Mayor Carlota López Esteban presented this recognition granted by the Autism Friendly Club, an international organization specializing in cognitive accessibility. This European validation highlights the municipality's work in adapting its spaces, services, and processes to ensure understanding, orientation, and participation for all citizens, especially those with specific communication and sensory processing support needs.
The project was developed based on three key pillars: the implementation of flexible signage with pictograms in municipal buildings, specific training for town council staff, and the design of adapted protocols for citizen services. López Esteban emphasized that the ultimate goal is to make San Lorenzo de El Escorial an "accessible municipality for all," which also includes the elimination of architectural barriers, social awareness initiatives, inclusive sports, and actions such as the special reception of the Three Wise Men.
“"San Lorenzo is committed to facilitating its relationship with the administration for all people, especially those with specific communication support needs, and in this regard, we are working hand in hand with specialists, such as Autism Friendly, to improve the quality of life of our citizens."
Among the specific actions carried out are the incorporation of visual signage in buildings such as libraries and sports centers, the training of municipal staff in inclusive care and understanding of autism, and the implementation of specific forms for municipal procedures. Additionally, awareness-raising actions aimed at citizens have been developed.
The mayor highlighted the importance of creating "understandable environments for all," convinced that "diversity is not an exception, but a reality that we must integrate." This measure not only benefits people on the autism spectrum but also the elderly, children, and those with comprehension difficulties. With this certification, San Lorenzo de El Escorial joins a network of over 800 spaces in Europe operating under the Autism Friendly model, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in reducing inequalities and promoting just and accessible societies.
“"Cognitive accessibility is not an extra; it is a right. For a municipality like San Lorenzo de El Escorial to commit to this model represents a key step towards a more inclusive, modern, and prepared society for all people, creating friendly and coexisting spaces for those who have often been second-class citizens in a world built by neurotypical brains."
In a second phase, the goal is to extend this initiative to the private sector, contacting hotels, shops, and hospitality establishments to implement measures such as menus with pictograms and adapted signage. Finally, informative sessions and awareness-raising actions will be launched in school environments, complementing the two existing TEA Classrooms at the Real Colegio Alfonso XII and the CEIP Antoniorrobles, where the Town Council has carried out adaptation works to create a more suitable environment.
