Habitat is a combination 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 effect. Therefore, it is difficult to live in modern society for people with limited mobility. Especially if an optimal barrier-free environment is not created. Let's consider in more detail.
What it is
In a modern society in which equal opportunities should exist 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. It is, of course, about Russia.
The concept of "barrier-free environment" is contained in a number of legislative acts of the Russian Federation, in which it is interpreted in different ways. If we generalize the existing definitions, we can draw the following conclusions.
In modern Russian society, conditions are created for all categories of citizens, including disabled people. The barrier-free environment consists of such environmental elements that provide free movement and use by people with various types of disorders (physical, sensory or intellectual). Functioning in such conditions allows citizens with special health abilities to conduct independent activities independent of anyone or anything. Consequently, an accessible environment for people with disabilities is a familiar environment that is equipped with their needs in mind.
Social policy of Russia. Barrier-Free Program
Within the framework of international agreements and national legislation, certain actions are being taken to implement the tasks set in the program. Actively created conditions aimed at ensuring that people 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 possibility of using housing, transport and information channels; get an education and work.
Until recently, in the Russian practice of urban planning, organizations of all types of services did not take into account the special needs of people with disabilities. Currently, the situation has changed dramatically, there are a number of resolutions.
Formation of a barrier-free environment - An important task that 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 effect of creating a barrier-free environment
The formation of accessible conditions for the life of people with disabilities has a significant economic result.
First, the organization of a barrier-free environment gradually reduces the need for residential institutions of a boarding type, the costs of their construction and maintenance are reduced. This is one of the main achievements of the program.
Secondly, new taxpayers are appearing. Many disabled people are able to get a job. In the situation of a demographic “hole”, and in the presence of a shortage of labor resources in many regions, it solves a large number of problems.
Thirdly, it is possible to arrange the fate of some citizens with special health abilities who are able to move independently and not depend on anyone.
As statistics show, as a result, existing state expenditures pay off within five to ten years.
Currently, most cities in Russia are already creating a barrier-free environment. Moscow is a leader in this list.
"Disabled" population groups with disabilities
Categories of citizens with disabilities differ in different types of physical and other restrictions. Naturally, the barrier-free environment for them should satisfy the specific needs of their life activities.
But this requirement can be attributed to other categories of citizens who do not differ in certain physical restrictions. Creating certain conditions will make their life more convenient.
If we rely on regulatory documents of the Russian Federation, then the "low mobility" groups of the population are :
- disabled people with lesions of the musculoskeletal system;
- disabled people with hearing and vision impairment.
Disabled groups without disabilities
- persons from 60 years old;
- temporarily disabled for one reason or another;
- women "in position";
- people who carry baby strollers;
- preschoolers.
The impact of creating a barrier-free environment for all social groups
The creation of convenient living conditions can affect the quality of life of all citizens, even without physical limitations.
A smooth descent, a ramp and an established ramp can help not only people with disabilities. Other citizens are more comfortable climbing or going downhill.
Handrails are also necessary for the elderly, women "in position", children and people with obesity. Even very mobile people who do not have physical limitations, in bad weather or ice, will prefer to use those stairs that are equipped with handrails.
Contrast beacons, which are necessary for people with visual impairments, will help other people to freely navigate, and everyone used the sound signals created at pedestrian crossings.
Barrier-free environment at school
Thanks to the state program "Barrier-free environment", every child with limited health abilities has a chance to attend an educational institution. Currently, in every region of Russia there is at least one equipped school.
The main changes to create a special environment in a general educational institution should be carried out in the following areas.
Firstly, for the movement of disabled people, it is necessary to equip a porch and build ramps, install folding platforms and expand 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 with the contrasting color of the extreme steps of the stairs. For this category, it is recommended to install special light beacons that will help these students to move freely around the educational institution.
Thirdly, for the rehabilitation of children in schools, health rooms and multi-sensory rooms are created in which classes with specialists are held.
Fourth, cabinets should be equipped with modern equipment and special furniture. This will help improve the learning process.
Fifth, for people with disabilities, modern information technology is a real “window” to the outside world. Therefore, schools should be fully equipped with everything necessary.
For children with disabilities, it is necessary to create a barrier-free environment. Thanks to this, they will be able to realize their potential.
conclusions
For the full life of people with limited mobility, it is necessary to significantly change the modern infrastructure.
Thanks to the state system of measures being 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, computer science and communications.
Considerable attention is paid to the reconstruction of educational institutions. This will allow children with disabilities to learn with their classmates.