TRAINING COURSE FOR DISABLED YOUTH ON THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOR AUTONOMOUS MOVEMENT AND ITS PROTECTION

2
This publication is prepared within the scope of the project
“Supporting the autonomy of movement of disabled youth through
guidance and mapping of accessible places” (2019-2-RS01-KA205-
000940), which has been co-financed by the Erasmus+ Programme of
the European Commission. The European Commission support for the
production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the
contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the
Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made
of the information contained therein.
The publication is a collaborative work of the partner organizations to
the project. The names of the organizations partnering in the project
which contributed to this publication are as follows: AzBuki (Nis,
SERBIA), Studio Progetto Societa Cooperativa Sociale (Cornedo
Vicentino, ITALY and Euro Cosulting Group (Sofia, BULGARIA).
(CC) This publication is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Nis, Sofia, Cornedo Vicentino
February 2020

3
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK.....................................4
1.1. EU fundamental rights...........................................................................................................4
1.2. Rights of people with disability ............................................................................................5
1.3. Important policy documents..................................................................................................9
1.4. Local legislation and institutions related to youth work and leisure time...........................11
Chapter 2. Awareness on the accessibility standards ...................................................................14
2.1. Access to buildings .................................................................................................................14
2.2. Circulation within buildings....................................................................................................21
2.3. Egress from buildings in the normal course of events and evacuation in the event of an
emergency. .....................................................................................................................................27
2.4. External environment directly concerned with access to buildings........................................32
Chapter 3. Dimensions of vulnerability in mobility......................................................................39
3.1. Changing nature of route obstacles invisible to the others .....................................................39
3.2. Characteristics of leisure and free time places which might hinder visiting by young people
with disability.................................................................................................................................40
3.3. The spectrum of supporting aids and tools .............................................................................41
3.4. Expressing personal needs of support.....................................................................................44
Chapter 4. Needs and challenges in rending support ...................................................................48
4.1. Accessibility every-day issues in local environment..............................................................48
4.2. Guidance of peer-supporters and other volunteers .................................................................53
4.3. Attitudes and expectations among managing and service staff of leisure and free time places
........................................................................................................................................................59
4.4. The art of sharing trips, conversations, visits to leisure places and socialization...................64

4
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO LEGISLATIVE
FRAMEWORK
1.1. EU fundamental rights
CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
(EUCFR, 2000)
Catalogue (list) of guaranteed rights may be useful for people with disabilities:
1. Human dignity
2. Right to the integrity of the person
3. Prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
4. Prohibition of slavery and forced labour
5. Right to liberty and security
6. Respect for private and family life
7. Protection of personal data
8. Right to marry and right to found a family
9. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion
10. Freedom of expression and information
11. Freedom of assembly and of association
12. Freedom of the arts and sciences
13. Right to education
14. Freedom to choose an occupation and right to engage in work
15. Freedom to conduct a business
16. Right to property
17. Right to asylum
18. Protection in the event of removal, expulsion or extradition
19. Equality before the law
20. Non-discrimination
21. Cultural, religious and linguistic diversity
22. Equality between men and women
23. The rights of the child
24. The rights of the elderly
25. Integration of persons with disabilities - 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.
26. Right to vote and to stand as a candidate at elections to the European Parliament
27. Right to vote and to stand as a candidate at municipal elections
28. Right to good administration
29. Right of access to documents
30. Right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial
31. Presumption of innocence and right of defence
32. Principles of legality and proportionality of criminal offences and penalties

5
33. Right not to be tried or punished twice in criminal proceedings for the same criminal
offence
34. Ombudsman
1.2. Rights of people with disability
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD,2006)
Purpose and principles of CRPD
The purpose of the present Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment
of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect
for their inherent dignity.
Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory
impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective
participation in society on an equal basis with others.
 Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own
choices, and independence of persons;
 Non-discrimination;
 Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
 Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity
and humanity;
 Equality of opportunity;
 Accessibility;
 Equality between men and women;
 Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of
children with disabilities to preserve their identities.
Main rights of people with disabilities important for implementation of ACS2 Youth Project
Article 24 – Education
1. States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education. With a view to realizing
this right without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity, States Parties shall ensure an
inclusive education system at all levels and lifelong learning directed to:
a. The full development of human potential and sense of dignity and self-worth, and the strengthening
of respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and human diversity;
b. The development by persons with disabilities of their personality, talents and creativity, as well as
their mental and physical abilities, to their fullest potential;
c. Enabling persons with disabilities to participate effectively in a free society.
2. In realizing this right, States Parties shall ensure that:

6
a) Persons with disabilities are not excluded from the general education system on the basis of
disability, and that children with disabilities are not excluded from free and compulsory primary
education, or from secondary education, on the basis of disability;
b) Persons with disabilities can access an inclusive, quality and free primary education and secondary
education on an equal basis with others in the communities in which they live;
c) Reasonable accommodation of the individual’s requirements is provided;
d) Persons with disabilities receive the support required, within the general education system, to
facilitate their effective education;
e) Effective individualized support measures are provided in environments that maximize academic
and social development, consistent with the goal of full inclusion.
3. States Parties shall enable persons with disabilities to learn life and social development skills to
facilitate their full and equal participation in education and as members of the community. To this
end, States Parties shall take appropriate measures, including:
a) Facilitating the learning of Braille, alternative script, augmentative and alternative modes, means
and formats of communication and orientation and mobility skills, and facilitating peer support and
mentoring;
b) Facilitating the learning of sign language and the promotion of the linguistic identity of the deaf
community;
c) Ensuring that the education of persons, and in particular children, who are blind, deaf or deafblind,
is delivered in the most appropriate languages and modes and means of communication for the
individual, and in environments which maximize academic and social development.
4. In order to help ensure the realization of this right, States Parties shall take appropriate measures
to employ teachers, including teachers with disabilities, who are qualified in sign language and/or
Braille, and to train professionals and staff who work at all levels of education. Such training shall
incorporate disability awareness and the use of appropriate augmentative and alternative modes,
means and formats of communication, educational techniques and materials to support persons with
disabilities.
5. States Parties shall ensure that persons with disabilities are able to access general tertiary education,
vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning without discrimination and on an equal basis
with others. To this end, States Parties shall ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to
persons with disabilities.
Article 25 – Health
States Parties recognize that persons with disabilities have the right to the enjoyment of the highest
attainable standard of health without discrimination on the basis of disability. States Parties shall take
all appropriate measures to ensure access for persons with disabilities to health services that are
gender-sensitive, including health-related rehabilitation. In particular, States Parties shall:

7
a) Provide persons with disabilities with the same range, quality and standard of free or affordable
health care and programmes as provided to other persons, including in the area of sexual and
reproductive health and population-based public health programmes;
b) Provide those health services needed by persons with disabilities specifically because of their
disabilities, including early identification and intervention as appropriate, and services designed to
minimize and prevent further disabilities, including among children and older persons;
c) Provide these health services as close as possible to people’s own communities, including in rural
areas;
d) Require health professionals to provide care of the same quality to persons with disabilities as to
others, including on the basis of free and informed consent by, inter alia, raising awareness of the
human rights, dignity, autonomy and needs of persons with disabilities through training and the
promulgation of ethical standards for public and private health care;
e) Prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health insurance, and
life insurance where such insurance is permitted by national law, which shall be provided in a fair
and reasonable manner;
f) Prevent discriminatory denial of health care or health services or food and fluids on the basis of
disability.
Article 27 – Work and employment
1. States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with
others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in
a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with
disabilities. States Parties shall safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work, including
for those who acquire a disability during the course of employment, by taking appropriate steps,
including through legislation, to, inter alia:
a) Prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability with regard to all matters concerning all forms of
employment, including conditions of recruitment, hiring and employment, continuance of
employment, career advancement and safe and healthy working conditions;
b) Protect the rights of persons with disabilities, on an equal basis with others, to just and favourable
conditions of work, including equal opportunities and equal remuneration for work of equal value,
safe and healthy working conditions, including protection from harassment, and the redress of
grievances;
c) Ensure that persons with disabilities are able to exercise their labour and trade union rights on an
equal basis with others;
d) Enable persons with disabilities to have effective access to general technical and vocational
guidance programmes, placement services and vocational and continuing training;
e) Promote employment opportunities and career advancement for persons with disabilities in the
labour market, as well as assistance in finding, obtaining, maintaining and returning to employment;

8
f) Promote opportunities for self-employment, entrepreneurship, the development of cooperatives and
starting one’s own business;
g) Employ persons with disabilities in the public sector;
h) Promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector through appropriate
policies and measures, which may include affirmative action programmes, incentives and other
measures;
i) Ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to persons with disabilities in the workplace;
j) Promote the acquisition by persons with disabilities of work experience in the open labour market;
k) Promote vocational and professional rehabilitation, job retention and return-to-work programmes
for persons with disabilities.
2. States Parties shall ensure that persons with disabilities are not held in slavery or in servitude, and
are protected, on an equal basis with others, from forced or compulsory labour.
Pixabay.com
Article 30 – Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport
1. States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to take part on an equal basis with
others in cultural life, and shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities:
a) Enjoy access to cultural materials in accessible formats;
b) Enjoy access to television programmes, films, theatre and other cultural activities, in accessible
formats;

9
c) Enjoy access to places for cultural performances or services, such as theatres, museums, cinemas,
libraries and tourism services, and, as far as possible, enjoy access to monuments and sites of national
cultural importance.
2. States Parties shall take appropriate measures to enable persons with disabilities to have the
opportunity to develop and utilize their creative, artistic and intellectual potential, not only for their
own benefit, but also for the enrichment of society.
3. States Parties shall take all appropriate steps, in accordance with international law, to ensure that
laws protecting intellectual property rights do not constitute an unreasonable or discriminatory barrier
to access by persons with disabilities to cultural materials.
4. Persons with disabilities shall be entitled, on an equal basis with others, to recognition and support
of their specific cultural and linguistic identity, including sign languages and deaf culture.
5. With a view to enabling persons with disabilities to participate on an equal basis with others in
recreational, leisure and sporting activities, States Parties shall take appropriate measures:
a) To encourage and promote the participation, to the fullest extent possible, of persons with
disabilities in mainstream sporting activities at all levels;
b) To ensure that persons with disabilities have an opportunity to organize, develop and participate
in disability-specific sporting and recreational activities and, to this end, encourage the provision, on
an equal basis with others, of appropriate instruction, training and resources;
c) To ensure that persons with disabilities have access to sporting, recreational and tourism venues;
d) To ensure that children with disabilities have equal access with other children to participation in
play, recreation and leisure and sporting activities, including those activities in the school system;
(e) To ensure that persons with disabilities have access to services from those involved in the
organization of recreational, tourism, leisure and sporting activities.
1.3. Important policy documents
These are legal act of International and regional organizations i.e. Council of Europe. The
most relevant legal act of this level is European Social Chapter (ESC, COE,2015). Regulates of ESC
provide a special legal protection of people with disabilities. Disabled persons have the right to
independence, social integration and participation in the life of the community. One of main aim of
ESC is to promote their access to employment through all measures tending to encourage employers
to hire and keep in employment persons with disabilities in the ordinary working environment and to
adjust the working conditions to the needs of the disabled or, where this is not possible by reason of
the disability, by arranging for or creating sheltered employment according to the level of disability.
In certain cases, such measures may require recourse to specialised placement and support services.
Practice of European Court of Human rights (ECHR)

10
The major of cases of ECHR relevant to people with people with disabilities refers to
detentions. Here will presented some of them, exampli causa:
1. Right to life (Article 2 of the Convention) Death of a deaf and mute person in police
custody Jasinskis v. Latvia 21 December 2010
The applicant complained about the death in police custody of his deaf and mute son. The
latter had sustained serious head injuries in a fall down some stairs, had been taken to the
local police station and placed in a sobering-up cell for 14 hours as the police officers
believed him to be drunk. The applicant also complained about the ineffectiveness of the
ensuing investigation into his son’s death. The European Court of Human Rights held that
there had been a violation of Article 2 (right to life) of the European Convention on Human
Rights under its substantial limb. It reiterated that Article 2 of the Convention not only
required a State to not “intentionally” take a life, but also to take appropriate steps to
safeguard the lives of those within its jurisdiction. As concerned a disabled person in
detention, all the more care should be taken to ensure that the conditions corresponded to
their special needs. However, in the present case, the police had not had the applicant
medically examined when they took into custody, as they were specifically required to do
by the standards of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). Nor had
they given him any opportunity to provide information about his state of health, even after
he kept knocking on the doors and the walls of the sobering-up cell. Taking into account
that he was deaf and mute, the police had a clear obligation under the domestic legislation
and international standards, to at least provide him with a pen and paper to enable him to
communicate his concerns. The Court therefore concluded that the police had failed to
fulfil their duty to safeguard the applicant’s son’s life by providing him with adequate
medical treatment. The Court further held that the investigation into the circumstances of
the death of the applicant’s son had not been effective, in violation of Article 2 of the
Convention under its procedural limb.
2. Arutyunyan v. Russia
10 January 2012
The applicant was wheelchair-bound and had numerous health problems, including a failing renal
transplant, very poor eyesight, diabetes and serious obesity. His cell was on the fourth floor of a
building without an elevator; the medical and administrative units were located on the ground floor.
Owing to the absence of an elevator, the applicant was required to walk up and down the stairs on a
regular basis to receive haemodialysis and other necessary medical treatment. The Court held that
there had been a violation of Article 3 (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment) of the
Convention, finding that the domestic authorities had failed to treat the applicant in a safe and
appropriate manner consistent with his disability, and had denied him effective access to the medical
facilities, outdoor exercise and fresh air. It observed in particular that, for a period of almost fifteen
months, the applicant, who was disabled and depended on a wheelchair for mobility, was forced at
least four times a week to go up and down four flights of stairs on his way to and from lengthy,
complicated and tiring medical procedures that were vital to his health. The effort had undoubtedly
caused him unnecessary pain and exposed him to an unreasonable risk of serious damage to his health.
It was therefore not surprising that he had refused to go down the stairs to exercise in the recreation
yard, and had thus remained confined within the walls of the detention facility twenty-four hours a

11
day. In fact, due to his frustration and stress, the applicant had on several occasions even refused to
leave his cell to receive life-supporting haemodialysis. 1
Pixabay.com
1.4. Local legislation and institutions related to youth work and leisure time
= Serbia
In Republic of Serbia there are legal acts refers to youth:
- Youth Law
- National Youth Strategy
- Local Action Plans which implementing National Youth Strategy
Also there are few legal acts (laws and by-laws) refers to youth work and leisure time of youth with
disabilities.
For example, according to the Law on prohibition of discrimination, discrimination by aging and
disability are prohibited.
Act on Preventing Discrimination against People with Disabilities prohibits discrimination of
people with disabilities refers to their associations (Article 31) and sport activities (Article 37).
Important issue of everyday living of people with disabilities in Serbia is working and employment.
Law on professional rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities provide that
employment of persons with disabilities under general conditions shall be deemed the job
placement with the employer without adjusted work activities, workplace or work activities and
workplace.
1
ECHR cases are citied from https://www.echr.coe.int/Documents/FS_Disabled_ENG.pdf, accessed April, 2, 2020.

12
Employment of persons with disabilities under special conditions shall be deemed job placement
with the employer with the adjustment of work activities, workplace or work activities and
workplace.
Adjustment of work activities shall be adjustment of work process and work tasks. Adjustment of
workplace shall be technical and technological equipment of a workplace, instruments of labour,
space and equipment in accordance with capabilities and needs of the person with disabilities.
Adjustment may also include professional assistance to support the person with disabilities in
initiation to the job or a workplace, through counselling, training, assistance services and support at
the workplace, work monitoring, development of personal work methods and evaluation of
efficiency (Article 23).
Employment of persons with disabilities under general conditions shall be deemed the job
placement with the employer without adjusted work activities, workplace or work activities and
workplace. Employment of persons with disabilities under special conditions shall be deemed job
placement with the employer with the adjustment of work activities, workplace or work activities
and workplace.
Adjustment of work activities shall be adjustment of work process and work tasks. Adjustment of
workplace shall be technical and technological equipment of a workplace, instruments of labour,
space and equipment in accordance with capabilities and needs of the person with disabilities.
Adjustment may also include professional assistance to support the person with disabilities in
initiation to the job or a workplace, through counselling, training, assistance services and support at
the workplace, work monitoring, development of personal work methods and evaluation of
efficiency (Articles 24,25,26).
Act of Social Welfare of Serbia provide a special service for people with disabilities which are in
social need status with some medical status – service of personal assistance. Personal assistant can
be person above 18 ages, which is educated to help people with various forms of disability. The city
of Niš is one of the first cities in Serbia which promote and implement this service.
When we discuss about local activities very important is campaign „Easy kilometre“ (In Serbian:
„Laki kilometar“). As part of first phase of the project, curbs on the sidewalks were demolished and
tactile lanes and security fields were set up for the blind and partially sighted.2
It can be concluded that Republic of Serbia has solid legal framework against discrimination.
Main problems are poverty and problems of mechanisms for implementation of legal
provisions.
= Bulgaria
The legislation comprises various acts and legal documents, such as:
- National Youth Strategy;
2
Veljković, P. Prva faza projekta „Laki kilometar“ privodi se kraju- Uklonimo barijere, (in Serbian),
https://uklonimobarijere.rs/prva-faza-projekta-laki-kilometar-privodi-se-kraju/, accessed April, 2, 2020.

13
- Youth Law;
- ORDINANCE on the terms and conditions for financial support of youth activities and projects at
national and regional level, etc.
= Italy
Youth is expressly taken into account by the Italian Constitution, Article 31 reads, inter alia, ‘The
Republic protects maternity, infancy and youth, by encouraging institutions necessary to do this’ and
that the commitment of the State to protect young people has always been characterised by political
and legislative decisions having supported Government actions. In Italy, however, there is no specific
National Law on Youth. There are many laws aimed at young people in different fields, such as:
education, employment, health, culture etc. In 2016 Italy adopted a Reform of the third sector - Law
6 June 2016, no. 106 -which introduces significant new developments in the youth policies, among
others the universal civic service. In accordance with the Law, a Legislative Decree was adopted on
6 March 2017, concerning the establishment and discipline of the universal civic service.

14
Chapter 2. Awareness on the accessibility
standards
2.1. Access to buildings
1. Legal provisions
1.1. EU level
Design for all is “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest
extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design”.
Its principles are:
- Equitable use. The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
- Flexibility in use. The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
- Simple and intuitive use. Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience,
knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
- Perceptible information. The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user,
regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
- Tolerance for error. The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or
unintended actions.
- Low physical effort. The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of
fatigue.
- Size and space for approach and use. Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach,
manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.
The European Union approach to disability demands the elimination of discrimination and a
determination that people with disabilities should have the same rights as nondisabled people, not
only in theory but also in practice. Standards are documented voluntary agreements, which establish
important criteria for products, services and processes. Standards, therefore, help to make sure that
products and services are fit for their purpose and are comparable and compatible.
Standards that consider the diversity of needs of the population and their functional diversity
following a Design for All approach will favour the development of products and services that are
accessible for all including persons with disabilities and older persons.
The Standardisation Mandate 473 to include “Design for All” in relevant standardization initiatives
issued by the European Commission in 2010 aims at addressing the inclusion of accessibility in the
manufacturing process for manufactured goods and service provisions following design for all
approach.
1.2. National level
= Serbia
Act on Preventing Discrimination against People with Disabilities prohibits discrimination provides
right to people with disability to access public buildings without any discrimination.
Public and commercial buildings, as well as other public buildings (streets, squares, parks, etc.), must
be designed, built and maintained in such a way that all users, and especially persons with disabilities,

15
children and the elderly, have easy access , movement and residence, or use in accordance with the
relevant technical regulations, which are an integral part of the standards defining mandatory
technical measures and design, planning and construction conditions, which ensure the smooth
movement and access of persons with disabilities, children and the elderly.
Residential and residential-commercial buildings with ten or more dwellings must be designed and
constructed in such a way that all users, and especially persons with disabilities, children and the
elderly, have easy access, movement, residence and work (Article 5. Planning and Construction
Law of Republic Serbia).
= Bulgaria
The accessible architectural environment for people with disabilities under the Bulgarian legislation
currently in force is regulated by three laws, namely the Integration of Persons with Disabilities Act,
the Spatial Planning Act and the Protection against Discrimination Act. The Anti-Discrimination Act,
which defines protection against discrimination, including on the basis of disability.
The Disability Integration Act (ZIHU) is a special law that regulates public relations related to the
integration of people with disabilities. An accessible living and architectural environment has been
identified as one of the main areas influencing public relations for the integration of people with
disabilities. The acts establishing the administrative violations under this law in the field of accessible
architectural environment shall be issued by officials designated by the Head of the National
Construction Control Directorate.
Regulatory requirements for ensuring an accessible architectural environment are also laid down in a
number of regulations, most of which were issued on the basis of the Territorial Planning Act (SPA).
The law regulates the public relations related to the structure of the territory, investment design and
construction in the Republic of Bulgaria. The Law on Spatial Planning regulates the whole process
of investment designing, permitting construction and putting the works into operation, and in Art.
169, para. 1 - 3 it gives requirements, which must be met by the constructions in their design,
execution and maintenance.
= Italy
In Italy, accessibility to buildings by people with different abilities is based on three important
cornerstones.
Accessibility: possibility for people with reduced or impeded motor or sensory capacity to reach the
building and its individual units, to enter it easily and to use spaces and equipment in conditions of
adequate safety and autonomy.
Visibility: This means the possibility, even by people with reduced or impeded motor or sensory
capacity, to access the relationship spaces and at least one toilet in each building unit. The spaces
for relations are the living or dining areas of the private accommodation and those corresponding to
the place of work, service and meeting. In other words, the person can have limited access to the
property, but in any case it allows him/her any kind of fundamental relationship.
Adaptability: It is the possibility to modify the built space over time, intervening without excessive
costs, to make the building or part of it completely and easily usable even by people with reduced or
impeded motor or sensory capacity. A building is considered adaptable when, with the execution of
deferred works, which do not modify either the supporting structure or the network of common
installations, it can be made accessible.
2. Standards
2.1. International level

16
Few things can be more frustrating than thoughtlessness and bad design that excludes people. But
sometimes the best way to cater for people’s differing needs is not clear. That’s where ISO Standards
come in. Covering everything from placement of signage for blind people to safer pedestrian
crossings for the deaf or hard of hearing, ISO Standards are all about inclusion.
Beginning with a process that brings disabled people together with experts in the accessibility, ISO
publish Standards that make life easier for those who are challenged. 21542:2011 specifies a range
of requirements and recommendations for many of the elements of construction, assemblies,
components and fittings which comprise the built environment. These requirements relate to the
constructional aspects of access to buildings, to circulation within buildings, to egress from buildings
in the normal course of events and evacuation in the event of an emergency. It also deals with aspects
of accessibility management in buildings.
2.2. EU level
In implementation of the Mandate 473, a Standard EN 17161:2019 “Design for All - Accessibility
following a Design for All approach in products, goods and services - Extending the range of users”
was issued.
The document specifies requirements that enable an organization to design, develop and provide
products, goods and services so that they can be accessed, understood and used by the widest range
of users, including persons with disabilities. The document specifies requirements and
recommendations that enables an organization to extend their range of users by identifying diverse
needs, characteristics, capabilities, and preferences, by directly or indirectly involving users, and by
using knowledge about accessibility in its procedures and processes. The document specifies
requirements that can enable an organization to meet applicable statutory and regulatory requirements
as related to the accessibility of its products, goods and services. The requirements set out in this
document are generic and are intended to be applicable to all relevant parts of all organisations,
regardless of type, size or products, goods and services provided. The document promotes
accessibility following a Design for All approach in mainstream products goods and services and
interoperability of these with assistive technologies.
2.3. National level
= Serbia
The basic legal act in Republic of Serbia this issue is Rulebook on technical standards of planning,
design and construction of facilities which provide unable movement and access to persons with
disabilities, children and the elderly. Below some important provisions are shown, such as:
The access to the building is foreseen on the part of the building whose ground floor is in the level of
the ground or raised up to 5 cm in relation to the pedestrian surface.
- Pedestrian ramps
Deviation of height differences of up to 76 cm between two pedestrian surfaces and at the approach
to the building is done by using ramps
- Stairs
The accessibility of stairs and stairways shall be designed and constructed in such a way that: the
minimum width of the staircase is 120 cm; the minimum tread width is 33 cm and the maximum step
height is 15 cm, etc.
- Lift
Overcoming height differences in residential buildings where there is an opportunity to design easily
adaptable apartments and buildings for public use, is done through elevators.
- Platforms.

17
Lifting platforms are used to overcome height differences in residential and commercial office
buildings and public buildings, if the use of stairs and stairs or ramps is not possible.
- Entrances
Entrance to a building is an entrance that is accessed directly from the public pedestrian surface or
with the help of accessibility elements to overcome altitude differences.
- Walkways
Pedestrian walkways and corridors with a width of at least 180 cm (exceptionally 195 cm) for two-
way movement and at least 90 cm for one-way movement in passages at shorter distances are designed
for smooth movement in space.
=Bulgaria
The statutory requirements (minimum standards) for the design, construction and maintenance of an
accessible architectural environment are set out in Ordinance No. 4 of 2009 on the design, execution
and maintenance of buildings in accordance with the requirements for an accessible environment for
the population, including people with disabilities (Ordinance No. 4 of 2009). The ordinance was
issued by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works on the grounds of Art. 169, para.
2 of the SPA and in connection with Art. 33 of ZIHU. It defines the requirements for the design,
implementation and maintenance of the structures (elements of the urban area and of the buildings
and facilities) for providing accessible architectural environment for the whole population, taking into
account the specific needs of people with reduced mobility, including and the disabled (art. 1, para.
1).
=Italy
Accessibility in Italy is based on the Constitution, but the legislation governing accessibility and the
removal of architectural barriers is Law 13/89, which establishes the terms and methods in which
accessibility to various environments must be guaranteed, with particular attention to public places.
Law 13/89 grants citizens’ contributions for the removal of architectural barriers on existing private
buildings where they reside with permanent disabilities or functional limitations (motor and blind
people).
Pixabay.com
3. Impediments

18
Nearly everyone faces hardships and difficulties at one time or another. But for people with
disabilities, barriers can be more frequent and have greater impact. The World Health Organization
(WHO) describes barriers as being more than just physical obstacles. Here is the WHO definition of
barriers: “Factors in a person’s environment that, through their absence or presence, limit functioning
and create disability. These include aspects such as:
- A physical environment that is not accessible,
- Lack of relevant assistive technology (assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices),
- Negative attitudes of people towards disability,
- Services, systems and policies that are either nonexistent or that hinder the involvement of all people
with a health condition in all areas of life.”
Architects safeguard the most important parts of all– the two ends of the travel chain – the departure
points and the destinations. It is essential that the mini travel chains within each building are
accessible. This mini travel chain would probably involve: drop-off point > approach > main entrance
>lobby information> lift or escalator or staircase >upper lift lobby > corridor > internal door > room>
intended function > toilet > return route > exit.
Barriers in accessibility may be defined as an object, which could be physical or immaterial, that
obstructs or impedes accessibility. Barriers break the travel chain and limits mobility. It affects safety
and makes a building or facility user unfriendly. It also means that extra resources, such as staff, is
needed to assist the commuter to travel from one point to another or assist the user to access a building
or facility. A barrier on information means that the user cannot find or apprehend the necessary
information and has to spend much longer time or effort to get through.
Physical barriers can include things like steps, stairways, kerbs, exterior surfaces and paving, parking
areas, building entrances and exits (including emergency escape routes), internal and external doors,
gates, toilets and washing facilities, public facilities (such as telephones, counters or service desks),
lighting and ventilation, lifts and escalators, floor coverings, signs, furniture, and temporary or
movable items (such as equipment and display racks).
Examples of architectural or physical barriers include:
- Sidewalks and doorways which are too narrow for a wheelchair, scooter, or walker.
- Poor lighting that makes it difficult to see for a person with low vision or a person who lip-reads.
- Doorknobs which are difficult to grasp for a person with arthritis.
- Poor work shipment in installation bricks’ pedestrian.
- There are no guiding blocks provided along the pedestrian pathways.
- The information counter is too high to reach and there is no space underneath the counter workspace
for a wheelchair user to roll under.
- No textured guiding block installed along pedestrian to direct the vision impaired
- Drop off area has no warning sign.
- At crossing points no appropriate kerbs and tactile walking surface indicator for the pedestrian.
- The steel plate of the drainage cover could endanger the visual impaired person as it would snag the
walking stick.
- The terminal boarding platform level is not as the same level as the public transport floor, the landing
ramp is inappropriate for a wheelchair user. A ramp with signage should be provided.
- No detectable guiding blocks to assist visual impaired.
- The counter is easy to identify, but difficult to reach the counter as the reception table height is
1300mm. However, receptionist should be trained to assist wheelchair user.
- Steps and stairs:
Steps only in the path of travel from the property boundary or the car park to a building or entry into
a building
Riser and tread of the steps not uniform or not within recommended dimensions

19
Inadequate or uneven lighting throughout
Lack of colour contrast on no sings
Lack of handrails or handrails on one side of stair sonly
Handrails not extending beyond the bottom and top of stairs
Lack of appropriate tactile ground surface indicators or braille signage on handrails
- Entry:
Narrow doors
Inadequate circulation space
Inadequate landings
Excessive force required to open the door
Doors opening into access route
Thresholds not flushed with floor
Inadequate clear wall space for maximum door swing
Changes in level are difficult for many people to negotiate. As far as possible, access should be
level or near level from the edge of the site or from designated accessible car parking spaces to the
main entrance and/or other entrances used by disabled people and other principal routes around and
between buildings.
Sometimes the impediments are not obvious for surrounding people. For this purpose,
understanding of the type of the impairment and needs of young people with disability could help
the obstacles to me noticed timely.
The following table gives an overview about main types of impairments and related needs:
Impairment Needs
Physical/Mobility
Ramps, open spaces, level ground, accessible toilets, doors that are easy to
open and get through, lifts, handrails, buttons/door handles at the correct
height, automatic doors preferred.
Hearing Impairment/Deaf
Emergency lighting (not just alarms), clearlines of sight, not having
confusing wallpaper which takes away the focus of someone
signing,hearing loop systems.
Visually Impaired/Blind
Brailleand large fontsignage, clear routes, well-defined spaces, no
triphazards, a well-defined route, reception near the front entrance, tactile
differences in surfaces, good contrast, talking lifts.Lighting and contrast are
importantparticularly nearsteps.Avoidance of visual clutter in public spaces.
Mental
Physical or sensory barriers. Usually variable causes and triggers. Need to
ensure there are no locked spaces which a person can’t exit without
assistance, Signage is important.
Intellectual Easy to get in and out of, good signage, use of arrowsand coloured paths.
4. Adjustments
In order to do proper adjustments, the following principles should be met:

20
- Anthropometrics:
The body and reach characteristics of people have a direct influence on accessibility. It is necessary
to consider a broad range of population and take account of the physical build of females and males,
as well as size variation and capability between different ages in achieving design for all. It is of
equal importance to consider the maximum reach of people frames and crutches, guiding stick, as
well as persons with baby stroller and shopping trolley. In addition, consideration of circulation and
storage space must take account of these assisted devices.
- Continuity:
The concept of continuity is very important when planning for universal accessibility. For example,
a continuous accessible path of travel should be provided without barriers. When there are level
changes along the path of travel, the continuity must be maintained by a ramp or other means such
as a lift. At the same time, information must be provided at conspicuous locations and intersections
and the display should be continuous to lead to the final destination. The way finding provisions
should include visual, vocal and detectable surface.
- Connectivity:
It is desirable to minimise distances travelled between accessible elements of buildings and
facilities. Covered link bridges at upper levels are useful for connecting several blocks of building
on the same site. It is a good means to connect facilities and save effort on travelling up and down
between the buildings. The link bridges should be levelled as far as possible and handrails should be
provided. The linkage should be accessible to all users and forma continuous path to other facilities.
- Equality:
The essence of universal accessibility is to provide equitable access for all people including persons
with a disability. For example, if a directory map is provided at the main entrance, it should be
accessible to all users. Hence the information on the map should be accessible by all including the
elderly, the physically handicapped, the visually and hearing impaired. The map should be equipped
with tactile layout, text and voice information and located at a suitable height to facilitate equitable
access
A reasonable adjustment is something that can help prevent, or reduce, any disadvantage being
faced by a disabled person. Reasonable adjustments allow people with disabilities equality of
opportunity
- Installing ramps;
- Making curb cuts in sidewalks and entrances;
- Repositioning shelves;
- Widening doors;
- Installing offset hinges to widen doorways;
- Eliminating a turnstile or providing an alternative accessible path;
- Installing accessible door hardware;
- Creating designated accessible parking spaces.

21
From: Accessible Components for the Built Environment: Technical Guidelines embracing Universal Design, http://www.unicefinemergencies.com
2.2. Circulation within buildings
1. Legal provisions
1.1. EU level
Within the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 there is a key commitment to ‘Ensure
accessibility to goods, services including public services and assistive devices for people with
disabilities’ and making progress on this issue at the European level is seen as a ‘precondition for
participation in society and in the economy’.
Accessibility requirements for some goods and services already exist in European regulations (e.g.
for most public railway vehicles). Many products and services are covered in some countries but not
in others - even at the most basic level of general obligation (this is an important difference).
Strong accessibility requirements make a real difference for disabled people (as customers and service
users) but they affect many other people too, including professions, businesses and public
organizations (product designers, architects, manufacturers, retailers, service providers, engineers,
procurement agencies, etc).
In parallel to the documents on accessibility mentioned in the previous unit, there is a CEN-
CENELEC Guide 6:2014 “Guidelines for standards developers to address the needs of older
persons and persons with disabilities”.
This Guide provides guidance to standards developers on addressing accessibility requirements and
recommendations in standards that focus, whether directly or indirectly, on systems (i.e. products,
services and built environments) used by people. To assist standards developers to define
accessibility requirements and recommendations, the Guide presents:
— A summary of current terminology relating to accessibility;
— Issues to consider in support of accessibility in the standards development process;
— A set of accessibility goals (used to identify user accessibility needs);
— Descriptions of (and design considerations for) human abilities and characteristics;
— Strategies for addressing user accessibility needs and design considerations in standards.
1.2. National level
= Serbia

22
Act on Preventing Discrimination against People with Disabilities prohibits discrimination provides
right to people with disability to access public buildings without any discrimination.
Public and commercial buildings, as well as other public buildings (streets, squares, parks, etc.), must
be designed, built and maintained in such a way that all users, and especially persons with disabilities,
children and the elderly, have easy access , movement and residence, or use in accordance with the
relevant technical regulations, which are an integral part of the standards defining mandatory
technical measures and design, planning and construction conditions, which ensure the smooth
movement and access of persons with disabilities, children and the elderly.
= Bulgaria
Construction regulations in Bulgaria are set by government and implemented by municipalities or
private entities (licensed by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works) depending on
the type of construction. The Territorial Development Act is regulating construction area, while
Ordinances are issued to strengthen this Act by giving more specific requirements on construction
works. Many topics regarding construction have background in the EU directives (among which also
the accessibility to buildings for PwD, which is regulated on the national level). Technical aspects of
construction plans (where the requirements regarding accessibility fit) are checked more thoroughly,
than other aspects such as economic, ecological and social quality. If the object under construction
does not satisfy the standards the building process is stopped until non-compliances are resolved.
Accessibility to the built environment has been addressed in the Anti-discrimination Act (2003),
where construction of inaccessible building is declared as discrimination. Legal ground for full
accessibility of the built environment is laid down in Regional Development Act, where the
Regulation 4 (2009) establishes all requirements that make the built environment accessible.
= Italy
Ministerial Decree 236/89 establishes, for buildings and private spaces, the technical and dimensional
parameters related to the achievement of the three quality levels mentioned above: for example
- the minimum dimensions of the doors,
- the characteristics of the stairs,
- the slope of the pedestrian ramps,
- the necessary space for the rotation of a wheelchair,
- the size of the elevators and the cases of their necessity,
- the characteristics of an accessible toilet and more.
The requirements are established in a differentiated way according to the type of buildings and spaces.
Each new construction must in fact comply with these standards, and the old buildings must be
suitably adapted to the regulations in case of renovation (Ministerial Decree 236/89, art. 6).
2. Standards
The same standard ISO 21542:2011 mentioned in the previous unit specifies a range of requirements
and recommendations for many of the elements of construction, assemblies, components and fittings
which comprise the built environment. These requirements relate to the constructional aspects of
access to buildings, to circulation within buildings, to egress from buildings in the normal course of
events and evacuation in the event of an emergency. It also deals with aspects of accessibility
management in buildings.
Accessibility levels for UNICEF facilities

23
Level 1: Minimum Level 2: Moderate Level 3: High-level
1. Entrance to building is
accessible (adequate doorway
width; ramp for entrance with
steps; accessible elevator if office
on top floor).2. One accessible
work station with clear pathway
from entrance, bathroom and
meeting room; room should have
sufficient space to maneuver;
furniture should meet specific
requirement of staff member with
disability.3. One accessible
meeting room (accessible
entrance, sufficient maneuvering
space for person using assistive
devices, easy reach to meeting and
conferencing equipment, etc.)4.
One accessible unisex toilet
(equipped with grab rails,
maneuvering space and wash
basin).5. Accessible evacuation
route for ground level and other
levels where staff with
disabilitieswork.6. Adapted
parking space close to building
entrance following standards.
1. Attains level 1 accessibility. 2.
More than one accessible work
station, and additional ones made
accessible upon request.3. Two
accessible meeting rooms. 4.
Accessible toilet on more than one
floor. 5. Easy circulation in most
parts of the building: one vertical
accessible circulation in building
(lift, stairs and ramps) and
horizontal circulation on each
floor (level corridors with
adequate width; floor ramps for
differences in level).6. Common
areas (pantry, cafeteria, reception
and recreation areas) are
accessible (clear pathway,
sufficient maneuvering space, sink
taps reachable and easy to operate
with one hand.)6. One parking
space with accessible pathway to
entrance
1. Attains level 1and level 2
accessibility.2. Accessible work
stations on every level or floor.3.
All meeting rooms accessible. 4.
50per cent of toilets accessible. 5.
All common areas accessible. 6.
At least 4per cent of provided
parking reserved for accessible-
designated parking spaces. 7.
Signage is displayed (e.g.,
indication of accessible toilets and
parking spots).8. Controls and
switches can be operated safely
and independently.
2.2. EU level
The same Standard EN 17161:2019 “Design for All - Accessibility following a Design for All
approach in products, goods and services - Extending the range of users” is applicable to the
circulation within the buildings. It covers both horizontal and vertical circulation of people wiht
disability.
2.3. National level
= Serbia
Here the same provision of Rulebook mentioned in previous Unit are applicable.
=Bulgaria
The statutory requirements (mentioned in the previous unit) for the design, construction and
maintenance of an accessible architectural environment set out under the Ordinance No. 4 of 2009 on
the design, execution and maintenance of buildings in accordance with the requirements for an
accessible environment for the population, including people with disabilities are applicable to the
circulation of people with disability within the buildings.
=Italy
The aforementioned Decree is also applicable in this case

24
3. Impediments
People of diverse abilities should be able to use buildings and places comfortably and safely, as far
as possible without special assistance. People should be able to find their way easily, understand how
to use building facilities such as intercoms or lifts, know what is a pedestrian facility, and where they
may encounter traffic. Given the wide diversity of the population, a universal design approach, which
caters for the broadest range of users from the outset, can result in buildings and places that can be
used and enjoyed by everyone. That approach eliminates or reduces the need for expensive changes
or retro fits to meet the needs of particular groups at a later stage.
Designing for one group can result in solutions that address the needs of many others. For example:
• level entry (Step-free) entrances facilitate not just wheelchair users but also people with buggies;
people with suitcases or shopping trolleys; people using walking or mobility aids; and people with
visual difficulties
• larger toilet compartments provide easier access to wheelchair users; those with luggage or parcels;
parents with pushchairs or accompanying small children; those using walking or mobility aids; and
larger-sized people
• clear, well-placed signage that uses recognised symbols or pictograms helps people with reading or
cognitive difficulties.
Sometimes one solution will not suit all and a range of options will need to be provided, for example:
• providing both steps and a ramp where there is a change in level
• providing parking ticket machines that offer slots at different heights to facilitate use at standing
height, at sitting height, and by people of small stature
Where they are required, entrance lobbies should be as large as possible, with adequate space for
everybody to manoeuvre between both the inner and outer doors. The overall size will depend on a
number of factors including the building type; the number of people expected to use the entrance at
any one time, whether the entrance is in simultaneous use as an exit and whether any security features
are required on either the inner or outer doors.
In venues in which people are required to queue for tickets, information or services, such as at visitor
attractions, the queuing arrangement should enable everybody to move along the queue conveniently,
safely and as comfortably as possible. When designing queuing areas, consideration should be given
to the likely numbers of people queuing at peak times and the speed at which they will move through
the queue. Many people will be able to cope with being in close confinement with other people for a
brief period if the queue is fast-moving. However, if a queue is likely to be static or very slow-moving,
the arrangement should ensure less congestion, whether perceived or otherwise.
Horizontal circulation in a building may comprise access routes through open-plan areas, walkways,
corridors and lobbies. The overall arrangement of access routes should be logical, understandable,
useable, and as direct as possible in terms of providing access to key facilities. Travel distances should
be minimised, although this of course will depend on the nature and size of the building. A well-
designed building layout, with clear circulation routes that are easy to follow will benefit everybody.
Changes of level within a storey should be avoided if at all possible. Where this is not possible in an
existing building, the installation of a ramp, passenger lift or platform lift may need to be considered
and designed to be accessible.
Vertical circulation in a building comprises distinct components including stairs, ramps, lifts,
platform lifts, and escalators. Each component provides a viable means of access between different
levels within a storey or between floors in a multi-storey building, but a mix is required in order to
meet the needs of all building users and to take account of different ages, sizes, abilities or disabilities.
Escalators are not suitable for wheelchair users; people with strollers and buggies; those who use

25
walking or mobility aids; and people with guide or pet dogs. Stairs are not suitable for wheelchair
users; people with buggies or strollers; and those using walking or mobility aids. Platform lifts are
slow-moving and have limited occupancy. Ramps with a significant rise can be so long that they
become impractical and too tiring for many people to use. Mechanical devices such as passenger lifts
and platform lifts may be unsuitable for use in an emergency. In these circumstances, an alternative
means of access and suitable management procedures will be required.
Just imagine you are at home and you want to go to, say, the office, the park, a shop, or a friend’s
house. On your way there, you will be able to give a sound evaluation of the built environment by
constantly checking whether it is adequate to its purpose and whether you can reach your destination
without difficulty. However, if this is a journey you often do you may be tempted to find alternative
ways. The moment you find yourself looking for alternatives you are already checking not only its
functional adequacy but also its scope for interaction. As with this journey, you can also move round
your own home and ask yourself whether it is right for you and if it will be suitable should your needs
or wishes change.
In a building or dwelling, you can engage in all kinds of activities. In the course of these activities,
you use interior furnishings like chairs, tables, cup boards, telephones, desks, shelves, and so on. The
way in which such interior furnishings have been designed and fitted influences the ease with which
activities can be performed. Other influential factors are the interior decoration finishing, the
atmosphere and appliances. A built environment which is designed with the ‘average’ person in mind
incorporates numerous barriers in physical, sensory and intellectual terms. Sometimes barriers are
difficult to overcome and sometimes they are insurmountable, depending on the type and seriousness
of those limitations. Some people can only engage in certain activities with great effort or not at ail.
Barriers in the built environment restrict their opportunities to act in society in an independent or
natural way. The sort of journey, described here, helps identify barriers in the existing environment.
Some examples:
- Desks which are too high for a person who is using a wheelchair, or other mobility device.
- Elevators were built with no Braille button.
- There are no Braille signs and railing in the elevators.
- Stair risers and threads are in same texture and colour which may risk users’ safety especially for
those with low visual impairment.
- Ablution room is not accessible for wheelchair user because of the level changes. It’s
recommended to cut the obstacle and leave 1200mm free of obstruction for wheelchair user.
- The door toilet opens inwards
- Grab rails provided on only wall side.
- The accessible toilet is not equipped with an emergency alarm system.
- Wrong signage indication for PwD toilet.
- Stairs have no nosing which might cause hazards.
- Ablution room not accessible for wheelchair user. It’s recommended to cut the rise and leave
space 1200mm for wheelchair user to reach faucets
4. Adjustments
A reasonable adjustment is something that can help prevent, or reduce, any disadvantage being
faced by a disabled person. Reasonable adjustments allow people with disabilities equality of
opportunity.
What is considered to be 'reasonable' is an objective decision made by the courts.
Where the duty arises, you cannot justify not making a reasonable adjustment.

26
What is ‘reasonable’ depends on:
❒ available resources
❒ cost
❒ practicality of the changes
❒ potential benefit i.e. how effective any changes will be in avoiding the disadvantage the
disabled person may face
Anticipatory reasonable adjustments will improve the inclusivity of the leisure time environments;
they will not, however, cover all eventualities. We can often tailor adjustments that are already in
place to meet the
requirements of individuals: it is important to encourage them to be actively involved in decision-
making.
The efficiency of interior pathway and circulation system within buildings is determined by the
basic shape and form of building. Buildings of the same internal floor area and same function differ
in the proportion of space taken by elements of interior circulation and pathway. It differs also in
the design style of circulation and pathway elements such as lifts, corridors and other mechanical
equipment.
Some examples of modifications that may be readily achievable:
- Rearranging tables, chairs, vending machines, display racks, and other furniture;
- Repositioning telephones;
- Adding raised markings on elevator control buttons;
- Installing flashing alarm lights;
- Installing grab bars in toilet stalls;
- Rearranging toilet partitions to increase maneuvering space;
- Insulating lavatory pipes under sinks to prevent burns;
- Installing a raised toilet seat;
- Installing a full-length bathroom mirror;
- Repositioning the paper towel dispenser in a bathroom;
- Installing an accessible paper cup dispenser at an existing inaccessible water fountain;
- Removing high pile, low density carpeting; or
- Installing vehicle hand controls.

27
2.3. Egress from buildings in the normal course of events and
evacuation in the event of an emergency.
1. Legal provisions
Accessible means of egress must be provided according to the International Building Code (IBC).
Issued by the International Code Council (ICC), the IBC addresses the number of means of egress
required and technical criteria for them, including fire–resistance rating, smoke protection, travel
distance, width, and other features. The Standards currently apply the IBC 2003 edition or the 2000
edition and 2001 supplement. The Access Board plans to update these references. Compliance with
a later edition may be possible under the provision for “equivalent facilitation” (§103) if it is
comparable to, or stricter than, the referenced editions.
A means of egress is an unobstructed path to leave buildings, structures, and spaces. A means of
egress is comprised of exit access, exit, and exit discharge.
The IBC requires at least two means of egress from all spaces and buildings with few exceptions.
Some spaces and buildings are allowed to have one means of egress if the travel distance to an exit is
short and the occupant load is low. For example, business occupancy with no more than 30 occupants
and a maximum exit access travel distance of 75 feet is permitted to have a single means of egress.
More than two means of egress are required where the occupant load is 500 or more (at least 3) and
1,000 or more (at least 4). The IBC requirements for accessible means of egress apply to new
construction; accessible means of egress are not required to be added in alterations to existing
facilities.

28
An accessible means of egress, as defined by the IBC, is a “continuous and unobstructed way of
egress travel from any point in a building or facility that provides an accessible route to an area of
refuge, a horizontal exit, or a public way.” Where more than one means of egress is required from
any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space must be served by at least two accessible
means of egress. Accessible spaces can be served by one accessible means of egress only where the
IBC permits one means of egress.
1.2. National level
= Serbia
Rulebook on technical standards of planning, design and construction of facilities which provide
unable movement and access to persons with disabilities, children doesn’t have specific rules for
external environment for acting in case of emergency. But, special Instruction of Ministry of Interior
of Republic of Serbia has instructions how to help people with disabilities in case of emergency.
= Bulgaria
The regulatory requirements for the urbanization of the urban areas, including the requirements and
conditions for the development of the environment for people with disabilities was determined by
concepts and schemes for spatial development and spatial plans in accordance with the current
regulatory framework (Article 10, paragraph 1 of the Territorial Act). The concepts and schemes for
spatial development define the goals of the state policy for the development of the territory for a
certain period (Art. 99 of the SPA). The system of documents for spatial development planning, the
scope and content, as well as the conditions and procedure for assigning, drafting, adopting and
implementing the concepts and schemes for spatial development are defined in the Regional
Development Act.
= Italy
For the purposes of correct application of the regulations, Ministerial Decree 236/89 specifies in
detail what is meant by architectural barriers, namely:
a) physical obstacles that are a source of discomfort for the mobility of anyone and in particular of
those who, for whatever reason, have a reduced or permanently or temporarily impaired mobility;
(b) obstacles which restrict or prevent the comfortable and safe use of parts, equipment or
components by any person;
(c) the absence of devices and signals allowing orientation and recognition of places and sources of
danger for anyone and in particular for the blind, partially sighted and deaf.
2. Standards
which comprise the built environment. These requirements relate to the constructional aspects of
access to buildings, to circulation within buildings, to egress from buildings in the normal course of
events and evacuation in the event of an emergency. It also deals with aspects of accessibility
management in buildings.
2.2. EU level

29
approach in products, goods and services - Extending the range of users” is applicable to the egress
from buildings.
2.3. National level
= Serbia
Rulebook on technical standards of planning, design and construction of facilities which provide
unable movement and access to persons with disabilities, children doesn’t have specific rules for
external environment for acting in case of emergency. But, special Instruction of Ministry of Interior
of Republic of Serbia has instructions how to help people with disabilities in case of emergency.
=Bulgaria
egress of people with disability from buildings.
=Italy
The Decree mentioned above also applies as standard.
3. Impediments
3.1. Exit in ordinary situations
The path or route to the building from the boundary of the site or from the parking area should be
designed and constructed to enable all people to approach, enter and exit the building easily. Ramps
and stairs are the most hazardous places for falls.
Ramps may be the only practical solution for people who cannot use steps or stairs, but other people
may prefer to use stairs. In addition to a ramp, a flight of steps (see section 3B for more detail) should
be provided if the change in level is more than 300 mm.
A handrail provides a means of support, stability and guidance for the user. A handrail will help most
people to go up or down a flight of steps or a ramp. However, a handrail also provides an essential
means of support, stability and guidance for all building users during an emergency evacuation (e.g.
fire, earthquake, flooding, etc.).
Handrails should be provided for stepped and sloped paths, ramps and stairs and lift cars according
to the requirements.
The entrance to a building should be identifiable from the boundary of the site and from any
designated accessible parking spaces on the site.
The entrance(s), including final fire exits, to a building should be easy to locate, safe and convenient
to use and have limited exposure to rain. Entrance doors should be sufficiently high and wide, easy
and intuitive to operate.
Entrance doors should be capable of resisting the forces of prevailing winds without opening
unexpectedly.
In all building types, a reliable and effective fire warning system that communicate simultaneously
by sounder, light strobe and voice message is essential.
Room layouts, lighting levels and furniture arrangements should be considered to ensure that these
alarms are visible.

30
Alarm systems with visual strobe light should be provided to accommodate people with hearing
impairments, particularly in isolated areas (bathrooms, meeting rooms) and noisy areas.
Some examples:
- Never install a small number of strobes/beacons with high output as these produce glare causing
confusion and disorientation among building users
- Never install a small number of sounders with high output. This only leads to confusion and
disorientation among building users
- Round or oval type door knobs are not suitable for people with mobility impairments, for people of
small stature or less strength and for children
- A handrail or grab bar should be free of any sharp or abrasive elements. Edges should have a
minimum radius of 3.2 mm.
- Grab bars should not rotate within their fittings
- A ramp with a gradient higher than 1:12 is difficult to use and can create a risk of an accident; it is
therefore not suitable for independent use
- An inclination of up to six degrees will exclude a majority of wheelchair users from using a
horizontal walkway independently
At the design stage of the building, a decision will have been taken about the type of emergency
evacuation procedure to be used. This decision will have influenced the layout of the building and
the fire safety measures incorporated into it.
There are three main strategies commonly used:
• Total evacuation – Everyone in the building begins to evacuate at the same time and the physical
arrangements of the building are designed to cope with the maximum numbers. This means that
people with disabilities are interacting with others with the potential for movement times to be
increased;
• Phased evacuation – This form of evacuation system has a pre-alarm stage in areas remote from
those immediately threatened by fire. During this stage, vulnerable people can begin to escape, with
a general alarm being raised a short time later. This can be helpful to enable staff to assist people with
disabilities to places of safety as quickly as possible; and
• Zoned evacuation –With this system, the building is designed to be evacuated progressively as the
extent of the emergency develops and is understood. The construction of the building, including its
fire resistance, is arranged so that immediate evacuation is not required from all areas and people are
moved progressively away from the area of danger. This is of particular use in buildings where
medical care is provided, as people can be evacuated horizontally behind fire-resisting construction
and moved vertically only if necessary. With this evacuation philosophy, it is essential to ensure that
adjoining zones have sufficient capacity to accommodate the additional occupants from another zone.
3.2. Egress in emergency situations
When considering reaction time for people with disabilities it is difficult to provide a broad statement
as to the time required for people with disabilities to evacuate a building. Issues such as the type of
disability, the age of the person with a disability, the location of the person on the floor to be evacuated
and the availability of any “buddy” system do not support the clear use of specifications; however,
are some of the factors which must be considered. Notwithstanding the above issues, the size, type of
building and internal facilities also impact upon reaction time. This includes factors such as the type
of doors present, the floor surface, and the dimensions of paths of travel to name but three. For
example, a person who has a severe hearing impairment will have a variant evacuation time dependant
as to whether the building has visual alarms, the seating position of that person in relation to any
visual alarms present, and the presence of any designated “buddy” and the “buddy’s” actual location

31
in the building. Bearing the above in mind, the development of consistent building facilities to assist
in evacuation of people with disabilities is imperative. However, an alignment of these with the
development of appropriate management plans is equally important.
Factors influencing egress (reaction time) of various disability types
Mobility Impaired:
• Accessibility of the path of travel to the egress point (effect: 80%)
• Any change in the building surface due to fire. This may include water and loss of traction (effect:
50%)
• Stairs have a major impact on a person with a mobility impairment (effect: 30%) to an ambulant
person with a mobility impairment (effect: 100%) to a wheelchair user
Visually Impaired:
• Whether or not audible alarms are present (effect 25%)
• If the above are present, the location of the vision impaired person in relation to the audible alarm
(effect 25%) • whether or not the person has a buddy to assist them to an egress point (effect: 25%)
Hearing Impaired:
• Whether or not visual alarms are present (effect: 50% - 100%)
• If the above are present, the location of the hearing impaired person in relation to the visual alarm
(effect: 50% - 100%)
• Whether or not the person has a buddy to assist them to an egress point (effect: 25%)
Intellectual Disabilities:
• Confusing circumstances and panic (effect: 50% - 100%)
• Whether or not the person has a “buddy” to assist them to an egress point (effect: 50%)
Essentially, evacuation relies on the occupants realising a threat and moving away from it to a safe
area. While built systems can be put in place to assist people with disabilities with some definite
benefits, it is difficult to address all possible scenarios. A much more flexible solution is to rely on
people interaction and management intervention which can cope with a wide range of scenarios. Thus
the presence of a buddy system and a strong management strategy seem the most important factors
to increase the chance of a successful evacuation.
4. Adjustments
This implies that disabled people also have a responsibility to co-operate with the provisos of their
own escape plans and to facilitate their escape. Often there is reluctance on the part of disabled people
to volunteer information about what they could achieve in a one-off escape situation. In order for
disabled people to be willing to volunteer this information, responsible persons and building
managers should take the right approach, recognising disabled people’s dignity and right to
independent access and evacuation, and they should provide as much information as possible to
everyone about the plans for disabled people. This will encourage disabled people to be more frank
in their approach to establishing their own escape plan.
Some negotiation skills, sensitivity and level of discernment are required here on the part of the person
carrying out an emergency egress. (Disabled people may feel pressured to do more physically than
they would generally be able to achieve, or they may be afraid that back-up systems and support will
not be made available to them.) Training is essential. It should be made clear to disabled people (while
working with them to develop a suitable plan) that the circumstances of escape are considered to be
exceptional. That means solutions that may not be appropriate in most circumstances could be used,
such as allowing a disabled person to move down the stairs on their bottom. It would not be acceptable
for them to do this in any other circumstances. The disabled person may need assurances that, if they
volunteer what they might do in an emergency, this will not constitute grounds for the removal of any
support at other times. Not all people who have an apparent impairment will require an assisted escape

32
plan. Also, it should not be assumed that people with invisible impairments and who normally would
not have an access problem will not require assistance in an emergency situation. This may be caused
by the fact that current guidance on means of escape in case of fire is not necessarily consistent with
access standards, e.g. lift access to upper floors without an evacuation lift provision, edge marking of
stairs.
Providing safe means of escape remains fundamental to occupant safety, human behaviour in an
emergency is also an important factor. Given the information available, emergency evacuations have
shown that most behaviour is both reasonable, rational, and is often heroic and altruistic. Most people
will stop and help others in dangerous situations and take cues from others to understand the situation.
Familiarity with the exit also contributes to the chosen egress point and studies have found that people
tend to egress where they have entered the building
- Evacuation chairs
This looks like a deckchair with skis and wheels underneath. When placed on the stairway it slides
down the stair. There are wheels at the back that facilitate movement on the flat, but they are not
suitable for long distances. An evacuation chair is operated by one or two people and requires training
and practice to use. Disabled people may not feel confident using these chairs and it is not always
possible for wheelchair users to transfer into an evacuation chair or to maintain a sitting position once
seated in one. Therefore, evacuation chairs should not be considered as an automatic solution to the
escape requirements of wheelchair users.
- Carry-down in the person’s own wheelchair
It is possible to move a person down a stairway in a number of ways using their own chair as an aid.
Carry-down by two, three or four people can be done by holding the wheelchair at one of the fixed
points situated in each corner of the wheelchair. The team then lifts the wheelchair and moves up or
down the stairway. Many wheelchair users will be able to point this out.
- Carry-down using an office chair
This can be used when a person does not have a wheelchair that is suitable for carry-down, for
example a large motorised chair. Any stable office chair can be used, although preferably it would be
one with armrests. The carry-down is facilitated in the same way as when using a wheelchair.
- Carry-down using ‘wheelies’
With some wheelchairs it is possible to tilt the chair on its axis so that it is virtually weightless on the
stair. With either one or two people holding onto the chair by a fixed point at the rear, the wheelchair
can be manoeuvred down the stairs, allowing the weight of the person to carry the chair down the
stairs. Some wheelchair users are able to make this manoeuvre unaided; however, these people are in
a minority, and, in any case, the manoeuvre is really only practical on a short flight of stairs.
None of the above techniques should be attempted without appropriate training. All types of carry-
down escape techniques require a risk assessment and professional moving and handling training for
the operators. When designing the escape plan, remember to consider what is practical and achievable
in exceptional circumstances rather than what might be achieved in normal day-to-day activity.
2.4. External environment directly concerned with access to
buildings
1. Legal provisions
Architecture should involve the creation of spaces for use by people. In the organisation of such
spaces, shortcomings in design may create ‘architectural barriers’. Architectural barriers are

33
everywhere in existing buildings: in schools, shopping areas, workplaces and a large number of
buildings that are intended for and are in fact used by the general public. The environment continues
to hamper and frustrate the functioning of disabled persons, while most ‘non-disabled’ persons are
unaware of the problem. Universal design is based on the principle that the built environments and
instruments used for everyday living can be ergonomically designed so that everyone can use them.
Traditionally, architecture and everyday products have been designed for market appeal, with a
greater focus on fashion rather than function. However, as the population of older adults and people
with disabling conditions increases, there has been a greater trend toward universal design.
Environmental accessibility is a principal theme of the World Programme of Action concerning
Disabled Persons which states that accessibility in the general systems of society, such as the physical
and cultural environment, housing and transportation, social and health services, educational and
work opportunities, cultural and social life, including sports and recreational facilities is essential to
furthering its development objective of equalization of opportunities. The World Programme states
that achieving its goals of “full participation, and equality” is largely determined by environmental
factors and that a person is “handicapped when he or she is denied the opportunities generally
available in the community that are necessary for the fundamental elements of living.” Normative
and substantive guidance on environmental accessibility is provided in Rule 5 (Accessibility), one of
the “Target areas for equal participation” in the United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization
of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.
1.2. National level
=Serbia
= Bulgaria
A National Program for Affordable Housing and Personal Mobility has been launched. The main
objective of the programme is to build an accessible environment in existing residential buildings and
their adjoining spaces for people with disabilities and to provide personal mobility for their social
inclusion, taking into account their specific needs. The implementation of the Program is carried out
on the territory of all municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria on a project basis within the approved
budget funds for the respective year. The activities for the implementation of the Program are
supported by the Agency for People with Disabilities, the Social Assistance Agency (ASA), local
authorities and organizations of and for people with disabilities.
= Italy
Accessibility represents the highest degree of use of the built space. Accessibility means the
possibility, even for people with reduced or impeded motor or sensory capacity, to reach the
building and its individual units, to enter it easily and to use spaces and equipment in conditions of
adequate safety and autonomy.
The regulations provide that accessibility must be guaranteed:
for external routes and the common parts of all buildings and, in addition, that at least 5% of
subsidised residential housing (with a minimum of one building unit per intervention) must be
accessible;
for environments intended for social activities (such as school, health, cultural, sports, etc.);

34
for buildings housing companies or businesses subject to compulsory placement regulations;
In facilities intended for social activities and limited to toilets, the requirement is deemed to be met
if at least one toilet for each useful level of the building is wheelchair accessible.
On the other hand, in buildings housing companies and businesses, it must be possible to access at
least one toilet for each intended toilet level.
2. Standards
which comprise the built environment.
2.2. EU level
approach in products, goods and services - Extending the range of users” is applicable to the external
environment directly concerned with access to buildings.
2.3. National level
= Serbia
In the meaning of ramps and public facilities, standards are presented in Unit 2.1:
=Bulgaria
egress of people with disability from buildings.
=Italy
For the purposes of correct application of the regulations, Ministerial Decree 236/89 specifies in detail
what is meant by architectural barriers, namely:
a) physical obstacles that are a source of discomfort for the mobility of anyone and in particular of
those who, for whatever reason, have a reduced or permanently or temporarily impaired mobility;
(b) obstacles which restrict or prevent the comfortable and safe use of parts, equipment or components
by any person;
(c) the absence of devices and signals allowing orientation and recognition of places and sources of
danger for anyone and in particular for the blind, partially sighted and deaf.
3. Impediments in certain areas
3.1. General provisions
An important barrier to performing neighbourhood-based physical activity for persons with
disabilities is access to built environments that support active options. When the built environment is

35
supportive, individuals can use the outdoors for multiple activities including exercise and utilitarian
purposes and can better access exercise facilities.
3.2. Outdoor activities
Outdoor play is especially important for maintaining well-being for both children and adults. The
sounds, visual images, and scents found in nature have been shown to reduce stress, stimulate the
senses, and benefit all children, particularly those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism
spectrum disorder, behavioural issues, and mental illness.
A few benefits of accessible play spaces include:
• Children with disabilities can enjoy the benefits of active play, enhancing social skills and overall
health
• All children learn valuable lessons about the world, including that everyone has similarities and
differences
• All children develop concepts related to tolerance, diversity, and acceptance
• Everyone can access, interact, and have fun in the play spaces, including parents, grandparents, and
members of the community with disabilities
The purpose of Universal Design is to make products, communications, and environments usable to
as many people as possible without the need for adaptations or specialized designs (Center for
Universal Design, 2008). Accessibility and inclusion are naturally incorporated into Universal
Design.
When a play space is designed with Universal Design principles in mind, the space offers something
for everyone to participate in. The layout, equipment, and features are designed and selected with
consideration given to the needs of caregivers and the diverse developmental needs of children.
Therefore, opportunities for access and inclusion are natural outcomes of the design.
A play space may include the following elements:
• A selection of approaches into the play space
• Adequate space for users with wheeled mobility devices to access and manoeuvre around equipment
• A smooth, even, shock-absorbent surface that allows access to play equipment with minimal effort
• Opportunities for physical challenge with minimal hazards
• Accessible features and amenities, such as planter boxes and benches of different heights and sizes
to accommodate all abilities
• Opportunities to enjoy some features of the play space in separate ‘quieter’ areas adjacent to the
main play equipment that allows for low stress play experience.
Play spaces based on the principles of Universal Design are inclusive and offer a rich variety of
physical and creative play opportunities. They are designed specifically to allow children of all
abilities to play and enjoy the same activities together.
Accessible play spaces are designed to:
• Consider accessibility for children at a wide range of developmental stages and abilities
• Appeal to the five senses
• Create safe spaces where children can explore
• Support parents with disabilities to supervise and participate in their child’s play environment.
3.3. Characteristics of certain areas
Car parking
Cars are the only practical method of transport for some disabled people, and accessible parking is
therefore an important consideration. The level of provision will depend on many factors including
location and use of the building. Parking bays with additional transfer space are required to allow
people with reduced mobility to get into and out of their cars with the minimum of difficulty. Where
on-site parking is not available, good practice would suggest maintaining a record of nearby

36
accessible bays. In addition, an approach could be made to the local authority for the provision of on-
street parking.
Setting-down points
People with mobility impairments who are passengers may need to be dropped off or picked up at a
convenient point. Setting-down points should be clearly signposted and located on level ground as
near to the principal entrance (or alternative accessible entrance) as possible. The surface of the
footway should be level with the carriageway at the setting-down point, to allow convenient transfer
to and from a wheelchair.
Routes
Changes in level are difficult for many people to negotiate. As far as possible, access should be level
or near level from the edge of the site or from designated accessible car parking spaces to the main
entrance and/or other entrances used by disabled people and other principal routes around and
between buildings.
Street furniture
Careful positioning of street furniture provides easier access and reduces potential hazards,
particularly for people with visual impairments.
External ramps
Where level access is not achievable, ramps enable wheelchair users and people with pushchairs to
overcome level changes.
Handrails
People who have difficulty negotiating changes of level need the support of handrails. They should
be provided in conjunction with changes in level, flights of ramps and steps.
4. Adjustments
Creating an accessible and understandable external environment is potentially the most challenging
task facing designers due to constraints posed by the natural landscape and spatial limitations of the
existing built environment.
External environmental modifications can take many forms. These can include assistive devices,
alterations of a physical structure, object modification, and task modification. Environmental
strategies may ease the burden of care experienced by a family member who has the responsibility of
providing the day-to-day support for an individual who does not have the capacity for social
participation and independent living in the community. These environmental modifications may well
be an effort at primary prevention because the equipment may provide a safety net and prevent
disabling conditions that can occur through lifting and transfer of individuals who may not be able to
do it by themselves. Rehabilitation must place emphasis on addressing the environmental needs of
people with disabling conditions. Environmental strategies are effective in helping people function
independently and not be limited in their social participation, in work, leisure or social interactions
as parent, friend, etc.
Cases:
Ramps
Free-Standing wheelchair ramps are the most durable of wheelchair ramps, but they also can be the
most expensive to construct. They can be designed to be either temporary or permanent and while
wood is the most commonly used material in these types of ramps, aluminium is also a popular choice.
Wood ramps tend to be more permanent in nature because they require footings. They also offer
opportunities for better customization to fit the appearance of a home. However, wood ramps may
require maintenance over time, potentially including waterproofing, staining and board replacement.
Following construction, wood ramps will need some form of non-slip material on the ramp flooring.

TRAINING COURSE FOR DISABLED YOUTH ON THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOR AUTONOMOUS MOVEMENT AND ITS PROTECTION

TRAINING COURSE FOR DISABLED YOUTH ON THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOR AUTONOMOUS MOVEMENT AND ITS PROTECTION

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to TRAINING COURSE FOR DISABLED YOUTH ON THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOR AUTONOMOUS MOVEMENT AND ITS PROTECTION

Similar to TRAINING COURSE FOR DISABLED YOUTH ON THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOR AUTONOMOUS MOVEMENT AND ITS PROTECTION (20)

More from AzBuki

More from AzBuki (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

TRAINING COURSE FOR DISABLED YOUTH ON THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FOR AUTONOMOUS MOVEMENT AND ITS PROTECTION