Gwangju Dong-gu (District Mayor Lim Taek) announced on the 12th that it will identify and promote disability-friendly stores as part of its initiative to create a "city friendly to people with disabilities, united not by differences but by empathy."
Dong-gu plans to conduct a comprehensive survey of 2,119 local establishments, including restaurants and cafes, by July 21. The survey will involve public officials in charge of the 13 districts within the region, local community leaders, and members of consultative bodies.
The survey criteria focus on creating an environment that people with disabilities can use more freely and conveniently. Detailed standards include: ▲ entrance thresholds of 2cm or less ▲ door widths of 80cm or more ▲ interior thresholds of 2cm or less ▲ availability of tables accessible to wheelchair users ▲ under-table clearance of 45cm or more ▲ restroom thresholds of 2cm or less ▲ restroom door widths of 80cm or more ▲ presence of safety handles in restrooms, among others.
Establishments that meet these criteria will be designated as disability-friendly stores. Selected businesses will receive active support, including the production of plaques and small-scale facility improvements, to further enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.
The district plans to take a step closer to becoming a disability-friendly city through this comprehensive survey and will continue to implement various campaigns and programs to create a society in which all residents can share happiness together.
Lim Taek, the district mayor, stated, "It is very important to create an environment where people with disabilities can enjoy their daily lives more freely in order to build a community where everyone can live conveniently and happily," and added, "We will continue to develop thoughtful welfare policies to create a warm Dong-gu where people with and without disabilities can live together in harmony."
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