Mobility and Web Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly: Advances in the Built Environment in Slovenia

Accessibility experts in Slovenia made a strong call for the rapid implementation of a common platform, "The Story of Five Spaces", to consolidate Slovenia's knowledge and solutions in accessibility, with the Surveying and Mapping Authority identified as a potential coordinator of future activities. The platform includes outdoor space (accessibility of the urban environment and cities and settlements), indoor space (accessibility of the interior of public buildings), online space (online accessibility to information for mobility), social space (on-call transport and exchange of knowledge and experience) and virtual space (technology-enabled exercise in the home space). 

The platform was presented within the conference "Mobility and Web Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly – Connecting Knowledge and Experiences for an Inclusive Society", organised by the Commission of the National Council of Slovenia for Social Welfare, Labour, Health, and Persons with Disabilities, the Surveying and Mapping Authority of Slovenia, and the National Council of Disability Organisations of Slovenia. The event aimed to present a comprehensive view of mobility challenges faced by persons with disabilities and the elderly in Slovenia, while encouraging the integration of various data and services into a unified national platform to enhance their mobility and improve their quality of life.

The event also addressed the necessity of collaboration between various sectors and the need for sufficient funding to implement technological innovations that can significantly improve accessibility, calling on the state to secure appropriate financial resources, particularly from European funds. Innovations and technological solutions in the field of ensuring accessibility were presented, which, if properly implemented, could significantly contribute to better accessibility. Special emphasis was also placed on the accessibility of tourism for people with disabilities (CE-Spaces4All Project). 

Dr. Matjaž Debevc, national expert to AccessibleEU, also attended the event and provided valuable insights into AccessibleEU's work in the field of the built environment. His contribution highlighted ongoing efforts to improve accessibility across Europe, emphasising the importance of aligning national initiatives with broader European frameworks.

The conclusions of the conference will be presented at future sessions of the National Council.

More information about the conference (in Slovene).

Watch the conference (in Slovene).