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Barrier Free Environment is one which enables people with disabilities to move about safety and freely and to use the facilities within the built environment. The goal of barrier free design is to provide an environment that supports the independent functioning of individuals so that they can get to, and participate without assistance, in everyday activities such as procurement of goods and services, community living, employment, and leisure. The fundamental principles which have been followed in developing standards / norms for various facilities to buildings, health care institutions, meet disabled peoples standards are safely, convenience and usability. Barrier free design standards should satisfy anyone who is hampered in his mobility of functioning (as compared with a non disabled person) as a result of obstacles put in his way by the design of a building, the choice of hardware and equipment, and the arrangement of any space.
A barrier-free environment is a space that allows free and safe movement, function and access for all, regardless of age, sex or condition, a space or a set of services that can be accessed by all, without obstacles, with dignity and with as much independence as possible. The environment means buildings, roads, parks, gardens and other places, service, modes of transportation, products of daily use, etc. There is a popular belief that a ramp and an elevator/lift is all that is needed to make a built space barrier-free.
It must be clearly understood that barrier-free goes far beyond just a ramp and has many other necessary aspects. These range from door and passage widths to flooring surface, from counter heights to door handles and railings, from signage and auditory signal to tactile guides.
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