CEN/CLC/TC 11 - Accessibility in the built environment

This document has been developed to support EN 17210, “Accessibility and usability of the built environment – Functional requirements”. This document provides and exemplifies technical performance criteria and specifications for an accessible and usable built environment, following the Design for All/Universal design principles. The document specifies what is necessary to align with these principles which will facilitate equitable and safe use for a wide range of users.
The technical performance criteria and specifications are applicable across the full spectrum of the built environment and can be used as criteria for awarding public contracts (in support of the Public Procurement Directives).
These technical performance criteria and specifications are specifically applicable to the design, construction, refurbishment or adaptation, and maintenance of public or public-use environments including external areas.
Alternatively, national standards and regulations may determine the technical performance criteria and specifications to fulfil the functional requirements of EN 17210.
NOTE 1     Design for All and Universal Design share a similar inclusive design philosophy. Universal Design means the design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Universal Design shall not exclude assistive devices for particular groups of persons with disabilities where this is needed (UN CRPD).
NOTE 2     Terms such as "design for all", "universal design", "accessible design", "barrier-free design", "inclusive design" and "transgenerational design" are often used interchangeably with the same meaning.

This document provides criteria to assess conformity of the built environment with the functional requirements and recommendations described in EN 17210 Accessibility and usability of the built environment – Functional requirements, regardless of whether self-declaration, second-party attestation or third-party certification is requested.
This document provides guidance on how and when accessibility and usability of the built environment have to be considered throughout all stages of the building process, including feasibility, design, construction, completion and post occupancy. It is also applicable for refurbishment or adaptation of existing buildings.
FprCEN/TR 17621 Accessibility and usability of the built environment - Technical performance criteria and specifications, provides examples of a way or ways in which the functional requirements in EN 17210 could be fulfilled. Alternatively, National Standards or Regulations can determine the technical performance criteria and specifications to fulfil the functional requirements of/in EN 17210.
NOTE 1    Design for All, Inclusive Design and Universal Design share a similar inclusive design philosophy. “Universal Design” means the design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. “Universal Design” does not exclude assistive options or devices for particular groups of persons with disabilities where this is needed.
NOTE 2    Terms such as "design for all", “inclusive Design”, "universal design", "accessible design", "barrier-free design", "inclusive design" and "transgenerational design" are often used interchangeably with the same meaning.

This document describes basic, minimum functional requirements and recommendations for an accessible and usable built environment, following "Design for All"/"Universal Design" principles which will facilitate equitable and safe use for a wide range of users, including persons with disabilities.
The requirements and recommendations given in this document are applicable across the full spectrum of the built environment.
These functional accessibility and usability requirements and recommendations are relevant to the design, construction, refurbishment or adaptation, and maintenance of built environments including outdoor pedestrian and urban areas.
NOTE 1   ‘Design for All’ and ‘Universal Design’ share a similar inclusive design philosophy. "Universal Design" means the design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. "Universal Design" does not exclude assistive devices for particular groups of persons with disabilities where this is needed.
NOTE 2   Terms such as "design for all", "universal design", "accessible design", "barrier-free design", "inclusive design" and "transgenerational design" are often used interchangeably with the same meaning.
NOTE 3   This document does not cover management and maintenance issues, but provides basic information in Annex B.
NOTE 4   All figures are provided as examples. They are described by their title and key and do not provide additional information. Some figures show negative examples to be avoided; these are identified by the insertion of a red cross on them. A list of all the figures included is this document is given in the informative Annex C.
NOTE 5   In the case of refurbishment or adaptations of existing buildings or infrastructures, a specific study including feasibility determines the extent to which the functional requirements and recommendations can be met.