Recognizing barriers: The most common barriers in everyday life

Imagine you have to catch a train. You're in a hurry, but the path to the station is full of insurmountable obstacles: There are lots of people blocking your way, and the announcements are hard to hear over the din. And the access to the track you need? There is none!

This can be a real situation for people with disabilities. But these are not the only barriers that exist in everyday life. These barriers are not always obvious, but they can have a significant impact on the lives of millions of people. So today we take a look at the most common barriers that can occur in everyday life.

Physical barriers in everyday life

Physical barriers are often the most visible obstacles people face in their daily lives. They can significantly limit access to important places and services. Here are some common examples:

- Stairs without ramps: Stairs are a daily challenge for many people. For people in wheelchairs or with walking difficulties, stairs can be an insurmountable obstacle. Ramps should be provided as standard to ensure barrier-free access.

- Narrow doors and passageways: Many public buildings have doors that are not wide enough for wheelchairs or crutches. A wider design could help many people navigate independently without assistance.

- Lack of lifts: In multi-storey buildings, the lack of a lift can be a significant barrier. This affects not only people with reduced mobility, but also older people or parents with prams.

- Inadequate guidance strips: Guidance strips on sidewalks or in train stations are essential for people with visual impairments. If these strips are blocked or poorly designed, mobility is severely restricted. Everyone can help by keeping these routes free of obstacles.

According to a study by the German Institute for Standardisation (DIN), more than 10 million people in Germany have restricted mobility. It is therefore crucial that buildings and public spaces are designed to be barrier-free to enable full participation.

Digital barriers in everyday life

In our increasingly digitalised society, digital barriers are a common problem. These barriers relate to the accessibility of websites, applications and online services:

- Lack of support for screen readers: Many websites are not compatible with screen readers, making it difficult for people with visual impairments to read or navigate the content. An accessible website should ensure that all content is optimised for screen readers.

- Inadequate colour contrast: Often, text on websites is not sufficiently differentiated from its background, making it difficult for people with visual impairments to read. Clear contrast is essential to make content accessible to all users.

- Complex navigation: A confusing or illogical menu structure can make it difficult for users to find the information they need. Clear and simple navigation improves the user experience for everyone.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 16% of the world's population has some form of disability. Many of these people will be unable to use digital content if it is not accessible. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG) are important steps towards breaking down these digital barriers and enabling everyone to access information.

3. Communication barriers

Communication barriers occur when information is not provided in a way that everyone can understand. This particularly affects people with hearing or speech impairments. Access to sign language interpreters or plain language information is often limited. According to WHO, clear and understandable communication is a cornerstone of participation in society.

4. Social barriers

Social barriers are often caused by prejudice and lack of awareness. Many people are discriminated against and stigmatised, which makes their integration into society more difficult. An inclusive society requires empathy and understanding. Education also plays a crucial role, because the more we know and understand about each other, the better we can get along in society. 

By raising awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, we can break down barriers and promote a culture of inclusion.

Breaking barriers together

It is time to actively break down barriers and create an inclusive society where everyone has the same opportunities. After all, we all benefit when we can contribute our full potential!

At Eye-Able®, we are passionate about breaking down digital barriers and helping companies to make their offerings accessible. Let's continue to work together towards a future where barriers are a thing of the past!