Paris's Journey Towards Accessibility in the Wake of the 2024 Games

In 2015, when Paris declared its ambition to host the Summer 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it pledged not just to organise the global sports event, but also to set a new standard for inclusivity and accessibility. This commitment goes beyond the athletic arena, targeting a transformative experience for everyone involved—especially for the diverse community of individuals in France living with motor, sensory, cognitive, or mental disabilities, as well as for visitors from around the world. Here are some key measures and improvements that have been planned to ensure an inclusive experience:

Air Travel Accessibility

Air France's SAPHIR Program offers priority access at airports for people with disabilities, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Additionally, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program aids in identifying passengers with non-visible disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support.

Train Travel Solutions

Train travel has been revolutionised for accessibility. The national state-owned railway company, SNCF will provide “Assist’enGare service which offers easy and efficient booking for assistance, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive journey for all passengers, especially those with disabilities or reduced mobility. With a focus on providing dedicated support right from the station entrance to the train seat, Assist’enGare is set to play a crucial role during the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, demonstrating the city's commitment to inclusivity and accessible transportation. Available in over 1,000 stations across France, it represents a significant stride in making public transport a seamless experience for every traveller.

Dedicated Venue Transfer Services

A remarkable initiative is the dedicated transfer service by ?le-de-France Mobilités, connecting major Paris stations to competition venues. This service is specially designed for wheelchair users, exemplifying the city's efforts to make every aspect of the Games accessible.

Ensuring Ease of Access at Venues

Parking and taxi services are being revamped to cater to spectators with disabilities. Supervised parking for bikes, handbikes, and tandems, along with well-planned taxi drop-off and pick-up zones, are part of these initiatives. Additionally, designated parking spaces near competition venues underscore the commitment to accessibility.

Volunteer Support and Services

The heart of Paris 2024's accessibility initiative lies in its volunteer program. Trained volunteers will be available at venues to assist people with disabilities, offering services such as information desks, priority access, and wheelchair accompaniment. This human touch adds an invaluable layer to the overall inclusive experience.

Beyond The Games

Outside the immediate vicinity of the Games, Paris is witnessing transformative changes to become more accessible, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Around the iconic Eiffel Tower, efforts are being made to improve the existing light gravel pathways, which were previously uneven. These enhancements are aimed at providing smoother mobility for individuals, particularly wheelchair users. This change promises to make Parisian landmarks more accessible to residents and tourists with impairments for years to come.