 
This is important for all people, 
and especially for persons with disabilities 
and older people.
Party with pmr in wheelchair

For example, a city is accessible
when all people can easily: 

  • Get the bus or the metro 
    to go to work;
  • Use ticket machines to buy a ticket; 
Illustration of bus with wheelchair access
  • Go around the streets 
    or get in public buildings, 
    like hospitals and city halls;
Illustration of persons with reduced mobility accessing a park with a wheelchair
  • Get information in ways 
    that they can read and understand.
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Every year, 
a city comes first in the competition 
and wins the Access City Award. 
Man holding an award cup

There are also awards for the 2 cities 
that came second and third 
in the competition. 


 
Illustration of 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize cups on a stand
Lastly, there are special mentions 
for other cities that have done great work
in certain areas.
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The winners are selected by groups of people 
who have experience in accessibility. 
Persons with disabilities and older people 
are part of these groups. 
Illustration of 4 persons in a meeting

The winner of the Access City Award 2026: Zaragoza in Spain

The city that won the Access City Award for 2026

is Zaragoza in Spain.
Man holding an award cup

Amongst others,

this is because in Zaragoza:

  • People who make decisions for the city 
    have made a plan to make the city 
    more accessible by 2030. 
    To make this plan happen,
    they work together with persons with disabilities 
    and listen to their views.
Illustration of 4 persons in a meeting
  • The website of the city is accessible
    so that everyone can use it. 
    The city also offers information 
    in easy language
    for persons with intellectual disabilities.
Illustration of PMR computer screen
  • Trams, buses and streets are accessible 
    so that people can get around
    without problems. 
    There are also accessible taxis 
    that can take people from their homes 
    to the places they want.
Illustration of bus with wheelchair access
  • The city works to make 
    buildings and houses accessible 
    so that persons with disabilities 
    can live independently.
wheelchair user going up a ramp

Second place of the Access City Award 2026: Valencia in Spain

The city of Valencia in Spain
won the second place 
in the Access City Award 2026.
Man holding an award cup

Among other reasons, 
this is because in Valencia: 

  • Metros, buses, streets 
    and public spaces like parks and beaches 
    are accessible. 
    This way, everyone can get around 
    without problems.
wheelchair user on the beach with his dog
  • Persons with disabilities can find information 
    in ways that fit their needs. 
    For example, deaf people can find 
    information in sign language. 
    Also, persons with intellectual disabilities 
    can find information in easy language.
Illustration of PMR computer screen
  • Persons with disabilities work 
    in the offices of the city hall 
    and help make things accessible for all.
meeting of four people, one of them is a wheelchair user
  • The city makes sure that new buildings 
    are accessible for all. 
    This way, persons with disabilities 
    can live there like everyone else.
a wheelchair user is going through a ramp

Third place of the Access City Award 2026: Rennes in France

The city of Rennes in France
won the third place in the Access City Award 2026.
Man holding an award cup

Among other reasons, 
this is because in Rennes: 

  • Metros and buses are accessible 
    and persons with disabilities 
    can use them without problems. 
    There is also information 
    about accessible routes 
    that persons with disabilities can use 
    to get around the city.
aerial view of a wheelchair user entering into a bus
  • The city works hard to make streets, 
    public spaces and buildings accessible 
    by 2027.
blind woman following a phone app guiding her through the streets
  • The website of the city hall is accessible 
    so that everyone can use it 
    without problems. 
    Also, important information is available 
    in easy language and other formats.
Illustration of PMR computer screen
  • The city helps persons with disabilities 
    to go to museums and other activities. 
    It also organises fun activities 
    for children with disabilities.  
accessible museum, with a guide explaining to a wheelchair user a piece of art
  • The city works together with 
    persons with disabilities and older people 
    and listen to their views. 
meeting of four people, one of them is a wheelchair user

Special mention 1: Salzburg in Austria

Salzburg in Austria won a special mention 
for its efforts to make houses accessible 
for persons with disabilities. 
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The city tries to make sure that 
new buildings are accessible. 
It also tries to change existing buildings 
to fit the needs of persons with disabilities. 
This way, more persons with disabilities 
can live independently.
a wheelchair user is going through a ramp

Special mention 2: Valencia in Spain

Valencia in Spain won a special mention 
for its efforts to look after persons with disabilities
when something bad happens.  
For example, in case there is a big fire or flood
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The city works to make sure 
that persons with disabilities 
can get the help they need to be safe.
image of a neighbourhood flooding and persons with disabilities trying to get safe

Special mention 3: Piacenza in Italy

Piacenza in Italy won a special mention 
for its efforts to make its online services 
easy to use for all people.
Thumbs up icon
The website of the city hall is accessible 
and people can use it easily
to find any information they need. 
 
Illustration of PMR computer screen
The city also uses technology 
to help older people live safely at home. 
For example, this can be a device 
that sends a message for help,  
if the older person is in danger.
A young woman supports an older woman to stand up from a chair

More information

You can find more information 
about the Access City Award at: 
on the Access City Award website.
Illustration of someone typing on a computer keyboard on the access city award contact page
For any questions,
you can send us an email at: 
JUST-EDPD-ACAatec [dot] europa [dot] eu (JUST-EDPD-ACA[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)