Accessibility improvements have been implemented at the State Social Insurance Agency (SSIA) Customer Service Centre in Āgenskalns to make in-person services more accessible to the widest possible range of people.
For most people, a visit to the State Social Insurance Agency is an infrequent event associated with significant life changes that require professional support. Visiting the SSIA is typically not a matter of personal choice but a necessity, and every resident has the right to access the Agency’s services. It is therefore essential that the environment is clear, accessible, and does not create additional stress or barriers to receiving the support people need.
As part of the project, a dedicated parking space for persons with disabilities has been created near the building, doorways have been widened, door thresholds have been removed, and an electric stair lift has been installed to improve mobility for people with movement impairments. Tactile guidance strips have been installed on the floors throughout the customer service centre, while information plaques featuring Braille have been placed on the walls to assist people with visual impairments. Accessibility improvements have also been made to the sanitary facilities for the convenience of all visitors.
These solutions contribute to a more accessible and inclusive public service environment that takes people’s diverse needs into account and helps ensure equal opportunities for everyone to receive state support.
The accessibility improvements were implemented with funding from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, promoting greater accessibility of public buildings and strengthening equal opportunities for people regardless of their functional abilities.
Under the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility investment “Measures to Improve Access to Public Services and Employment Opportunities for People with Functional Impairments”, overseen by the Ministry of Welfare, accessibility improvements will be completed in 63 state and municipal buildings across Latvia by the end of summer 2026.
Because every #person matters #SocialSecurity #NextGenerationEU #NextGenEU #NextGenerationEU
