Mapping of socio-economic analyses in the area of universal design

During 2022–23, the Nordic Welfare Centre and the Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir) will be conducting a joint project for the purpose of systematically identifying and mapping out the socio-economic analyses and other forms of impact assessments that have been conducted concerning universal design and accessibility for persons with disabilities. The analyses may have been conducted in the Nordic region or internationally.

The Norwegian term universell utformning (the translation of the term “universal design”) is used in legislation in Norway. In the other Nordic countries, terms describing accessibility/usability for persons with disabilities are more common. Both universal design and accessibility for persons with disabilities are therefore encompassed within this survey. Socio-economic analyses refer to impact assessments where the costs and benefits associated with universal design/accessibility have been assessed. Cause and effect analyses are also included within this definition, as are qualitative analyses that assess benefits.