Architectural barriersArchitectural barriers are an obstacle for those who suffer from a disability, that is why its elimination is a goal for the Cuban state, in order to facilitate the full incorporation into the social life of these vulnerable groups, in which old adults are included.
The main violations that threaten the physical integrity of children, pregnant and old people include stairs in the middle of a sidewalk, debris on the street, low-altitude air conditioners, electric poles. However, there are still many others which are justified by the entities involved with the lack of resources to undertake the investments.
Also, in some cases the willingness to remove barriers is overshadowed by the lack of knowledge of the technical standards established by the construction for this type of work. In San Antonio de los Baños these problems have been solved, but not quite, and our parks have ramps to facilitate the passage of people with physical-motor limitations.
A program to promote universal access to different services and public institutions started at the national level. In support of this program, the Ministry of Construction issued Cuban standards 391, which were updated in 2010 and then in 2013, due to situations such as population aging process of the country. With regard to this program everything is written and stipulated, we just need to enforce it. Therefore it is necessary to continue creating a culture and awareness in the population, designers, investors, builders and managers to achieve a city accessible to all.
