Disability-friendly

The term disability-friendly is often used in everyday language to describe buildings, products, or services that are adapted to some extent for people with disabilities. However, it is not a legal term and does not guarantee full accessibility.

For example:

• A ramp at a building entrance might make it accessible for wheelchair users.
• However, if there are no elevators or tactile signage, people with other disabilities may still face barriers.

In contrast, barrier-free (accessible) environments meet legal requirements such as those defined in the German DIN standards (e.g., DIN 18040) and accessibility regulations like BITV.

So while “disability-friendly” might suggest a helpful intent, it often lacks the comprehensive inclusion needed for full participation.