Introduction
The Accessibility Code of Catalonia represents a significant advance in the existing regulations on accessibility. This new code goes beyond architectural barriers and includes aspects such as communicative and cognitive accessibility of products and services, as well as cultural, sports and leisure activities. The main objective of this new regulation is to guarantee the exercise of the rights of people with disabilities or with difficulties interacting with the environment, and to avoid the resulting inequalities.
A qualitative and quantitative leap
The Accessibility Code of Catalonia represents a very significant qualitative and quantitative leap with respect to the previous regulations. This new regulation establishes conditions, requirements and solutions so that all people can carry out their daily activities in the most autonomous way possible. With this new regulation, Catalonia aspires to become a benchmark in terms of universal accessibility.
The challenge of aging
The Accessibility Code of Catalonia responds to the demographic challenge of the aging population. It is expected that in the coming years there will be a significant increase in elderly and disabled people. This new regulation aims to improve the quality of life of these people and ensure that they can participate fully in society.
The axes of the Accessibility Code
The Accessibility Code of Catalonia is based on three main axes:
1. Improved accessibility in everything new
This axis aims to ensure that all new buildings, products and services are accessible to all people. Specific conditions and requirements are foreseen to guarantee this accessibility.
2. Transformation of the existing environment
This axis aims to adapt the existing environment so that it is accessible to all people. Measures and solutions are planned to eliminate architectural barriers and other barriers that hinder mobility and accessibility.
3. Promotion of communicative and cognitive accessibility
This axis aims to ensure that communication and information are accessible to all people, including those with cognitive or communication difficulties. Measures are planned to improve accessibility in areas such as written communication, the media and new technologies.
The badge of quality in accessibility
The Accessibility Code of Catalonia introduces the accessibility quality badge, which recognizes those establishments, spaces or municipalities that exceed the accessibility requirements established by legislation. This badge aims to encourage the improvement of accessibility and promote equal opportunities for all people.
A collaborative regulation
The Accessibility Code of Catalonia has been developed with the collaboration of different actors, such as the Department of Social Rights, other ministries, the local world, professional associations and entities in the disability and dependency sector. This collaboration has made it possible to create careful and ambitious regulations that seek to guarantee equal opportunities for all people.