By way of background, I wanted to say a few things about a friend of mine who
teaches a class. He has his students come and and he asks them what is the best
country and the world. All of the students, generally from Ohio will say it
is the United States. In what way is that the best? We have the best health-care
system. And then [ Indiscernable ] including health care. We learn traffic [
Indiscernable ], took 20 or 30 years to make its way into mainstream where communities
are implementing it. Columbus took 15 years of a mine some years before the
action of a traffic person in their department. I am happy to have this conference
have an international focus. I am pleased to introduce Olaf Bringa who comes
to us from 24 hours in the New York airport. I am amazed that he is here and
it able to speak. All of is a consultant to the Norwegian government, and [
Indiscernable ] for accessibility and universal design. He has a Masters of
Science degree and urban planning and has been employed in the fields of planning,
land development, construction building. Yes published books and articles on
the subject of accessibility and universal design. Yes served as an international
consultant in Europe and the Middle East. We are pleased to have him here. Join
in welcoming him. His talk instead of making universal design work in designing
and regional planning. A Scandinavian approach. [ APPLAUSE ]
My presentation is partly an official presentation from the Ministry of the Environment and Oslo, Norway, so I have to stick closely to my manuscript. Next slide, please. [ Indiscernable ] move into the crucial final phases. It is expected that the convention will be adopted by the general Assembly in the fall of 2006. If this is the case, [ Indiscernable ] accessibility for individuals with disabilities to become officially recognized internationally as an act of discrimination. [ Indiscernable ] society for people with disabilities has long figured in the international agenda. The United States ADA nondiscrimination, many nations have follow that example in [ Indiscernable ] and an ever written a growing number of spaces to the question of accessibility for disabled persons has wide-ranging ramifications. Although it's principal aim is to this night, the responsibility for safeguarding these rights [ Indiscernable ] is no longer a matter for the health and care services sector alone. Most other areas of society will need to be involved as well [ Indiscernable ] the emergence of a Quality perspective has caused us to think about ways to it to achieve accessibility and practice. [ Indiscernable ] especially adaptive solutions devices. At the same time, may the disability must be combined with safety, sustainability and viability. Although many people with the reduced functionality will still require a special AIDS and solutions tailored to their specific needs, they principal provides a restricted basis for [ Indiscernable ] processes. If we are [ Indiscernable ]. This takes us into it so it feels and aspects of government in a decision that are new in the context of accessibility. The legislation, methodology and administrative entities [ Indiscernable ] are in place. Universal design is a new tool that needs to be incorporated into each of these. We are currently in the process of integrating universal the line topics in Norway. First, let me give you some useful background on Norway and the Norwegian planning system. Norway, Denmark and Sweden comprise the area known as Scandinavia. [ Indiscernable ] and common. There histories are intertwined and their languages are mutually intelligible. All our constitutional monarchies and have a similar administrative structures. All three have similar economy, legislation and planning systems. There are, of course, many differences. The renowned French impressionist Monday visited Norway in 1895. He wrote in a letter to a friend, Norway is a country IT. [ CAPTIONER CANNOT HEAR AUDIO ]
Dave southern tip of -- that country has a saying [ Indiscernable ] there is no part of nor that is without snow during some time in winter.
[ Indiscernable ] Norway Corpus, nearly three times the size of Ohio. At least 1.4% is cities and towns and 3.2% is cultivated as agricultural. The rest is mountains, forests, lakes and glaciers. Twenty% is is located below sea level. [ CAPTIONER CANNOT HEAR AUDIO ]
This poses a a special set of challenges. There are strict restrictions governing the use of our land. [ Indiscernable ] have long ago.
Close to 80% of the Norwegian population lives and urban areas, which means their is constant pressure to develop new areas. Next slide.
This applies to Oslo which is the company's capital, as well as [ Indiscernable ] center. Oslo is known of the government and Mr. Shen in the host of important national institutions. One of many important factors is the protection of land areas. [ Indiscernable ] must comply with national and international policies, protecting species and preservation of cultural monuments. At the same time, [ Indiscernable ] must be established for energy [ Indiscernable ] industrial activity, among other things. [ Indiscernable ] encompasses activities some [ Indiscernable ] referred to as the planning act. The Planning Act is administered by the Ministry environment as well as the National controlling authority. It is applicable at all government levels and Norway. Norway is divided into 19 counties, consisting of a total of 431 municipalities. The largest of these is also with 550,000 inhabitants. The smallest was only to a 12. This may sound somewhat rigid an overly centralized policy. [ Indiscernable ] however, the underlying principle of the Planning Act is that the system must be democratic and centralized. The publicly -- I think I need to take my jacket off.
This is special interest groups have the opportunity to take part in municipal planning processes. It does increase the chances that the decisions we make in on the greatest number of factors possible. The it ministries also responsible for implementing adjustment to planning policy or administration deemed necessary by the government. Major policy legislative amendments must be submitted to the Norwegian National Assembly [ Indiscernable ] as I have indicated, in Norway, we are presently in [ Indiscernable ] and across the board. [ Indiscernable ] developing a county master development plan with a 10 to 12 your perspective the same applies for municipal and master development plans. These plans are subject to political review at least every four years, but subsequently, [ Indiscernable ]. Action programs for planned implementation and follow up our [ Indiscernable ]. [ Indiscernable ] consists of two parts, the community plan that coordinates the fiscal economics, social, societal and character development of the counter -- County ordinance that municipality. [ Indiscernable ] principles for municipalities. The land used for the municipal plan is [ Indiscernable ]. Before use of land at a commences, municipalities are also required to prepare [ Indiscernable ].
And democratic countries, planning systems [ Indiscernable ] population in short and long terms. Conflict is at the very heart of a [ Indiscernable ] center. [ CAPTIONER CANNOT HEAR AUDIO ]
So where does universal design come into play in regional planning? [ Indiscernable ] has issued a identified topics that should be identified. [ Indiscernable ] a clear national policy in this sphere. County and municipalities are expected to integrate national policies into their planning process and translate it into group cohesiveness solutions. [ Indiscernable ] related to the planning process of their own universally design strategy. Development topics --
These are the first to headlines, consisting of the regional planning system and sustainable development and resource management. We find considerations relating to security and emergency prepared as an international corporation. Under a headline too, we find planning for utilization and conservation, biological diversity, water courses, resources available to agriculture, forestry and fisheries, daily life and local communities, a development policy and transport and energy production and consumption and also waste management.
The third headline is quality of life and welfare which consists of Children and Youth Policy, living conditions, housing construction, health promotion, hospitals, mental health care, rehabilitation work and activity, care of the elderly and also measures for substance abusers.
Headline number four, culture, education and research which would also be in the plan. This consists of cultural, sports and recreational activities, education, lifelong learning, research and studies in under industrial sector and working life, we find planning for industrial development, information and communications technology, innovation and restructuring, agriculture, fisheries and reindeer husbandry, which is a the most interesting thing in the North. [ LAUGHTER ] And we find regional development programs. Traditionally speaking, accessibility for individuals with reduced functionality would be included [ Indiscernable ] National candid on the list. [ Indiscernable ] although this [ Indiscernable ] provides this night, it will not on its own reflect adequate [ Indiscernable ] in society. People with disabilities live everywhere, work everywhere and want to go where everybody else does. [ Indiscernable ] all of the topics on the list should be reviewed with respect to accessibility. The focus just becomes a one in which the goal is to function we'll in society. It universally presents itself as the concept to apply [ Indiscernable ] measures. Before we look at to some of the [ Indiscernable ]. In corporate into municipal planning activities. ... Waste Management Planning involves finding waste sites established in facilities for recycling. Organizing a waste collection and figuring out logistics' [ Indiscernable ] to be able to sort waste efficiently. Municipal guidelines include efficient ways of [ Indiscernable ] there difficult for many people to use. [ Indiscernable ]
Is it possible to locate the openings at a more practical right? Hon [ Indiscernable ] more easily equipped with electronics to transmit to the center to indicate when they are full. [ Indiscernable ] ready to be utilized by municipalities. I must also say these two pictures are from the Netherlands and Paris. [ CAPTIONER CANNOT HEAR AUDIO ]
Information such as plants and [ Indiscernable ] can be an effective means of conveying information if it is properly utilize. Tools such as artificial voices a reading aloud text [ Indiscernable ] been been. These are complicated issues. As one expert [ Indiscernable ] was trying to explain the overall lack of accessibility man [ Indiscernable ] utilization that includes people from all segments of society. [ Indiscernable ] bordering on the Barents Sea is one of the Earth's largest cable rock carvings. The area has been named [ Indiscernable ] and encompasses [ Indiscernable ] raging in aid from 2000 to 6,200 years old. [ Indiscernable ] the situation was resolved by building would bridges programs [ Indiscernable ] must be admitted that this solution was due to coincidence [ Indiscernable ] must be missed based on wind [ Indiscernable ] been [ Indiscernable ] in Norway, these considerations are integrated into committee planning [ Indiscernable ] and issued in the various sectors. There are a number of regulations that specify this [ Indiscernable ] are thinking in the planning process. [ CAPTIONER CANNOT HEAR AUDIO ] This might necessary part of the framework. In political circus, on, the political parties from left to right on this matter. [ Indiscernable ] other legally binding purposes maybe should regard special considerations to be taken into account. This is a related to the order of development activities, and for structure, size and design and facilities, outdoor areas, etc. Provisions may also be issued regarding the designation of more detailed plans, [ Indiscernable ] requirements. The capacity to take substitutions offs.
This applies to buildings, outdoor areas and systems. The land use categories are listed on the slide. [ CAPTIONER CANNOT HEAR AUDIO ]
Name been ... [ Indiscernable ] closed areas with bifurcate been worn [ Indiscernable ] there is a different numbering. Um this is the main categories categories 12 and six are the most relevant in our context. This we'll have a direct impact on accessibility for persons with reduced functionality and been [ Indiscernable ] is a blue. Public activity is a red. Outdoor recreation areas are green. [ Indiscernable ] are great. Maps depicting land use bicolor are used in most countries. We often see them on walls of [ Indiscernable ] agencies. They're main purpose is to [ Indiscernable ]. Short distances are particularly in, important and residential areas. Long distances are [ Indiscernable ] grocery stores, post offices and [ Indiscernable ] [ Indiscernable ] division. This takes a housing district in one area, business districts in an area and an outdoor recreational area and the third [ Indiscernable ]. [ Indiscernable ] implemented active policies. Nor introduce a establishment of a shopping malls outside of urban centers to counteract this development may [ Indiscernable ] good collective Transport, which is a choice. Been been been.
Why do we emphasize needs of they been put forth [ Indiscernable ]. Persons with a reduced functionality, their needs represent an important issue that must take place. [ Indiscernable ] must be an one at [ Indiscernable ] prepared outdoor recreational area [ Indiscernable ] Planning Act manifested directly in the quality of design details. These details may be given more substance in a more comprehensive plan. The height of curbstones, inclined walkways and features for the Blind and visually impaired. This is also specifying the quality of housing in the area of [ Indiscernable ]
Not all people live in urban areas. Many people prefer to live outside [ Indiscernable ]
Elements of a planning policy include universal design principles were introduced. The planning guidelines that we have discussed here are most partaken [ Indiscernable ]. Beyond.
Despite this, the secular has not [ Indiscernable ]. Efforts are under way to launch a variety of instruments to rectify this. One [ Indiscernable ] [ Indiscernable ] national policy guidelines and [ Indiscernable ] governments are go. Other aspects have been activated and [ Indiscernable ] Planning act. ...
[ Indiscernable ] must always be assessed with persons with produce functionality. Zoning plans must always [ Indiscernable ]. Same goes for roads, railways, [ Indiscernable ] lines for the carriage of persons and the context of transport. [ Indiscernable ] only be necessary [ Indiscernable ] [ Indiscernable ]. [ CAPTIONER CANNOT HEAR AUDIO ]
[ Indiscernable ] developed by the University of North Carolina this definition is bidding. The accompanying principles and guidelines [ Indiscernable ] we are seeking in the land use planning. Moreover, the concept is difficult to utilize in the usual context. It requires something without limits, which is. [ CAPTIONER CANNOT HEAR AUDIO ]
We're looking at both of these. [ CAPTIONER CANNOT HEAR AUDIO ] And names.
[ Indiscernable ] landscapes 1/5 and.
[ Indiscernable ]
Thank you for your attention. [ APPLAUSE ] [ VOICES OVERLAPPING ]
Thank you very much. Please join us for lunch trigger take some time [ Indiscernable ] [ Indiscernable ]
It is also time for the poster session.
There is one question from an on-line listener. He asks in what way does Sonora involve people with disabilities in the planning process?
[ Indiscernable ] they are allowed to give their opinion. Basically, people with disabilities can be there in [ Indiscernable ] on the plan.