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APEI Press Agency
Published on
Nov. 25, 2024 at 1:44 p.m.
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There was a little excitement on Saturday, November 23, around the Camille-Muffat swimming pool in Portes-lès-Valence. (Drome). The structure thus became the first sports facility in the Agglo de Valence to receive the national Tourism & Disability label. Elected officials, professionals, disabled sports clubs and people with disabilities were present for the unveiling of the plaque, ahead of the traditional disabled-pool session.
A single level for easy circulation
Created in 2001, the Tourisme & Handicap label is a state mark which guarantees people with disabilities reliable information on the accessibility of tourist sites.
This demanding certification ensures users a personalized welcome and adapted equipment allowing them the greatest possible autonomy. Obtaining this label demonstrates a strong desire to make sport and leisure accessible to all.
In tribute to the champion Camille Muffat
Historically, the Portes-lès-Valence swimming pool was a summer swimming pool, on two levels. In order to meet the objectives of the swimming pool plan, the architecture of the building has been completely redesigned with particular attention to accessibility for people with disabilities. After 2 years of work, the swimming pool was inaugurated in the summer of 2021 and named Camille Muffat in tribute to the Olympic medal-winning swimmer, who accidentally died at the age of 25 on the set of a television show.
From the launch of the Agglomeration's 2016-2020 swimming pool plan, in conjunction with the tourist office, accessibility has been at the heart of the project.
The design of the Camille Muffat swimming pool was the subject of in-depth consultation with associations of disabled people and the Agglomeration's accessibility commission.
The establishment was therefore designed on a single plane (reception, changing rooms, pools, mineral solarium, water play area and plant solarium), integrating specific facilities to respond to different types of disabilities.
Complete amenities
“The swimming pool meets the strict criteria of the Tourism & Handicap label thanks to adapted facilities,” welcomes Valence Romans Agglo in a press release. Among the many specific equipmentwe can cite:
- The single-level architecture which facilitates circulation;
- Complete tactile guidance, from the parking space to the pools;
- Adapted equipment: audible elevator with Braille indications, magnetic loop at reception for the hearing impaired, PRM changing rooms with changing table, etc.
- A launching device for access to the pools;
- Reinforced signage for all types of disabilities (lockers with Braille display, evacuation light signals, etc.)
- Two boxes for guide dogs
Thanks to all the measures put in place, the swimming pool has received approval from Atout Francesole operator of the State in terms of tourism, for labeling last Septemberafter two final inspection visits carried out by Drôme Attractiveness.
A continued commitment to inclusion
Beyond the physical facilities, the Camille-Muffat swimming pool offers concrete actions to encourage the practice of sport for people with disabilities:
- monthly disabled pool sessions (every 3rd Saturday, from October to March),
- free for accompanying persons,
- specific training for lifeguards,
- adapted reception for schoolchildren with disabilities.
This label marks an important step in the inclusion policy of Valence Romans Agglo, which is already working on extending this approach to its other aquatic facilities and the ice rink.
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