International Solutions
- Various countries have been already working on universal accessibility
of places and services. The undisputed champions are the Nordic countries
in continental Europe, the United Kingdom and North America.
Examples:
- Almost all Americans cities offer one or more means of transport for disabled visitors from airports to hotels. All major shopping malls and supermarkets offer “caddies rolling.” All leisure centres (theme parks, cinemas, theatres, museums) are accessible to all.
- In Canada, major restaurant chains have provided local communities with an accessibility plan of their premises and services. In Quebec, Victoriaville has received an award for its accessibility (lowered sidewalks, lights sound, podotactile bands). Ontario has developed proactive actions towards employment of handicapped people and their inclusion.
- In Sweden, Stockholm is a particularly exemplary city and it aims to be the most accessible city in the world in 2010.
- In the Netherlands, accessibility is included in the transport policy accompanied by a civic and school education.
- In the United Kingdom, efforts are made to the accessibility of theatres and conservatories of music.
- In Spain, Barcelona in particular is distinguished by the accessibility of its urban networks.
- In Scandinavia, design for all is a common issue either for equipments or for life spaces conception….