The government's commitment to Universal Design is greater than ever

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.

The Ministry of Children and Equality is responsible for coordinating the government's efforts. The plan includes measures that reach across the policy areas of 16 ministries, focussing on issues related to outdoor planning, buildings, transport and ICT.

We are using the strategy of Universal Design to bring about community features that benefit all of our inhabitants as well as Norway as a society, says Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion Audun Lysbakken.

In some areas, such as ICT, legal requirements already exist with regard to how Universal Design is to be executed. In other areas deadlines are being set for putting Universal Design regulations into effect.

The government intends to utilize the power of the public market as well as its own administrative powers, including control of regulatory agencies and appropriations, as key instruments in executing the action plan.

One effect of the action plan will be the launch of local government efforts, including development projects at the county and municipal levels. Municipalities have the opportunity to increase accessibility through maintenance and new construction projects. The National Transport Plan 2010-2019 also includes important Universal Design investments.

The goal of "universally designing" Norway by 2025 is ambitious but achievable. This action plan shows how the government intends to lay the foundation for realizing this ambition by pursuing a variety of goals and measures with fixed deadlines.

The Norwegian government's action plan: "Norway universally designed by 2025".