Z veseljem sporočamo, da je Urbanistični inštitut RS v sodelovanju z Ministrstvom za delo, družino, socialne zadeve in enake možnosti izdal publikacijo Priročnik za zagotavljanje univerzalne dostopnosti objektov v javni rabi (PriD).

In January 2026, the amendment to the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act (ZIMI-D) entered into force, introducing significant changes in the field of universal accessibility and the provision of equal opportunities in society for persons with disabilities. The amendment was primarily prompted by ambiguities regarding the powers of inspection authorities in supervising the implementation of the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act, the level of fines in cases of non-compliance, and the definition of accessibility of buildings open to the public.

Accessible parking spaces must be located close to the entrance, appropriately dimensioned, properly marked, and provided in the prescribed number relative to the size of the parking area. They must enable safe exit, access to the building, and use of associated infrastructure without barriers.

A template for an assessment of the infeasibility of adaptations has been published on infotocka.dostopnost.si. It is intended for entities that, for justified reasons, cannot fully ensure the accessibility of buildings in public use for persons with disabilities. The statutory deadline for preparing the assessment is 13 July 2026. The template has been coordinated with the competent ministries and the inspectorate.

Adapted sanitary facilities must be provided within the building whenever possible, with an exception allowing them at another location within 150 m. In such cases, clear information and practical accessibility during operating hours must be ensured.

The Rules on Universal Construction and Use of Buildings define, as mandatory professional references, the standards SIST ISO 21542, SIST 1186 and SIST EN 60118-4. Although these standards are normally paid in the SIST online store, since 2025 the state finances access to all standards that are introduced exclusively through legislation, so they are available free of charge to Slovenian economic operators.

With the expiry of the deadline on 11 December 2025, all buildings open to the public are required to ensure equal access to services for persons with disabilities. From that date onward, owners or operators who fail to comply are in violation, and supervision is carried out by the Building and Geodetic Inspectorate. Exceptions are permitted only based on justified professional reasons, which must be documented by a feasibility assessment by June 2026. A significant level of accessibility can often be achieved through smaller, properly planned interventions.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we took part in the radio programme Studio at 17:00, discussing the amendment to the Act on Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (ZIMI).

The deadline for adapting public buildings for persons with disabilities expires on December 11, 2025, yet many facilities still do not meet the legal requirements for universal accessibility. Without timely and professionally executed measures, building owners and managers will be in violation after the deadline, and compliance will be overseen by the Building Inspectorate.

Through personal experience, an urban planning student observes that the accessibility of public buildings for people with mobility impairments is often overlooked and insufficient. He highlights the importance of inclusive design and the adoption of good international practices in the local context.