WYD Lisbon welcomes pilgrims with disabilities

Source: WYD 2023

With four days to go until World Youth Day (WYD) Lisbon 2023, more than 1500 pilgrims with disabilities or reduced mobility from different parts of the world, have already registered.

Inclusion is one of the main features of WYD Lisbon, which seeks to leave a legacy for future World Youth Days in terms of accessibility.

Carmo Diniz, head of the Dialogue and Proximity Office of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), said 95% of WYD venues are accessible to people with reduced mobility.

"All spaces were very carefully prepared to be accessible to everyone. A lot of care was taken in Campo da Graça (Parque-Tejo)", Carmo said.

According to her, accessibility reports were also created for the venues of the Central Events, the Youth Festival, the Rise Up Meetings and the Reception. "All this information has been collected throughout this time of preparation and will be reflected in the WYD Lisbon 2023 App so that the pilgrims know which places are accessible," she said.

"We want everyone to feel welcome at WYD Lisbon and know that our city and our country is accessible" she said.

Regarding the assistance of people with disabilities or reduced mobility throughout WYD Lisbon 2023, Carmo Diniz explained that "they will be accompanied by all the Central Volunteers and Parish Volunteers who have registered", just like the rest of the pilgrims. "There is no special welcome. They are pilgrims like everyone else", she emphasised.

To welcome everyone, the Central Events of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 will be transmitted through screens, in which an International Gesture interpreter will ensure that deaf people "can access the information anywhere", said the person responsible for the Dialogue and Proximity Office.

Leonor Belo is a long-term volunteer in the same department and has Trisomy 21. With enthusiasm, she took the opportunity to leave a message to all people with disabilities and reduced mobility who are in doubt as to whether they should participate in the meeting: "I don't think you need to think. You must just feel it. Everyone can come".

Accessibility has been a priority for the preparation of WYD Lisbon 2023 from the outset. As this is the biggest meeting of young people from all over the world with the Pope, WYD Lisbon 2023 invites everyone to participate and experience this meeting.