Dénia wins major ONCE award for making the city more accessible to everyone

Dénia has been recognised for its commitment to accessibility after receiving the Solidario ONCE Comunitat Valenciana 2026 award in the public administration category.

The award was presented in Alicante on Thursday, September 17, with Dénia mayor Rafa Carrió attending alongside tourism councillor Marta Gascó and senior departmental technician Pepa Cardona.

The annual Solidarios awards are the highest regional distinction given by the ONCE Social Group, recognising people and organisations whose work has made a positive contribution to society.

Dénia was selected for developing what ONCE describes as an established model of an inclusive destination, where accessibility is treated as a right and as an important part of ensuring equal opportunities.

Small changes can make a big difference

For people who can move around a city without difficulty, features such as an unobstructed pavement or an accessible route to the sea can be easy to overlook.

For someone with reduced mobility or another disability, however, they can determine whether a place is genuinely accessible.

Carrió highlighted precisely these everyday measures when accepting the award, pointing to examples including pavements free from barriers, walkways providing access to the sea and pictograms that help people with functional diversity understand and enjoy local festivities.

The mayor said such improvements may appear small, but can be essential for people who depend on them to navigate the city independently and with dignity.

The award therefore recognises more than individual accessibility measures, with the city’s wider approach to inclusion also being highlighted.

Work still has further to go

Despite the recognition, Dénia’s mayor stressed that the award should not be regarded as the end of the process.

He described the progress made so far as part of a longer journey and said the prize should instead provide encouragement and a responsibility to continue improving accessibility.

That means ensuring that inclusion remains part of how the city develops, rather than being treated as a completed project.

The recognition is particularly relevant to Dénia as a popular destination, where accessibility can affect both residents and visitors wanting to reach beaches, navigate public spaces or take part in cultural events.

Dénia also recognised for disability awareness

The city was linked to another Solidarios award presented during the same ceremony.

Radio Dénia Cadena SER and Radio Benidorm Cadena SER received recognition in the communications category for their ‘Con otra visión’ section.

The programme has brought stories and discussions about people with disabilities to listeners across the Marina Alta and Marina Baixa, with the organisers praising its role in providing a closer and more educational perspective on disability.

According to ONCE, the initiative has helped challenge stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society.

Other 2026 winners included the Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología (IVO), Blanca Sansegundo and APSA.

The Dénia award puts the Marina Alta city among those being recognised across the Valencian Community for work aimed at creating a more inclusive society.