Alicante Faces Accessibility Challenges as Elevator Breaks Down

Alicante's Disability Dilemma: Elevator Issues at CEIP Voramar

The educational journey of 11-year-old Arturo, who has reduced mobility, has once again begun with challenges. At CEIP Voramar in Alicante, the elevator meant for his sixth-grade class is still out of order. His mother, María Jesús Aguilar, must carry him up the stairs every morning, illustrating the harsh realities faced by families dealing with disabilities in the Comunidad Valenciana.

Continuing Challenges for Disabled Students in Alicante

The elevator has been malfunctioning since June 8, with a technician only visiting ten days later. As affirmed by María Mira, president of the AMPA, this is not the first time such an issue has emerged, with previous breakdowns pointing to a need for a complete renovation of the elevator system. Despite the school's importance as an integration center for children with special needs, such as Arturo, the local government has failed to address the elevator breakdown directly.

• Over 600 students attend CEIP Voramar, with several depending on the elevator.
• The elevator failure impacts overall school operations, forcing younger students to eat in their classes.
• Concerns extend to potential injuries when heavy materials need to be carried upstairs.

María, an engineer, must balance work and caring for her son, who suffers from a spinal injury, highlighting the urgent need for technical resolutions to ensure sufficient accessibility for all students.

Community and Government Response

The Alicante council has included CEIP Voramar in improvement plans but fails to mention the urgent elevator repairs. Activists, including Compromís politicians, have criticized the disparity in treatment towards public education, pointing to other schools facing similar challenges.