Accessibility in ordinary dwellings for various physical disabilities : a comparison between Swedish and Italian dwellings in the 20^th to 21^th century

Sammanfattning:

The world population is increasing while the average age rises steadily. With this, the percentage with any kind of physical impairment is equally increasing (WHO, 2011). Today, a large part of our built environment is planned for people without disabilities. The inaccessible environment prevents people with disabilities to live independently and participate in society. This divides the population into two: the ones with a disability and the ones without one.

The thesis is focused on accessibility for persons with various physical impairments in dwellings. Building legislation in Italy is limited to Milano and in Sweden the main focus has been Stockholm because of the similar population and accommodation.

This master thesis aims at defining how two different countries, both part of the European Union, works with accessibility for disabled. To define and analyze the work at different political levels, laws and guidelines that is used to regulate accessibility for buildings have been investigated and to describe and analyze differences and similarities a comparative method has been used. A literature study and case study have been applied to answer the research questions, as well as for further understanding and comprehension.

Both Sweden and Italy has ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of persons with disabilities, but the study has shown that there is work left before the buildings are fully accessible for all. Sweden has a clear legal framework and standards regarding accessibility in buildings, but yet many newly built dwellings do not meet the requirements or the process is ineffective concerning accessibility. Italy has not come as far as Sweden and their current building legislation is very strict, which causes problems for architects and the responsible for control of plans. Control of how well new built apartment houses function is poor and both countries have work to be done in the field; especially In Milano, Italy. When it comes to social support Italy is behind Sweden in available and free social support for disabled. In Italy it is depending on the family to help while in Sweden society take more responsibility.

So the thesis shows that the countries have differences despite the same legal framework from the UN and the EU. They can learn from each other and together build a more accessible environment.