To cover the three core areas in the ISSLA Plan, Hidralia in San Fernando maintains its commitment to people and continues to implement a range of actions to improve quality of life and make the water service accessible to all the island’s inhabitants

Hidralia is one of the first companies in the sector to adapt its customer service office to people with autism. The aim of this pioneering initiative is to make it more accessible and easier for those with an intellectual disability to carry out any procedure relating to local water services.

The target is to achieve what is known as universal access, which is not just defined as the elimination of architectural barriers, but also the removal of other less visible barriers that make it hard for disabled people and foreigners to access certain public spaces and services. Social responsibility is a firm commitment of Hidralia, which is why the San Fernando office opened today has been adapted following the principles of universal access.

The idea is to eliminate cognitive barriers, using visual keys that are adapted and accessible to a larger part of the population. This facilitates access and understanding by various collectives as well as people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), brain damage, intellectual disabilities, speech disorders, elderly people, people who do not understand the language, or people with literacy or reading problems.

To achieve this level of accessibility, pictograms have been created (simple, clear drawings) that will easily define the spaces and documents offered to the customer. In addition, the entry machines have been adapted and a preferential desk has been signposted with special signs, where people can be attended by a person with basic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) training.

Continuing with this raising of awareness and increased responsibility, Hidralia in San Fernando has renewed its agreement with the Autism Association of Cádiz, by which the water company is committed to collaborate financially and with volunteers to the various activities that this association offers.

The ISSLA Plan, promoted by Hidralia and in which these actions are framed, focuses on the company’s social commitment in its service provision, the sustainable use of resources, and improvement in citizens’ quality of life.