Accessible Environments student's book. Section 1. Barriers. Architectural and Communication Barriers.

1.2. Architectural and Communication Barriers

An architectural barrier is the obstacle designed and built by someone that restricts access of disabled people to areas or their use of certain facilities.

Architectural barriers can be found in:
:: Buildings
:: Outdoor public spaces and facilities
:: Transport

A communication barrier is the obstacle that impairs or restricts disabled people's (*) access to and use of the information and communication systems.

Communication barriers may cover access to and use of information in:
:: Buildings
:: Outdoor public spaces and facilities
:: Health care
:: Education
:: Social Services
:: Culture
:: Transport

Disabled people can have equal opportunities to study, work or enjoy their leisure time:

:: if buildings are accessible.

:: if outdoor public spaces, facilities and transport are accessible.

:: if everybody is aware that disabled people have the same rights of mobility and information as everyone else.

:: if architects, designers, builders, engineers, and authorities in general are involved in the elimination of architectural and communication barriers.

REMEMBER: PUBLIC ACCESS IS A RIGHT, NOT AN OPTION.

(*) Foreign people without a knowledge of the language may also be affected by a communication barrier.