For a world without barriers
Archived message of the Austrian Standards Institute
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„Accessibility for All“ is the message of the World Standards Day on 14 October.
Vienna (AS prm, 2010-10-12)
Around one out of five Austrians faces handicaps on account of a disability at least temporarily in the course of their lives.
To ensure that, nevertheless, everyday life is as safe and easy as possible, standards provide for barrier-free access in many fields.
To raise awareness of the significance of standardisation for a world without barriers among consumers and the business community, this year’s World Standards Day is celebrated under the motto „Accessibility for All“ on 14 October.
Everyday life full of obstacles
Around 650 million people world-wide have special needs and in Austria alone, 1.7 million people are affected by some kind of permanent disability ranging from minor vision or hearing impairments to full immobility.
- Credit: ASI prm
When we get older, steep stairs, complex intersections and small print sometimes become insurmountable obstacles. But also those who move around with a baby carriage, heavy luggage or their leg in plaster welcome amenities like wheelchair ramps, traffic lights with acoustic signals and grab rails in restrooms.
Standards for independent living
To make sure that products and buildings can be used safely and easily, experts develop standards in the competent technical committees of the Austrian Standards Institute. In addition to considering safety aspects, ergonomic requirements and fitness for use, they also give maximum attention to accessibility aspects.
ÖNORM B 1600 on „Building without barriers — Design principles“ has been a well-proven fundamental standard applicable to all new buildings, additions and conversions for decades. It describes in detail the barrier-free design of entrance areas, doors, windows, corridors, staircases, lifts, operating elements, orientation systems, lighting, materials and furniture.
- Credit: ASI prm
Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Wagmeister, Committee Manager: „The future belongs to residential buildings easily adaptable for barrier-free access. This means that any modifications that become necessary at a later date can be made without any changes to installations, equipment, insulation or load-bearing structures at an affordable price and as quickly as possible.“
Of course, there are also standards on technical aids for disabled persons, such as wheelchairs, rollators, lifters, tactile inscriptions and information systems or tactile paving surface indicators. Likewise, standards on glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, prostheses and more contribute to optimally compensating physical limitations.
DDr. Elisabeth Stampfl-Blaha, Deputy Managing Director of Standards: „There is a trend towards ‚Design for All‘. The idea is to design products, equipment, environments and systems in such a way that they can be used by as many people as possible without any further adaptation or specialisation. This also includes left-handed scissors and easy-to-open jam jars.“
Celebrated every year on 14 October since 1947, World Standards Day aims at highlighting the contribution of standards to the development of global trade, rising profitability and higher safety as well as improved quality of life.
