Many people living among us find it difficult to fully participate in society and in the public sphere due to the existing physical and human environment. This difficulty stems from the fact that the environment is not suited to their functioning abilities.
The attitude towards accessibility and the extensive legislation which it entails is the result of the understanding that it is unjust to exclude persons with a disability and that it is in our hands to change this situation by changing the environment so that it is suited to the widest range of human abilities and needs.
The accessibility endeavor begins with the recognition of the rights of persons with a disability to fully participate in society. It continues with the observation regarding the full range of human capabilities and needs, and ends in designing a physical and human environment that enables all persons to be mobile, communicate, work, study, enjoy leisure activities and realize their full individual potential.
Accessibility is the adaptation of the physical and human environment to the physical, sensory, emotional and intellectual abilities of persons with a disability so that they can function as full members of society.
In this chapter you will be able to read about: