Reception desks are a central element of accessibility in public buildings, as they provide equal access to information and services for all visitors, including persons with disabilities. Proper positioning, ergonomic design, good lighting, and the integration of assistive technologies significantly enhance the user experience.

The Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities has published proposed amendments to the Act on Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (ZIMI), which aim to improve the accessibility of existing public buildings for persons with disabilities. Key innovations include the obligation to adapt facilities by 12 December 2025, the establishment of minimum accessibility standards and the introduction of controls and sanctions for non-adaptation.

Well-designed staircases must provide safe and accessible use for all user groups. Key elements include a straight and wide staircase flight, uniform steps without overhangs, handrails on both sides, and contrasting and tactile markings. Such a design improves accessibility and safety in the built environment, especially for people with mobility impairments, as well as blind and visually impaired individuals.

Heritage-protected buildings hold significant historical and architectural value, which often complicates their adaptation to modern needs, particularly in ensuring accessibility for all. Understanding heritage protection regimes and collaborating with the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia (ZVKDS) is essential, as well-planned solutions can often balance heritage preservation with accessibility.

Elevators must be designed to ensure accessibility for mobility-impaired, blind, visually impaired, and deaf individuals. Key features include appropriate dimensions, an accessible control panel, visible and tactile markings, auditory announcements, and videophones for deaf users.

In 2025, Slovenia will implement significant legal changes affecting accessibility for people with disabilities, including the Accessibility of Products and Services for Disabled Persons Act (ZDPSI) and the Equal Opportunities for Disabled Persons Act (ZIMI). These laws will require adjustments in various sectors, including products, services, and transportation, as well as the removal of physical barriers at train stations and on trains by December 2025, contributing to better inclusion of people with disabilities in society.

Accessible restrooms are essential for the independence and safety of wheelchair users. It is crucial to provide sufficient maneuvering space, correctly installed equipment such as grab bars, sinks, and emergency alarms, and easily reachable features like switches, hooks, and waste bins. Common mistakes include improper equipment heights and unsuitable solutions that hinder usability. Properly adapted restrooms ensure equal accessibility and dignity for all users.

Univerzalna dostopnost je bistvena zahteva po gradbenem zakonu, ki mora biti izpolnjena za pridobitev uporabnega dovoljenja, kar zagotavlja enakovredno uporabo objektov za vse, tudi osebe z invalidnostmi. Primer bazena Ilirija opozarja, da neupoštevanje teh zahtev vodi v zamude in dodatne stroške zaradi nujnih prilagoditev.

Awareness of accessibility of buildings is gradually increasing, helped by the approach of the legal deadline and the efforts of organisations and individuals in this field. The Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, with its long-standing work on data collection, training and awareness-raising, continues its efforts to improve accessibility, which will be necessary even after the legal deadline has passed.

The state of accessibility of public buildings in Slovenia remains inadequate, as most facilities are not adapted for people with disabilities and adaptations are often carried out without consulting experts, leading to non-functional solutions. To improve the overview and the situation, we are developing an accessibility self-description tool that will allow us to obtain more data and plan adaptations more efficiently.