The city of Anglet, France, will host the Autrem’Handi festival from November 20 to November 28, 2026. The event, which aims to promote diversity and shift public perceptions of disability, features a program of wheelchair basketball, improvisational theater, concerts, and inclusive sporting workshops across various municipal sites, according to local reporting from Unidivers and Anglet Tourisme.
While the festival serves as a platform for awareness, the challenge remains how these initiatives translate into long-term accessibility once the events conclude. The festival’s stated goal is to “change the way people look at disability,” yet the practical impact often depends on structural access, such as ramp availability, captioning, and consistent scheduling, rather than temporary demonstrations.
The Ciné-Cap precedent for year-round access
A tangible example of lasting inclusion emerged from the 2022 edition of Autrem’Handi, which led to the launch of “Ciné-Cap” at the local Monciné theater. Unlike one-off festival activities, this initiative established recurring accessible screenings on the first Wednesday of each month.
The program features technical adjustments such as modulated sound and lighting, as well as subtitles for deaf or hard-of-hearing patrons. The cinema operator also provides amplification and audio description for a portion of its regular programming. A reduced rate of three euros is available for individuals holding a disability card, changing the cultural facility's operations permanently.
Infrastructure and digital accessibility in Anglet
Beyond cultural programming, the city of Anglet has sought to address physical and digital accessibility through several ongoing measures. In June 2026, the municipality released an updated open map of reserved parking spaces for people with reduced mobility.
On the coast, the Petite Chambre d’Amour beach operates under the “Handiplage” label during supervised periods, offering specialized equipment such as “tiralos” (amphibious wheelchairs) and access mats that allow users to reach the water. However, digital access remains a work in progress. A 2024 municipal report rated the city’s website as “partially compliant” with the RGAA 4.1 accessibility standard. While an internal audit later reported 93.94% compliance, it noted ongoing issues with labeled forms and insufficient text alternatives. The city’s employment portal currently advises users with visual impairments to utilize phone assistance, a measure that highlights the difference between independent access and supported assistance.
Co-creation in artistic programming
The festival has previously explored moving beyond simple awareness by involving people with disabilities in the production of art. During the March 2025 edition, individuals supported by the ESAT Espérance de Saint-Martin-de-Seignanx performed on stage alongside improvisers from the Compagnie de la Longue-Vue. This collaboration shifted the focus from the festival as a host for beneficiaries to the festival as a space for co-creation.
Under French law, municipalities are required to maintain an accessibility commission to monitor building, road, and transport infrastructure, a body Anglet established in June 2014.
Residents and visitors can obtain further details and verify access conditions for specific events by contacting the Anglet Tourist Office at 05 59 03 77 01.
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