Minister of the Environment Helen Bjørnøy

The Government action plan designed to increase accessibility for persons with disabilities has now been given additional scope. Halfway through 2006, the number of concrete measures has been increased from 97 to 124. 25 per cent of the measures have already been implemented.

The action plan employs universal design as an overall strategy for increasing accessibility for persons with disabilities. Universal design principles are being integrated into the statutory framework and introduced in all areas of the public sector. In 2004, when the action plan was launched, it listed 97 measures to be carried out. In July 2006, this number was increased to 124. The Norwegian Government is devoting more than NOK 200 million annually to implement the measures stipulated in the plan.

“It is crucial that we enable all people to participate actively in society, regardless of their level of functionality. The Government is taking steps to ensure that universal design principles and accessibility requirements are incorporated into legislation and administrative procedures. This will have a permanent, positive impact,” says Norwegian Minister of the Environment, Helen Bjørnøy.

The Ministry of the Environment has set aside NOK 20 million for activities under the action plan. These funds are earmarked for enhancing universal design strategies in municipal planning and dismantling serious barriers to accessibility at the municipal level. Funding is being allocated to measures given priority by various ministries and in response to applications from municipal and county authorities as well as different organisations.

“Thus far, the results have been uplifting, and the Government will continue its efforts. We have started the process of revising the action plan to allow even better results in 2007,” says Minister of the Environment Bjørnøy.