Universal design

Universal design is a national strategy for making society accessible to all people. The Ministry of Culture coordinates the Government's policy in this field.

Universal design – equality and social and economic sustainability

Universal design adds qualities to manmade structures that are positive for all inhabitants and for Norway as a society. A key goal is to prevent discrimination of persons with disabilities by increasing accessibility and supporting solutions that provide equal access to all. Universal design has a positive impact on social and economic sustainability. The government's vision is a society in which everyone can participate. One of the most important means of achieving this is good accessibility and safe surroundings. Universal design is a quality in the society with a particular importance for people with disabilities.

The Government's work

The Government's work in this field complies with the sectorial responsibility principle. The Ministries incorporate universal design as a strategy and measure in their respective fields of interest. A number of directorates and state agencies work on universal design in their sectors. Acts, regulations and standards are important measures. Universal design is embedded in the legislation in key sectors. The responsibility for doing this and for taking action is placed with the various sectors.

The Ministry has the responsibility for the Anti-Discrimination and Accessibility Act which lays down provisions for universal design and accessibility. Funding of universal design measures follows the sector responsibility principle, and is mainly found in the general budgets of the various Ministries.

Action plan for universal design 2021-2025

The Universal Design action plan for the period 2021-2025 follows up the work on universal design in other important areas of the society.