Orihuela Proposes Clearer Signs for Public Buildings

Orihuela’s Family Department has introduced a plan called PictOrihuela to make public buildings and services more accessible. The initiative seeks to implement consistent pictograms, clearer signs, and easy-to-understand information to help people identify key locations such as entrances, reception desks, rooms, toilets, and exits.

If approved by other council departments, the approach could expand throughout Orihuela’s coastal areas, neighborhoods, and outer villages. The proposal was sparked by concerns raised by local groups through the Family Observatory and a 2025 study focusing on families affected by disability. While the project places a strong emphasis on aiding children with autism and their families, it aims to assist individuals with intellectual or visual disabilities, those living with dementia or other cognitive impairments, older residents, and visitors.

Key stakeholders in the project include representatives from the Alzheimer’s association AFA Miguel Hernández and the ONCE organization, which advocates for people with visual disabilities. María Sánchez from AFA highlighted that daily tasks like locating a consultation room or deciphering signs can pose significant challenges for those with cognitive impairments. Eva Lorente Arnás of ONCE emphasized that any new system must also cater to individuals with visual disabilities.

The Family Department plans to disseminate the proposal to other council departments and engage with business and hospitality associations to participate in the initiative. As of now, no specific timeline for implementing the new signage has been announced.