Council of Europe - logo.

Norwegian universal design activities are given high marks in a comparison presented in a Council of Europe report. The report discusses how to achieve full participation through universal design, and describes how far universal design efforts have come – and how they are being implemented – in eleven different countries.

There are still many Europeans with disabilities who are unable to take part in important activities and aspects of society. And with the number of elderly people rapidly rising, there will be a need for inclusive measures and physical surroundings adapted to the particular requirements of a growing number of people with disabilities. But as the report Achieving full participation through Universal Design from the Council of Europe points out, the legislation, rules, action plans and measures already launched throughout Europe do not harmonise with each other.

In addition to Norway, the report discusses measures in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland and Portugal. Each of these countries has universal design on its political agenda, and seven of them have drawn up full or partial national action plans in this field.

The section containing examples of good practice highlights among other things Norway’s pilot municipality initiative – with financial and administrative support from the central authorities, in which Kristiansand serves as a special resource municipality for a network of 16 large and small pilot municipalities. "The network emphasises the importance of embedding the Universal Design strategy into municipal policies, planning and administration. Creating environments with Universal Design qualities is the main objective," the report states. The Norwegian Design Council’s Innovation for All programme was also cited under the examples of good practice.

The Council’s report appeals to the 47 member states to promote full participation in community life by ensuring all citizens access to all aspects of society, including the built environment, transport, products and goods, information, public services, education, employment and care. The report emphasises the importance of implementing universal design as a strategy for ensuring equal and democratic rights in society for all individuals, regardless of their age, abilities or cultural background, including persons with disabilities.