The Nordic Welfare Model is based on equal opportunities, social solidarity, and security for all. It promotes inclusion of marginalized groups and equal access to services. The model aligns with principles of universal design and accessibility, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As populations age, accessibility will become even more important to allow the growing number of older people to participate fully in society. Universal design aims to create solutions that meet everyone's needs.

1. Relations between the Nordic Welfare Model
and Universal Design and Accessibility
Hans von Axelson
Senior Adviser
Handisam, Sweden
@Hansherman
facebook.com/
hansvonaxelson
hans@handisam.se 13 juni 2012

4. Nordic Welfare Model
• based on the core values of equal opportunities,
social solidarity and security for all.
• applies to care for social outcasts and inclusion of
neglected and structurally discriminated groups in
society
• promotes human rights and the principle that
everyone is entitled to equal access to social and
health services, education and culture

5. Human rights formulate what
must not be made against any
man/woman and what should be
done for each human.

6. The Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities

7. Siyo watu wenye ulemavu
ambayo yanaweza
walemavu ...
=
Not only persons with
impairments can be
disabled…

8. Ageing – double demographic
challenge in Sweden
• 2009, 18 percent over 65 year.
• 2060, calculated share has increased to 25 percent.
• At the same time life expectancy increases
4 years för women och 6 years for men (87 and 85)
• Population increases from 9,5 million to 11,6
• the share of the working population decreases

9. Persons with impairments in different ages, 2005-2007
Andel med funk tions neds ättning (%)
60
51
50 49
40
32 33
30 31
30
25
20
20
16
14
11 12
10
0
16-29 år 30-44 år 45-54 år 55-64 år 65-74 år 75-84 år
Män Kvinnor
Source: Folkhälsoinstitutet

10. Accessibility – different dimensions in the Convention
Article 9 Preamble
Accessibility Sustainable development
Article 5 Article 3
Equality and non- General principles
discrimination
Article 4
General obligations

11. The specific solution is
usually well-meant ...
…but how is it perceived by
those in the “target group”?

12. General solutions to suit
all ...
... is generally better, nicer
and less expensive than
“specific solutions

15. A different angle when
the project was completed
Picture: Nina Broberg

16. Pre-commercial procurement
Picture: Nina Broberg

17. "Good design enables,
bad design disables."
The EIDD Stockholm Declaration©

18. Relations between the Nordic Welfare Model
and Universal Design and Accessibility
Hans von Axelson
Senior Adviser
Handisam, Sweden
@Hansherman Thank you!
facebook.com/
hansvonaxelson
hans@handisam.se
13 juni 2012