The action plan - front cover.

The government's vision is for Norway to fully implement the principles of Universal Design by 2025. Universal Design helps counteract discrimination against people with functional impairments while improving surroundings for the entire population. The government is preparing the largest-ever step-by-step drive to achieve Universal Design.

Photo: Tommi Rantala/The Municipality of Båtsfjord

Municipalities play an active role in the development of society. It is their job to ensure that inhabitants benefit from equal opportunities as well to establish good living conditions for the individual. The Planning and Building Act is a useful tool for municipalities seeking to define strategies and measures for universal design within their local community. Experience gained at the local level provides essential input to efforts to develop universal design as a national strategy for increased accessibility.

Front page of the programme of action for UD

The Programme of Action for Universal Design was implemented from 2002-2004. An evaluation carried out by the Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research (NIBR) shows that overall, the programme has had a positive outcome.

Minister of the Environment Helen Bjørnøy

The Government action plan designed to increase accessibility for persons with disabilities has now been given additional scope. Halfway through 2006, the number of concrete measures has been increased from 97 to 124. 25 per cent of the measures have already been implemented.

The logo of unversal-design of enviroment

The Plan of Action for Universal Design was presented in 2004 to strengthen the development and utilization of solutions that are functional for all.

The UD programme logo

The Programme of Action for Universal Design was implemented in 2002 to strengthen the development and utilization of solutions that are functional for all. In its initial phases, the programme is aimed at further specifying the implementation of the universal design strategy in public policy and integrating this line of thinking into government instruments.