Habitat is a set of conditions and elements that are necessary for human life. Some of them may be indifferent, without others it is impossible to exist, and still others can have a negative impact. Therefore, it is difficult to live in modern society for people with limited mobility. Especially if an optimal barrier-free environment has not been created. Let's take a closer look.
What is this
In today's society, in which there should be equal opportunities for all users, the most important quality indicators are the comfort of their life. Therefore, the creation of a barrier-free environment is one of the basic directions of the social policy of any democratic state. We are talking, of course, about Russia.
The concept of "barrier-free environment" is contained in a number of legislative acts of the Russian Federation, in which itinterpreted differently. If we summarize the existing definitions, we can draw the following conclusions.
Modern Russian society creates conditions for all categories of citizens, including disabled people. A barrier-free environment consists of such elements of the environment that provide free movement and use by people with various types of disabilities (physical, sensory or intellectual). Functioning in such conditions allows citizens with special he alth abilities to lead an independent life activity from anyone or something. Therefore, an accessible environment for people with disabilities is a familiar environment that has been adapted to suit their needs.
Social policy of Russia. Barrier-Free Environment Program
Within the framework of international agreements and national legislation, certain actions are being taken to implement the tasks set in the program. Conditions are being actively created to ensure that persons with disabilities have the opportunity to fully develop their abilities, play sports and integrate as much as possible into society.
The basic criterion for evaluating social policy is the availability of physical environment for such citizens. It is about the ability to use housing, transport and information channels; get an education and a job.
Until recently, in the Russian practice of urban planning, organizations of all types of services did not take into account speci althe needs of the disabled. Currently, the situation has changed dramatically, there are a number of regulations.
Creation of a barrier-free environment is an important task, which is given attention in the design of construction, reconstruction and overhaul. As a result, the estimated cost increases within 6%. This is usually a significant amount. But these costs only at first glance seem excessive. Consider the main advantages.
The economic impact of creating a barrier-free environment
The creation of accessible conditions for the life of the disabled has a significant economic result.
Firstly, the organization of a barrier-free environment gradually reduces the need for stationary boarding schools, and the cost of their construction and maintenance is reduced. This is one of the main achievements of the program.
Secondly, there are new taxpayers. Many able-bodied disabled people are able to get a job. This is in a situation of a demographic "pit" and in the presence of a shortage of labor resources in many regions, it solves a large number of problems.
Third, there is an opportunity to arrange the fate of some citizens with special he alth abilities who are able to move independently and not depend on anyone.
According to statistics, as a result, existing government spending pays off within five to ten years.
A barrier-free environment is already being created in most Russian cities. Moscow occupies a leading position in this list.positions.
"Low mobility" groups of the population with disabilities
Categories of citizens with disabilities differ in different types of physical and other limitations. Naturally, a barrier-free environment for them must meet the specific needs of their life.
But this requirement can also be attributed to other categories of citizens who do not differ in certain physical limitations. Creating certain conditions will make their life more comfortable.
If we rely on the regulatory documents of the Russian Federation, then the "disabled" population groups are:
- disabled people with lesions of the musculoskeletal system;
- disabled people with hearing and vision impairments.
People with limited mobility and no disabilities
- persons over 60;
- temporarily disabled for one reason or another;
- women "in position";
- people who carry baby carriages;
- preschoolers.
The impact of creating a barrier-free environment for all social groups
Creating comfortable living conditions can affect the quality of life of all citizens, even those without physical disabilities.
Smooth descent, exit and installed ramp can help not only the disabled. It is more convenient for other citizens to go up or down an incline.
Handrails are also essential for the elderly, pregnant women, children and obese people. Even moremobile people who do not have physical limitations, in bad weather or ice, they will prefer to use those stairs that are equipped with railings.
Contrasting beacons, which are essential for people with visual impairments, will help other people to navigate freely, and everyone used the sound signals created at the crossings for the hearing impaired.
A barrier-free school environment
Thanks to the state program "Barrier-Free Environment", every child with disabilities has a chance to attend an educational institution. At present, there is at least one equipped school in every region of Russia.
The main changes to create a special environment in a general education institution should be carried out in the following areas.
Firstly, for the movement of the disabled, it is necessary to equip the porch and build ramps, install folding platforms and widen doorways. This will allow this category of citizens to feel confident and safe.
Secondly, for the orientation of children with visual impairments, it is necessary to paint the extreme steps of the stairs with a contrasting color. For this category, it is recommended to install special light beacons that will help these students move freely around the educational institution.
Thirdly, for the rehabilitation of children in schools, he alth rooms and multisensory rooms are being created, in which classes are held with specialists.
Fourth,classrooms should be equipped with modern equipment and special furniture. This will help improve the learning process.
Fifthly, for persons with limited mobility, modern information technologies are a real "window" to the outside world. Therefore, schools must be fully equipped with everything necessary.
For children with disabilities, it is necessary to create a barrier-free environment. This will enable them to realize their potential.
Conclusions
For a full life of people with limited mobility, it is necessary to significantly change the modern infrastructure.
Thanks to the state system of measures that has been formed in recent years, a barrier-free accessible environment for the disabled is gradually being created. This is achieved through the production of special technical equipment, individual and public transport, informatics and communications.
Considerable attention is paid to the reconstruction of educational institutions. This will allow children with disabilities to learn together with their classmates.