Housing and Disability Councils Sign Protocol to Implement Accessibility Standards in Egypt

Dr. Mohamed Massoud El-Saadawy, Chairman of the National Housing and Building Research Center (HBRC), signed a protocol with Dr. Iman Kareem, Supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, to activate the principles and requirements of the Egyptian Code for designing outdoor spaces and buildings for persons with disabilities. The initiative aims to ensure accessibility in all buildings, according to a statement from the Ministry of Housing.

This collaboration reflects Egypt’s commitment, particularly through the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, to creating an inclusive environment and ensuring a decent quality of life for people with disabilities. The protocol aligns with the country’s efforts to implement building and construction codes as part of Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the directives of the President to remove barriers for people with disabilities.

Dr. El-Saadawy described the protocol as a pivotal step toward applying accessibility requirements in both new buildings and the rehabilitation of existing structures. He emphasized its critical role in improving daily life for people with disabilities and creating an environment equipped to meet their needs.

Dr. Iman Kareem expressed gratitude to the HBRC for its efforts, stating that disability often lies within the environment, not the individual. She highlighted the council’s mission to eliminate environmental barriers in facilities to enable people with disabilities to lead independent lives, emphasizing the importance of applying the issued codes.

The session concluded with Dr. El-Saadawy urging the creation of a roadmap to implement the protocol. This includes reviewing designs for new buildings and rehabilitating existing ones in compliance with the Egyptian Code for designing accessible spaces and structures.