A wheelchair user takes an accessible ramp while talking with another person. Equipment and an accessible environment complement each other.
Fictional illustrative scene
Review the whole journey
A ramp alone cannot resolve inaccessible transport or instructions available only as spoken announcements. Walk through each service stage with people who have different access needs. Ask which assistance they want; do not assume a companion should answer for them.
Budget for usable adaptations
Plan readable formats, alternative communication channels and support identified through consultation. Assign responsibility for maintaining adaptations throughout the service. Check that users know whom to contact when an arrangement stops working.
Find out who is still excluded
An open service may remain inaccessible in practice. Review reported barriers and feedback after changes. Collect only necessary personal data securely; publishing individual diagnoses does not demonstrate inclusion.
Your reading checklist
- 1
Consult
Involve people and their representative organizations in service design.
- 2
Test
Review travel, reception, information and complaints.
- 3
Improve
Assign a budget and responsibility for unresolved barriers.
Mistakes to avoid
- Treating disability as mobility alone.
- Making decisions without consultation.
- Publishing sensitive personal information.
Frequently asked questions
Does a ramp make a service inclusive?
It may improve physical access. Transport, information, reception, understanding and feedback also need review.
How can I help without imposing?
Ask what assistance the person wants, respect refusal and address the person directly.
Official sources
Always verify the date and conditions on the official source.