28th April 2025
As many as 89 % of surveyed Lithuanian public sector institutions are aware of at least one legal act related to universal design (UD), yet only 40 % consistently apply these principles in practice. This was revealed by a new study on the regulation and implementation of universal design in Lithuania. The research, which included 65 institutions across the country, was conducted by the Commission for the Monitoring of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities under the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson.
What is Universal Design?
Universal design refers to the creation of environments, services, products, and information that can be used comfortably and safely by everyone, regardless of age or disability. Its core principle is to develop a single solution for all, rather than adapting something for specific groups only.
Urban vs. Regional Divide
The study highlighted a major issue: universal design is interpreted very differently. For some, it means only adapting buildings for people with disabilities; others include digital solutions, accessibility of cultural events, and presenting information in various formats.
“Although the principles of universal design are not new and have been discussed for many years, they are still not a given in Lithuania. While national laws set out various requirements, their implementation heavily depends on the size, location, and resources of an institution,” said Ana Staševičienė, author of the study and member of the Commission for the Monitoring of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The study showed clear differences between large cities and rural areas. In cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda, municipalities not only adapt the physical environment (by installing ramps, widening doorways, or adapting sanitary facilities) but also strive to ensure access to information and services. In smaller municipalities, UD principles often stop at the most essential physical changes, mainly due to a lack of funding and knowledge.
Why Are Changes Needed?
According to A. Staševičienė, as of 2023, more than 225,000 people in Lithuania had visible and invisible disabilities – around 8 % of the population. “When assessing accessibility, it’s important to consider not only people with disabilities but also those facing temporary health issues or other unique situations. If we count these groups in, we find that a more accessible environment would benefit 38 % of the Lithuanian population – over one million people,” she emphasized.
To encourage change, the expert believes that a national universal design strategy must be developed, encompassing all levels of governance: “So far, universal design in Lithuania remains more of a good intention than a reality. We need more education, more funding, and – most importantly – a shared understanding that an accessible environment benefits but all of us.”
The study includes specific recommendations for various ministries. The Ministry of Social Security and Labour is encouraged to coordinate the development of a national UD strategy and ensure inter-institutional cooperation. The Ministry of Environment is urged to improve building regulations and strengthen accessibility monitoring. The Ministries of Education, Health, Culture, and Transport are called on to ensure that UD principles are applied not only formally but practically – in schools and healthcare institutions, at cultural events, and on public transport.
The full study involved 65 institutions: administrations of 6 major cities and 38 regional municipalities, as well as 21 national-level institutions.