Creating inclusive societies requires ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The complex, historical architecture of buildings in Europe makes this particularly difficult to implement, and the disparity more apparent. Although there have been great strides towards this equity utopia, many European structures, particularly more historic ones, remain challenging to tackle for those with various disabilities. As of 2014, only fifteen EU member states have implemented obligatory standards for accessibility for people with disabilities. Various governing bodies have recognized this disparity and have implemented policies and regulations that aim to improve the accessibility of historically significant structures and locations. These initiatives, which are motivated by both national laws and directives from the European Union, demonstrate a dedication to protecting the rights of those with disabilities and promoting an inclusive and egalitarian society. Despite the progress that has been made, great challenges remain.
Legislative Efforts and Key Policies
Article 26 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights states that “The Union recognises and respects the right of persons with disabilities to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence, social and occupational integration and participation in the life of the community.” There are multiple policies in place already in the European Union that advocate for equitable access to resources for people with various physical restrictions. These include: The European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The EAA ensures that few obstacles are faced in the marketplace by persons with disabilities and the elderly by making services such as transportation, education, and the free labour market more easily accessible including the addition of ramps for wheelchair users. It also strives to increase the number of job positions earmarked for individuals with disabilities, as well as increased services and products at more competitive prices in the market.
How European Cities Are Enhancing Accessibility
Awareness of the need for inclusivity is not lacking. It is simply the implementation of these strategies into society that might need to be revised and improved upon. However, there are many countries that have taken the bull by the horns on this project by actively implementing ways in which those physically impaired can also enjoy the tourist wonders.
Breda in the Netherlands worked to make their famous cobblestone streets wheelchair friendly, while still maintaining its ancient aesthetic. They extracted the rounded stones, flipped them over, and chiseled them to ensure that the look remained but with a surface that made it easier to glide over on a wheelchair. Rotterdam in the Netherlands created an application that lets wheelchair users and those with other physical abilities report uneven paving. Once it is reported, they aim to level it out in a short space of time to ensure that the surface is easier to walk and wheel over. Lyon in France has implemented sound beacons at their bus stops, pedestrian crossings, and many public and private-owned buildings to aid those who have visual impairments. These beacons produce verbal announcements and other information such as the upcoming bus and its destination.
Credit: Ben Bender, CC BY 4.0
The Path to a More Inclusive Europe
The questions then are: are countries under EU-specific laws to enhance accessibility, and if so, how do we measure their implementation? Although there is still work to do before most European countries can become completely accessible and those with impairments are able to experience the wonders the rest of the world can, there is hope in the fact that many places are doing what they can within their capacity. London, for example, is making their subways more accessible all around, showing us that there is hope!
Learning Cycle promotes a variety of programs to help deepen your understanding of DE&I. If you would like to know more about us, please click on About Us.
