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L’urban accessibility it is not only a the issue of infrastructurebut a diritto fondamentale. Garantire a tutte le persone – comprese quelle con disabilità motoria, sensoriale o cognitiva, anziani e famiglie con bambini – la possibilità di muoversi liberamente e fruire di edifici, servizi e spazi pubblici significa promote inclusion social autonomy and active participation.
In Italy, the theme is regulated by regulations to historic and recent, which aim to eliminate the architectural barriers and to make the city places safer and more livable.
Reference standard
L’urban accessibility it is regulated by some laws, such as:
- Law 13/1989: Provisions for the removal of architectural barriers in public and private buildings with incentives and subsidies for adapting interventions.
- Law 104/1992 : “Framework law for the assistance, social integration and rights of persons with disabilities”. Establishes the obligation to implement accessible paths, installed lights and audible and remove obstacles to mobility.
- D. P. R. 503/1996: Standards for the elimination of architectural barriers in buildings, spaces, and urban services. Introduces the concept of a location that is accessible to ensure the usability of public spaces and social services to all citizens.
In addition, the Sicily Region, and many Italian municipalities have adopted specific plans (PEBA – Plan for the elimination of architectural barriers) to improve accessibility in urban centres, with targeted interventions on public buildings, schools and transport.
Why accessibility is important
According to theThe ’ISTAT 2023, in Italy, more than 3 million people are living with physical disabilities, sensory, or cognitive. Llevel global, the OOrganizzazione the world health estimated that about 15% of the population live with a disability.
L’accessibilità urbana non riguarda solo le persons with disabilities: migliora la qualità della vita di anziani, genitori con passeggino and people temporaneamente in difficoltà. A città accessibile è quindi anche una città più sicura, efficiente e inclusiva.
Features of an accessible city
A really accessible integrates different aspects:
- Physical accessibility: public transport equipped, sidewalks, without barriers, buildings that can be visited and walked in autonomy.
- Accessibility digital: web sites, online services, and apps municipal enjoyed by all.
- Accessible tourism: museums, accommodation facilities and tourist routes are designed according to the criteria of universal usability.
- Cultural spaces including: libraries, theaters, and community centers without obstacles for anyone.
- Sustainable mobility: safe pedestrian and cycling paths and integrated public transport.
Concrete examples in Italy and in the world
Some Italian cities you stand for best practices for accessibility:
- Bologna has implemented pedestrian routes and services for the blind.
- Trento offers public transport fully accessible and tactile signage in the main public buildings.
- At the international level, cities such as Stockholm, Hamburg, and Amsterdam are considered models of the city accessible, with infrastructure, transportation, and services that are scheduled to ensure the usability total.
Critical issues and challenges
In spite of the progress, remain criticality:
- Historic towns and villages: many streets and buildings are not yet accessible.
- Lack of resources: some municipalities have difficulties to finance adaptation.
- Planning a fragmented: the absence of an integrated plan limits the effectiveness of the interventions.
Il coinvolgimento diretto of persons with disabilities nei processi decisionali è ancora limitato, ma fondamentale per progettare spazi realmente inclusivi.
Benefits of urban accessibility
- Social: inclusion, participation and cohesion of the community.
- Economic: the rise of accessible tourism and increased participation in the labour market.
- Cultural: greater enjoyment of museums, theaters, and cultural centers from all.
- Environmental: the city more pedestrian-friendly with sustainable transport and green spaces are accessible.
Call to Action:
An accessible city is a città migliore per tutti, non solo per chi ha disabilità. Ogni intervention su edifici, trasporti o spazi pubblici contribuisce a rendere la vita più semplice, sicura e inclusiva.
What you can do:
- Segnala barriere architettoniche nel tuo quartiere.
- Join to piani comunali di accessibility.
- Sostieni progetti and associations that promuovono l’inclusione urbana.
- Invest inaccessibility significa costruire city more giuste, sicure e vivibili per tutti.
What kind of barriers we are in your area? Let's talk together on rightforinclusion.en and contribuisci a costruire a company really inclusive!
Invest in accessibility means creating spaces that are accessible and participatory, where everyone can move freely and sentirsi parte della comunità. Non restare spettatore:fai la differenza oggi.
Person using stair lifts
