barrierearme

Barrierearme, or barrierearm, describes environments, products or services that have reduced obstacles for people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with temporary impairments. The term signals an aim toward accessibility but does not automatically mean complete barrier freedom. It is often used in planning and design to indicate efforts to lower entry thresholds, while recognizing that some barriers may still be present.

The concept applies across sectors such as the built environment, transportation, housing, and digital services. In architecture and urban planning, barrierearme design includes features like step-free access, ramps, lifts, wide doorways, accessible restrooms, tactile guidance systems, and clear visual and acoustic information. In digital contexts, barrierearme approaches seek to make websites, apps and other ICT usable by people with various impairments.

Standards and regulations commonly shape barrierearme practices. In Germany, DIN 18040 provides general requirements and specifications for barrier-free buildings, with parts addressing publicly accessible spaces and dwellings. For digital accessibility, national standards like BITV 2.0 apply to public-sector websites and apps. At the European level, EN 301 549 and WCAG guidelines influence digital accessibility, while directives such as the European Accessibility Act inform broader product and service requirements.

Barrierearme design aligns with universal or inclusive design principles, aiming to improve usability for everyone, not only persons with disabilities. While it enhances participation and independence, it does not always guarantee full accessibility, and implementation can involve trade-offs, costs, and ongoing adaptations.