FAAD urges accessible emergency line and better-adapted temporary bus stops

The Andorran Federation of People with Disabilities (FAAD) has called for a fully accessible emergency telephone service to ensure everyone can communicate quickly, safely and in ways adapted to their needs in critical situations. FAAD president Diana Figueras raised the demand during an event marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Figueras also highlighted repeated complaints about provisional public-transport stops that lack adequate adaptation and signage. According to the federation, many temporary stops do not have small identification panels, seating for people with reduced mobility, or clear tactile arrangements to help cane users locate the stop. FAAD warned that visually impaired passengers travelling alone may be unable to signal buses and urged training for drivers so they consistently stop for passengers with disabilities.

The federation said it has raised the matter with the Ministry of Social Affairs, which responded that adaptations have not been completed because the stops are temporary. FAAD said it is waiting for the stops to be made permanent before working with the ministry on full accessibility measures.

FAAD also urged that the proposed law guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities be submitted to the General Council as soon as possible, calling the legislation essential to complete the legal framework for protection, equality and inclusion.

The event included a remote lecture by Catalan writer Albert Espinosa, who spoke about his personal experiences and the influence of his “hospital mother,” who was Andorran. The conference was organised by the Ministry of Social Affairs in collaboration with FAAD; Espinosa participated remotely for health reasons.

In her opening remarks, Social Affairs Minister Trini Marín emphasised the determination and transformative capacity of people with disabilities and reiterated the government’s commitment to concrete measures that guarantee rights, autonomy and full participation. Marín said work is under way to amend the law guaranteeing the rights of persons with disabilities to strengthen protection mechanisms and better reflect the community’s needs, and she noted that the recent approval of the universal accessibility law represents progress toward equal opportunities and the gradual removal of barriers.