The participation of all people in all public facilities is a prerequisite for a good quality of life. Barrier-free living spaces are a prerequisite for this, both in the immediate private environment and outside it.
Accessibility does not just mean ramps instead of stairs, wide doors and lowerable buses. Accessibility refers to buildings and public spaces, homes and workplaces, means of transport and objects, services, leisure activities and also understandable language.
In principle, accessibility also concerns people without disabilities, as they themselves could one day be dependent on an accessible infrastructure. Around 13 million people with disabilities live in Germany, of which around eight million are severely disabled. And: by 2060 at the latest, one in three people in Germany will be over 65 years old. In an ageing society, it is important to design barrier-free living spaces. The number of people with physical disabilities is also constantly increasing. Accessibility is the key response to demographic change and means participation and independence - regardless of age or physical limitations.
The VDI Association of German Engineers regularly points out innovations. The VDI 6008 series of guidelines has now been revised. It provides clear information on how technical building equipment (TGA) can reduce barriers and at the same time increase comfort and safety. The restructuring and revision of the guideline was necessary because the technical requirements for barrier-free living spaces have expanded. The guideline provides information for the new construction and modernization of residential buildings, public facilities, workplaces and healthcare facilities.
The Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWi) provides funding for barrier-reducing measures in existing homes via the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) as part of the "Age-appropriate conversion" program. Typical modernization measures include the installation of a floor-level shower, the removal of door thresholds or the installation of elevators.
Photo: © Karl Egger, Pixabay
