Accessibility and body supports: towards a more inclusive society

Abstract

Introduction: Throughout history, humanity has sought to transform its environment through architectural products and spaces, although for centuries it ignored the needs of people with disabilities. This panorama changed in the 1980s, when Ronald L. Mace introduced the concept of Universal Design, which proposed the creation of accessible environments for all. In Argentina, the enactment of Law No. 24.314 in 1994 marked a milestone by establishing accessibility as an essential condition for autonomy. However, INDEC studies in 2018 showed that more than 10% of the population presented some difficulty, mainly motor, evidencing the urgency of inclusive policies.
Development: the Argentine State promoted urban, architectural and transportation plans to ensure inclusion, in addition to censuses and regulations that sized the problem. However, cities such as Córdoba reflected the persistence of architectural barriers: non-existent ramps, steep slopes and inadequate furniture. These limitations hindered mobility and social integration, affecting not only movement, but also access to education, health and employment. The research distinguished between impairment, disability and ambulatory capacity, highlighting the role of body support objects. Also, concepts such as ergonomics, biomechanics, anthropometry and comfort guided the design of devices that sought to improve the quality of life and safety of people with reduced mobility.
Conclusions: The analysis showed that inclusion did not depend solely on individual physical condition, but on the social and architectural barriers imposed by society. Overcoming these limitations required transforming collective awareness into concrete actions. The creation of adequate body supports and the enforcement of effective regulations were recognized as essential steps towards full inclusion.