Young or Old, Universal Design Benefits Everyone
"Universal design is all about creating inclusive communities where everyone can participate. “Age-friendly local communities” is a prioritised initiative from KS. In 2019 and 2024, we are establishing networks, with a view to develop a model for a national network of age-friendly local communities.
Our starting point is that everyone needs universal design. However, the “Age-friendly local communities” initiative has a more comprehensive approach that includes a number of sectors and stakeholders. KS aims to strengthen the synergies between universal design and age-friendly development.
This leaflet presents some of the numerous exciting and innovative initiatives carried out by regional and local authorities in Norway, where the goal is to give everyone better access to outdoor spaces, meeting places and buildings. Through our initiative, we also want to create opportunities to learn from one another, so that we can move our work forward to create good, inclusive communities from everyone.
I am pleased to see that the universal design network for regional and local authorities, chaired by KS for at least four years, will be continued in 2024. The ultimate goal is to make sure universal design is integrated in all plans and measures, in order to create more inclusive local communities. We hope the examples and experiences in this booklet, from Norwegian municpalities across the country, serve as an inspiration. The National Executive Committee of KS has adopted a long-term plan for the period 2016-2024. These are our overall objectives:
- Inclusive government and democracy
- Healthy local authority economy
- Attractive employers
- Sustainable health and welfare services
- Inclusive childhood
- Viable regions, cities and districts
Working in a local or regional authority, either as an employee or as an elected representative, primarily means working for a community that includes everyone. Let’s create good local communities together!" - Gunn Marit Helgesen President of KS
Read the full booklet here or download the attached PDF
The Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS) is the organisation for all local governments in Norway. KS is Norway’s largest public employer organisation. Learn more about KS here: https://www.ks.no/om-ks/ks-in-english/
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