On 15 September 2026, the Faculty of Design in Ljubljana will host the free professional event Accessibility of the Built Environment for All 2026, focusing on contemporary challenges related to spatial accessibility, mobility and digital solutions.

A ramp, an elevator and accessible toilets do not necessarily mean that a building is truly accessible to all users. Universal accessibility requires a holistic approach that, in addition to physical adaptations, also includes accessible information, appropriate communication and trained staff who understand the needs of different groups of people with disabilities.

The Assessment of Non-Feasibility of Accessibility Adjustments must be prepared for each publicly accessible building by 13 July 2026 and must, together with supporting documentation, demonstrate the reasons why specific accessibility adjustments for persons with disabilities have not been implemented. It includes basic building data, already implemented measures, a precise definition of non-feasible measures with evidence, and justifications (technical infeasibility, safety reasons, disproportionate burden, or heritage protection), as well as consideration of alternative ways of ensuring access to services.

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.

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.

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.

Dostopnost gostinskih obratov pomeni, da so restavracije, kavarne in bari urejeni tako, da lahko v njih enakovredno uživajo tudi gosti z različnimi oviranostmi. Zakonodaja določa, da mora biti vsaj četrtina miz in sedišč ob pultih dostopna osebam na vozičkih, z urejenimi potmi in primernimi dimenzijami miz. 

Exhibition spaces must be designed according to the principles of universal accessibility, ensuring equal access for persons with physical disabilities, blind and partially sighted visitors, as well as deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Act (ZIMI) and the Regulation on Universal Construction and Use of Buildings provide the legal framework that guarantees culture and knowledge without barriers.