SWEDISH POLICY ON MOBILITY FOR DISABLED PERSONS

The goal of Swedish policy regarding disabled people can be summarized in two words--normalization and integration. In transportation terms this means that adaptation of transport facilities to the needs of all users should form a self-evident part of planning by the transport enterprise and vehicle manufacturers. In 1979 Sweden implemented a law requiring a gradual adaptation of public transport vehicles, terminals and local surroundings to the needs of the disabled. With respect to the rate and extent of the adapation, a period of ten years was deemed feasible. The Swedish Board of Transport has been given a coordinative responsibility which includes planning, initiating and following-up the adaptation. The Board's coordinative role is expressed in the issuing of directives that are binding on transport enterprises and supervisory authorities. Making public transport vehicles more appropriate to the need of disabled and elderly people does not exclude the need for door-to-door transport. This is a municipal responsibility available in all of Sweden's municipalities. Further, a National Transport Service for long distance travel within Sweden is underway on a trial basis.