(de-news.net) – In line with the governing coalition agreement, the Federal Cabinet has approved a draft amendment to the Act on Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities that is intended to systematically expand accessibility across both public institutions and the commercial sphere over the coming decades. Central to the proposal is the requirement that all federal facilities be made barrier-free by 2045, establishing a long-term compliance horizon for public infrastructure. In addition, private enterprises would be obligated, where necessary, to provide access to goods and services through practical measures such as mobile ramps or comparable accommodations. The draft further provides procedural adjustments aimed at lowering administrative thresholds, including simplified conciliation mechanisms, accelerated certification procedures for assistance dogs, and the establishment of a Federal Competence Center designed to strengthen the use of plain English and German Sign Language in official communication.
Concurrently, the Federal Cabinet adopted a separate legislative framework governing artificial intelligence, which seeks to balance the promotion of technological innovation with safeguards for sensitive areas such as public security, health care, and the rule of law. Despite the government’s emphasis on modernization and inclusion, the proposed reform of disability equality law has prompted notable criticism. The Federal Government’s Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities assessed the draft as insufficient, arguing that responsibility for enforcing structural modifications—such as the installation of elevators—would remain largely with affected individuals. The commissioner further noted that key sectors, including medical practices and movie theaters, would continue to fall outside binding legal accessibility requirements.
Comparable concerns were raised by the German Institute for Human Rights, which contended that the draft fails to meet internationally recognized standards for an inclusive society. From its perspective, the principle of non-discrimination would remain largely symbolic, as obligations imposed on the private sector would be limited, applied only on a case-by-case basis, and accompanied by minimal sanctions and restricted avenues for legal redress. The institute additionally warned that, against the backdrop of demographic change, maintaining existing barriers risks further constraining access to housing, health services, and cultural participation for older adults and persons with disabilities. Over time, it argued, such shortcomings would not only undermine social inclusion but would also prove economically inefficient and counterproductive.
