General Accessibility
The term general accessibility refers to the design of our entire environment so that it can be used by people with disabilities without external assistance. This includes not only physical structural measures but also access to information, transportation, and social services. The goal is the unrestricted inclusion and participation in all areas of life.
While we often focus on WCAG standards and code structures in the digital context, general accessibility addresses the physical world. A barrier here could be a curbstone that is too high for a wheelchair user, a lack of audio announcements for blind people on a train, or overly complex technical language at a public authority.
Legally, this claim is underpinned internationally by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It establishes that public buildings and means of communication must be accessible. For the private sector, this requirement is increasingly extended into the digital realm by laws such as the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
Examples of General Accessibility
- Structural Measures: Ramps, wide doorways, and level-access entrances for people with limited mobility.
- Orientation: Tactile paving on the ground for blind people and signage in Braille.
- Communication: The use of sign language interpreters, induction loops for hearing aids, and plain language.
- Digital Interfaces: Accessible terminals or apps used to control physical infrastructure (e.g., ticket machines).
The Legal Foundation: CRPD and National Standards
The legal basis for accessibility worldwide is the UN CRPD. It obligates state parties to remove barriers to participation. In the construction sector, various national standards (such as the ADA Standards in the US or DIN 18040 in Germany) define detailed requirements for barrier-free housing, public buildings, and public spaces.
Often, accessibility is viewed purely as a cost factor. In reality, it is an investment in the future. In an aging society, not only do people with disabilities benefit, but so do seniors, parents with strollers, and travelers with heavy luggage from an obstacle-free environment.
A Prerequisite for the Digital World
Today, general and digital accessibility are inseparably linked. Many physical services—from airport check-ins to booking appointments at a local office—require digital interaction. If the online form is not accessible, the ramp in front of the building is of little use. A holistic inclusion strategy must therefore always consider both worlds.
From Analog to Digital Space
Close the Accessibility Gap
While architects provide the ramps, we take care of your digital presence. With SiteCockpit, you transform your website into a flagship of accessibility. Use easyMonitoring to automatically detect barriers and the easyVision widget to offer users with visual or cognitive impairments a customized viewing experience.
Become digitally accessible now →FAQs on General Accessibility
Who benefits from accessibility?
In short: Everyone. About 10% of the population urgently relies on accessibility, for 30-40% it is a necessary aid (e.g., seniors), and for 100% of people, it provides a gain in comfort.
What is the difference between "barrier-reduced" and "accessible"?
"Barrier-reduced" implies a reduction of obstacles, whereas "accessible" (or barrier-free) implies their complete removal, allowing for autonomous use by everyone. Legally, full accessibility is usually required.
Do private buildings have to be accessible?
This depends on their use. Private buildings open to the public (such as medical practices or shops) are often subject to accessibility requirements under local building codes and civil rights laws.
Test Your Digital Accessibility
While general accessibility often requires expensive structural renovations, digital accessibility can be solved efficiently. Check how accessible your web presence is right now with our scanner. Test easyMonitoring today, completely free of charge.
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