Falls Short: Most Large Cities in Germany Neglect Barrier-Free Access Plans for Disabled Residents
Major urban areas lack viable strategies for accommodating diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities and elderly citizens.
Give a shout on Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, E-Mail, or Print this eye-opener, or simply Copy the Link!
Despite efforts from some larger cities in Germany, only around 40% are actively working towards improving barrier-free access for people with disabilities. According to a recent study, the majority of cities with over 50,000 inhabitants are still without such plans, as pointed out by study author Albrecht Rohrmann[1]. He emphasized that this is far from enough.
As a professor of social pedagogy, Rohrmann’s study investigated how well laws for the rights of disabled persons, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, are implemented in Germany[1]. His focus lied on whether there’s enough barrier-free housing for disabled individuals and the elderly in municipalities. He also examined the accessible nature of schools, offices, and support services, like those for mobility, which are vital for enabling self-determined living for those affected[1].
The European Accessibility Act (EAA), enacted by the EU with an enforcement deadline of June 28, 2025, might have a significant impact on the progress of implementing accessible technologies and services in the country[2]. The EAA mandates that products and services, including websites, must comply with accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.
While not directly detailing plans for barrier-free access, the study emphasized the need for municipalities to increase their involvement of disabled individuals in the planning and decision-making processes to close the gap in disability rights implementation[1]. The TUMI 2025 Conference in Leipzig highlighted the importance of developing resilient and inclusive urban mobility systems, but specific plans for barrier-free access in German cities were not mentioned[4].
To learn about more detailed plans and initiatives related to accessibility in Germany, consider checking out local government initiatives or organizations dedicated to improving accessibility.
[1] Source: ntv.de, dpa
[2] Source: un.org
[4] Source: tumi2025.t-labs.eu/r crops=615,384:flag_de,x_3,y_0,r_0.77,g_auto,q_80/https://cdn- images.dezeen.com/uploads/2021/01/tumi_project_branding_leipzig_germany_-studio_krich%27evski%288%29_lead-project-2_maxresdefault.jpeg
[Enrichment Data]1. European Accessibility Act (EAA): The EU has set a deadline of June 28, 2025, for enforcing the European Accessibility Act, mandating that products and services, including websites, comply with accessibility standards for people with disabilities[2]. This will likely influence the implementation of accessible technologies and services across Germany.2. Municipal Disability Rights Implementation: While not specifically detailing plans for barrier-free access, the issue of municipalities implementing disability rights is highlighted, with a noted gap in current implementation[1]. Increasing the involvement of disabled individuals in planning processes is a recommended approach.3. Resilient and Inclusive Mobility Systems: The TUMI 2025 Conference in Leipzig focused on developing resilient and inclusive urban mobility systems, which could include making transportation more accessible for people with disabilities[4]. However, specific plans for barrier-free access in German cities are not mentioned.
- It's crucial for cities to comprehend the significance of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), enacted by the EU, which mandates accessibility for people with disabilities in products, services, and websites, with an enforcement deadline of June 28, 2025.
- Advocating for the inclusion of small and medium-sized undertakings (SMEs) in health-and-wellness sectors, especially those dealing with science and disability rights, could bridge the gap in the implementation of barrier-free access plans and improve the accessibility of schools, offices, support services, and housing for people with disabilities in cities across Germany.
