Benidorm already has more than 30 associated establishments that have committed to inclusion and universal accessibility
21 hospitality establishments have joined Abreca's initiative to offer their menus in Braille
Abreca's initiative to enable the city's restaurants to also offer their menus in Braille has, as of today, 21 new establishments that have joined the initiative. This brings the total number of restaurants offering this option to view their menus to more than thirty in the city.
The presentation of these new menus took place this afternoon at the El Torrejó building, where Abreca, ONCE, and the City Council highlighted the joint work being done to promote accessibility and inclusion in Benidorm. Both the hospitality association and ONCE highlighted the shared effort, which was evident in the first wave of establishments, and which, with the current wave, "contributes to ensuring an independent gastronomic experience for people with visual impairments," according to Abreca president Javier del Castillo, who encouraged all members "to join this initiative by providing transcription and initial printing, as well as subsequent copies, at a very reduced price." Del Castillo also added that "we are working hand in hand with ONCE, seeking not only a more inclusive hospitality industry, but also a more accessible, diverse, and intelligent Benidorm." The president of the hospitality association concluded by stating that "I don't know if there is another association in Spain that works as closely with ONCE as we do."
In a statement shared by Vicente Vázquez, director of ONCE's Social Work program in the Marinas Alta and Baixa, Vázquez said that Benidorm "is the world's tourism capital, but what makes it different are initiatives like this, which add exponential value to the city." He added that "Abreca can be proud of its work because accessibility is a value that equalises us all in terms of opportunities."
The event was closed by Mayor Toni Pérez, who described the hospitality association as "a showcase of hospitality, accessibility, and now, inclusion." The mayor emphasised "the positive aspects of practising active listening to meet people's needs." Regarding Benidorm's success, he said that it's about "striving to be better by competing with ourselves. If what we do here can be replicated elsewhere, then so be it."
“Accessibility is closeness, proximity, but above all, it is inclusion. And that's what we're dedicated to in Benidorm, a city that has made a great leap forward in terms of self-improvement,” he concluded.
The new establishments joining the Abreca and ONCE initiative are: Manila, El Cisne, La Cava Aragonesa, Chico Calla, Linaje de Castilla, Jardín Mediterráneo, Casa Enrique, L'Abadía, La Creu, Brasería Aurrerá, Bodegón, Tabernita del Sur, Tapería, Pintxos Aurrerá, Pizzería Avanti, Va Bene Cala, Va Bene Centro, Aruba, Urban Beach, Barranco, and Conbrassa.
