Torrevieja, December 2, 2025 – Torrevieja has formally established its Municipal Council for People with Functional Diversity, a new participatory body designed to strengthen collaboration between associations, families, and the local government, with the goal of creating a more inclusive, accessible, and socially engaged city.
The inaugural session was presided over by Vice Mayor Rosario Martínez, alongside Councilor for Functional Diversity Trudy Páez, Councilor for Accessibility Sandra Sánchez, Social Welfare Councilor Óscar Urtasun, and Finance Councilor Domingo Paredes, with participation from representatives of local associations.
A Forum for Participation and Inclusion
The council has been created as a consultative and advisory body, aiming to institutionalize dialogue between people with functional diversity, their families, and the Torrevieja City Council. Its primary goal is to ensure active and effective participation of these citizens in the planning, execution, and evaluation of municipal policies, while promoting accessibility, inclusion, and quality of life.
Vice Mayor Rosario Martínez described the council as “a necessary step toward building a more accessible and inclusive city where all residents can participate on equal terms.” Councilor Trudy Páez emphasized that the body will help identify real needs, propose innovative solutions, and strengthen civic engagement through close collaboration with local associations.
A Space for Reflection and Coordination
The council will serve as a stable forum for reflection, experience exchange, and joint action among associations such as ALPE, APANEE, AFA, ADIEM, ASIMEPP, and AMFA, and will coordinate with various municipal departments. Its work will focus on identifying challenges, proposing practical solutions, and acting as a liaison between citizen groups and city management.
Council Composition
- President: Eduardo Dolón Sánchez, Mayor of Torrevieja
- Vice Presidents: Trudy Páez (Functional Diversity) and Sandra Sánchez (Accessibility)
- Secretary: Fernando Domínguez Herrero
- Political Representatives: Partido Popular, PSOE, Vox, Sueña Torrevieja
- Association Representatives: ADIEM, ALPE, AFA (Alzheimer), ASIMEPP, APANEE, AMFA (full list of titular and substitute members)
Next Steps
The council’s regulations establish that it will function as a space for dialogue, reflection, and planning, aiming to achieve full social, labor, economic, and cultural integration of people with functional diversity.
Martínez and Páez agreed that the council represents a major step forward for the city, creating opportunities for meaningful participation, improving accessibility, and fostering inclusive policies in Torrevieja.
