The Standard and Metrology Institute of the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has made available to the public a draft Maltese standard DSM 3800:2014 ‘Accessibility for all in the built environment’.
The basic premise underlying the development of this national standard is that people every day encounter barriers which may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
These socially constructed barriers add considerably to the difficulties one has to cope with on account of one’s impairment.
But, whereas little can be done to allay the effect of one’s biological impairment, there is much that can be done to alleviate the inequalities created by ‘man-made’ barriers.
The purpose of this standard is to ensure that non-discrimination, freedom of movement and the right to live and work and be included in the community (UNCRPD, Art.19) are actually put into practice.
The term ‘access for all’ and its sister concept of universal design are seen as basic building blocks for a better quality of life for everyone: disabled or not.
Therefore, this standard should be seen in the context of the creation of a built environment which is more inclusive and welcoming for all.
The draft standard may be downloaded from the MCCAA website: http://www.mccaa.org.mt/en/news .
Comments are welcome until February 6 and can be sent to the head of standardisation at standards@mccaa.org.mt.
They will be considered by the technical committee before finalising the standard.
Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority
Office for Consumer Affairs
Mizzi House,
National Road,
Blata l-Bajda
HMR 9010
Freephone: 8007 4400
Tel: 2395 2000
Enquiries: info@mccaa.org.mt
Consumer complaints: fair.trading@mccaa.org.mt
Website: www.mccaa.org.mt
MCCAA office hours for the public:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 12.30pm
Wednesday from 8.30am to 4pm
European Consumer Centre Malta
(For complaints against traders in other EU states)
47A, South Street,
Valletta.
VLT 1101
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.
Tel: 2122 1901
E-mail: ecc.malta@gov.mt