Disabled access trialed at Cueva de los Verdes

The magical underground tunnels, caves and pools of Cueva de los Verdes were the inspiration for Lanzarote’s unique Centres of Culture, Art and Tourism, but for over sixty years they have only been seen by the able-bodied.

Until yesterday, that is, when islanders Gerardo and Naiara became the first two disabled visitors to trial a new adapted route through the cave system. The visitors were assisted along the route in all-terrain Jöelette wheelchairs by friends, volunteers and staff at the centre.

After the visit, Naiara said “My friends always told me it was sad that I couldn’t visit one of our natural jewels, but today it’s been shown that there’s no cause for sadness.  Everyone should have the chance to experience the magic of this place.”

Cabildo Welfare Councillor Marci Acuña publicly thanked the Lanzarote Multiple Sclerosis Associations (ALANEM) and TRI WWW “for their constant fight for inclusion, as well as the Semi-Residential Addiction Care Unit (USAA) for the maintenance and restoration of the Joëlette chairs”. He also thanked workers at La Cueva de los Verdes and volunteers who participated in this trial on a voluntary basis.”