What is Accessibility?

 

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:

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כתבות מרכזיות

  • People with Disabilities and Accessibility


    A disability is difficulty functioning. The difficulty stems from incompatibility between an individual’s functioning ability and the existing physical and human environment. Accessibility refers to adapting the environment to the functioning ability of persons with a disability. This article defines who is a person with a disability, what is accessibility and provides examples of accessibility accommodations to an array of functional disabilities.

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  • Principles of Accessibility


    Before we delve into the details of accessibility, it is important to be familiar with the principles underlying the concept of accessibility. Understanding and internalizing these principles will enable us to apply good judgement while carrying out accessibility.

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  • Buildings Accessibility


    An accessible structure is one that enables persons with a disability, as well as the general public, to navigate, move around and use its facilities in an equal, dignified, independent and secure manner. This article reviews issues that must be addressed in making structures accessible.

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  • Infrastructures Accessibility


    Infrastructure accessibility is the design of the street environment to enable free and safe movement from place to place. This article reviews the issues that must be addressed in making infrastructures accessible – sidewalks, intersections, bus stations and parking spaces for persons with a disability.

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  • Environment Accessibility


    Environment accessibility is the design of all areas that are open to the public and are not streets – open public areas (parks, playgrounds, etc.), swimming pools, beaches, sports facilities, cemeteries, holy places, etc.

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  • Service Accessibility


    Service accessibility pertains to making accessible those places where a public service is provided, and making accessible the way in which the service is provided to persons with a disability as part of a service that is provided to the general public. This article reviews the service components that must be made accessible.

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  • Additional Accessibility Areas


    ​In addition to accessibility adjustments in buildings, infrastructures, outdoor spaces and services, the legislature chose to specifically address additional accessibility areas, among them transportation, education, higher education, telephony and communication.

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  • What is Accessibility?


    What is Accessibility

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