The factors that must be taken into account when ensuring accessibility to the physical environment depend on the type of special need.
Mobility impaired people who use a wheelchair independently can only negotiate obstacles with a fixed angle and height difference. For example, high thresholds, kerbs and steep ramps, uneven streets and pavements, and public transport that is inaccessible without mobility aids can all be important obstacles to their mobility. If a mobility impaired person also has partial paralysis of the arms, the obstacles and gradients that can be negotiated independently are progressively lower depending on the severity of the disability. People using walking frames or crutches find it difficult and dangerous to move on stairs, steeper slopes and slippery and uneven roads. Both wheelchair users and users of walking frames or crutches also need more space around them.
Read more in the handbook “Designing and creating an inclusive living environment”
If you feel that you’ve been treated unequally, please contact the Equality Commissioner by e-mail at avaldus@volinik.ee or telephone +372 626 9059. The anonymity of the person is guaranteed when contacting the Commissioner.
