Accessibility

Improving accessibility is a key element of policy for people with disabilities.

Obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on accessibility states that signatory states must take appropriate measures to enable persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life, including by ensuring access to the physical environment and to services open and provided to the public.

The measures covered by the Convention apply, inter alia, to buildings, roads, transport and other indoor and outdoor facilities, including schools, housing, medical facilities and workplaces (Article 9).

Universal accessibility

Luxembourg encourages the creation and supply of goods and services based on the principles of "Design for all" (in French and German) and develops accessibility in places open to the public, in the field of public transport, in the field of leisure, as well as in the field of communication (electronic, printed and televised formats).

The government's programme states that "accessibility is an essential element in the participation of disabled people in social and professional life. With this in mind, the legislation on the accessibility of public places dating from 2001 is being revised'.

Access to public places with an assistance dog

In principle, access to public places is forbidden to dogs, as it is to animals in general. However, assistance dogs are essential for the mobility, safety and well-being of their owners.

Therefore, the law of 22 July 2008 determines the conditions of access for assistance dogs to transport, to places open to the public and for collective use, whether public or private, as well as to those allowing a professional, training or socio-educational activity, as well as the fine in the event of refusal of access.

In order to be recognised, an assistance dog must wear a medal attesting to its training, which can be requested from the Ministry.