Germany focuses on improving accessibility in existing building stock

Efforts to improve accessibility in existing buildings and infrastructure are gaining momentum in Germany through professional seminars and regional conferences.

In Dortmund, the conference ‘Inklusiv gestalten’ (Designing Inclusively) addressed the necessity of adapting existing structures to ensure equal participation for people with disabilities. Jürgen Dusel, the Federal Government Commissioner for Disability Affairs, noted that approximately 13 million people in Germany live with impairments, emphasizing that barrier-free design is essential for social cohesion and equal access to residential, medical, and office spaces.

In Bavaria, the FSH Bayern (Fachverband Schreinerhandwerk Bayern) launched a seminar series titled ‘Zukunftsmarkt Barrierefreiheit’ (Future Market Accessibility). The initiative highlights the economic potential for the woodworking and renovation sectors, as over 80% of existing buildings are more than 25 years old. These programs aim to provide craftsmen with expertise in legal frameworks, practical implementation, and available funding for barrier-free renovations and age-appropriate living solutions.