Spain approves first regulation for cognitive accessibility

Spain's Council of Ministers has approved the country's first regulation regarding cognitive accessibility. Driven by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and 2030 Agenda, the decree aims to ensure that individuals with comprehension difficulties can exercise their rights and duties without discrimination.

The regulation mandates that information and communication be provided in accessible formats, such as clear language, easy-to-read text, pictograms, and augmented or alternative communication systems. These tools must be provided without additional cost or delay. The scope of the law is universal, targeting people with intellectual disabilities, autism, brain injuries, mental health issues, or cerebral palsy, as well as elderly individuals with cognitive decline, illiterate persons, and migrants who do not master the state's languages.

Legal obligations will apply across several essential sectors, including healthcare centers, public spaces, telecommunications, transport, judicial administrations, public administration relations, employment, and electoral processes. While the regulation establishes these new legal requirements, the organization Plena Inclusión has called for sufficient budget allocation to ensure effective implementation.