Abstract
This article provides an overview of what a barrier-free environment is and its history. The article also highlights the different strategies used to create barrier-free environments, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It highlights the importance of creating and maintaining barrier-free environments, and the potential benefits for individuals and society.
Keywords: Barrier-free environment, Americans with Disabilities Act, United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Introduction
A barrier-free environment is a space that is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of physical or mental ability. Barrier-free environments are built with the goal of providing equal access to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or disability. The concept of a barrier-free environment is one that has been around for many years, but has become increasingly important in recent decades. This article will provide an overview of what a barrier-free environment is, its history, and the strategies used to create barrier-free environments.
Definition
A barrier-free environment is one that is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of physical or mental ability. Barrier-free environments are built with the goal of providing equal access to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or disability. This includes providing access to buildings, spaces, and services that are free from physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers that could otherwise restrict access for certain individuals.
History
The concept of a barrier-free environment has been around for many years, but has become increasingly important in recent decades. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in the United States, which was a landmark piece of legislation that sought to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. This legislation required that all public spaces and services be accessible to those with disabilities, including access to buildings, sidewalks, and transportation. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was also ratified in 2006, and it further expanded on the concept of barrier-free environments.
Strategies
There are a number of strategies that can be used to create barrier-free environments. These include the use of ramps and elevators to provide access to buildings, accessible bathrooms, and the use of technology to facilitate communication. Additionally, organizations and businesses can take steps to create a more inclusive and accessible environment by providing training for employees, providing sign language interpreters, and making sure that their websites and services are accessible to those with disabilities.
Conclusion
Creating and maintaining barrier-free environments is important for individuals and society. Barrier-free environments can help to ensure that people with disabilities are able to access the same services and spaces as their peers. Additionally, creating and maintaining barrier-free environments can promote inclusion and equality in society, as well as provide economic benefits by creating more accessible and inclusive workplaces.
References
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq. (1990).
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (2006). Retrieved from https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html
Krishnamurthy, B., & Sharma, S. (2010). Barrier-free environment: An analysis of accessibilities in public buildings and open spaces. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 2269-2277. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.377
Lee, C., & Goldberg, A. (2017). The importance of barrier-free environments. In A. Goldberg & C. Lee (Eds.), Creating Inclusive Environments (pp. 1-13). New York, NY: Routledge.