Beijing 2022: Barrier-free access guidelines released

The Beijing 2022 Organising Committee has released guidelines for better barrier-free access as the Chinese capital city gears up for the Paralympic Winter Games in four years’ time.

The ‘Guide to Barrier-Free Services’ lays out the requirements for barrier-free facilities and services in a wide range of places, including stadiums, hotels and transport terminals.

China Disabled Persons’ Federation Deputy Director of the Rights Deparment Zhou Jian said: “The release of the guide is not only meant to ensure a successful Paralympic Games, but also set higher standards for a barrier-free environment across China and boost development of barrier-free accessibility and public services in general.”

The Code for Accessibility Design, in effect across China since 2012, mainly covers infrastructure. But the new guide also features barrier-free access to information and services, such as easy access to sports schedules for the blind and convenient wheelchair rentals.

It also covers the training and management of those offering services, and the maintenance of facilities.

Beijing will begin an investigation and devise a plan of action and a supervision system in accordance with the guide. The city already launched a plan earlier this year to upgrade accessibility within three years.

“I think challenges ahead include ensuring effective implementation across all stages, from planning to completion, and improving awareness of the guide among those involved in offering such services,” said Zhang Lijun, an official from the city’s housing and urban-rural development bureau.