Universal Accessibility in Tourist Historic Cities. Public Policies in Mexico and Brazil

Abstract

Accessibility overview, also called universal accessibility is the degree in which all people can use, visit a place or access a service independently of cognitive or physical abilities. Cities with urban architectural value in terms of heritage must be accessible to all people regardless of their physical and social condition. Despite the policy frameworks that promote the rights of persons with disabilities, when we confront the heritage legislation and the subject of physical accessibility, much remain to be done. The purpose of this paper is to present advancements and challenges on physical accessibility in tourist historic cities, focused on public policies, emphasizing in the cases of Mexico and Brazil. Note that advances in this area are emerging and the actions have been atomized. This theme requires institutional commitments as well as the actors involved in the conservation of the cultural heritage, in order to democratize the urban space and architectural heritage, including all in a safe environment that allows knowing and enjoying the cultural wealth of a nation.