Accessibility in infrastructure and transport is an essential element for the lives of people with disabilities (PWDs), as it directly affects their social inclusion and quality of life. However, for many of them, the lack of adequate conditions is a daily burden that prevents them from moving freely, being independent and participating in society as equal citizens.
An audit by the High Presidency of the Republic of Albania (KLSH) shows that the measures taken so far to improve accessibility have been implemented partially, in a fragmented manner and without inter-institutional coordination. According to the audit, there is a lack of clear strategic orientation and the impact of the interventions has been very limited.
Urban public infrastructure presents significant shortcomings. In most cases, mandatory accessibility standards are missing in the planning and building permit process. Interventions to improve conditions — such as ramps, signage, adequate sidewalks or pedestrian crossings — have been carried out sporadically and often without respecting technical standards. In some areas, the infrastructure is not only inadequate but also blocked by illegal uses, while the lack of maintenance has further worsened the situation.
Even in public road transport, the situation appears problematic. Albania does not have a legal framework harmonized with European Union regulations or United Nations standards for accessibility. The current law on road transport and the by-laws do not define clear obligations for the adaptation of vehicles and services to the needs of PWD. The SAI emphasizes that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (MEI) has not taken concrete measures to include accessibility criteria in the licensing process of operators, in the technical inspection of vehicles, or in the development of alternative services – such as “door-to-door” transport for difficult areas. There is also a lack of guides, orientation maps and information materials for PWD on the use of public transport.
An important measure foreseen in the National Plan – reimbursement of transportation costs for PWDs – has not been implemented due to the lack of commitment of the MEI and the absence of a functional cooperation mechanism between institutions.
At the local level, municipalities have not developed sustainable policies on accessibility. Interventions have been limited, disorganized and outside a unified strategy. Municipalities lack specialized structures, focal points for accessibility, assessment tools and periodic progress reports. They have also not received sufficient technical or financial support from central institutions.
The audit also highlights the lack of an effective mechanism for addressing complaints from PWDs. Responsible institutions, including the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, have not set up dedicated systems for monitoring barriers, publishing data, or analyzing cases of discrimination in the field of infrastructure and transport.
