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.

We visited The Art Beyond the Visible, Slovenia’s first tactile gallery in Kromberk, which enables a multisensory experience of art through touch. The exhibition, part of the European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica - Gorizia 2025 programme, brings together tactile interpretations of historical artworks and contemporary pieces created especially for blind, visually impaired, and sighted visitors alike.

The Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (UIRS) conducts professional on-site assessments of building accessibility based on a methodology aligned with relevant legislation and standards. These assessments identify on-site barriers for all types of disabilities, with results made publicly available through online tools.

Vhod v stavbo je prvi stik uporabnika z objektom. Če je urejen premišljeno, brez ovir in jasno označen, daje obiskovalcu občutek dobrodošlosti, varnosti in zaupanja, da bo lahko znotraj objekta samostojno uredil želene opravke. Pomembno je,  da je dostop do vhoda premišljeno zasnovan: brez ovir, z ustreznimi klančinami, jasno označenimi potmi, dobro vidnimi informacijami ter prilagojen vsem, tudi osebam z različnimi oviranostmi. 

The Slovenian Building Act (GZ-1) stipulates that accommodation facilities with ten or more rooms must have at least 10% of rooms adapted for persons with disabilities. Such rooms must allow for independent and safe use and meet the spatial and functional requirements for persons with various disabilities.

Temporary ramps are not legally recognized as a suitable solution because they do not provide independent and equal access. Their use is only justified in exceptional cases where permanent access cannot be ensured, and they must still meet the same safety standards as permanent ramps.

Effective accessibility depends on proper ramp design, including width, slope, handrails, and surface treatment. Clearly defined technical standards ensure safety and usability for all types of wheelchairs.

The Accessibility of Products and Services for Disabled Persons Act (ZDPSI), which enters into force on June 28, 2025, introduces obligations to ensure accessibility of a wide range of services and digital content for people with disabilities. The key emphasis is on digital accessibility in accordance with the WCAG 2.1 guidelines, with oversight and sanctions falling under the jurisdiction of the inspectorate.

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.