Looking at synergies in a broader context, a comparison with other countries might show different levels of progress and approaches to barrier removal. Some countries, for example, may have implemented even stricter standards or may have integrated assistive technology more extensively into their infrastructure. Others may be lagging behind in both legislation and implementation, thus providing a picture of how different governments are working to meet the needs of people with disabilities. An international comparison can reveal best practices and innovative approaches that could be adopted or adapted in Italy or other EU Member States. Furthermore, it offers a perspective on how different societies are moving towards full inclusion and accessibility, and what common challenges all countries still face.

Criticism of Law 13/89, without forgetting its benefits, mainly concerns the need for an update to reflect contemporary needs. It has been suggested that, rather than focusing only on the removal of existing physical barriers, a design approach should be adopted that eliminates barriers a priori, thinking of a broader and more diverse range of users. DM 236/89 provides detailed guidelines for inclusive design, emphasising accessibility, visitability and adaptability of spaces. However, there is a perception that such laws and regulations can lead to the creation of environments that meet legal requirements without necessarily considering individual needs in an integrated way, especially with regard to sensory and perceptual abilities and disabilities, and instead focusing almost exclusively on mobility.

Since the Stockholm Declaration of 2004, Design for All is design for human diversity, social inclusion and equality. The main premises are the holistic approach and the creative challenge: the former emphasises the need to organise teams with the necessary skills and expertise to tackle the project in its entirety and complexity; the latter the energy and determination to explore new ideas to overcome obstacles by finding alternative and innovative solutions. The creative and ethical challenge is addressed not only to designers, but also to entrepreneurs, administrators and political leaders who are asked to constantly consider inclusion as an integral part of their vision precisely because they are fundamental decision-makers in the design process at work.

The active and creative involvement of end-users, stakeholders (duly selected) and experiencers (direct and indirect) is the pillar of Design for All, which has been consolidating the centrality of participatory processes for twenty years. The heterogeneous individuals for whom solutions are intended – whether products, services or environments – must be involved early in the design process because they bring a unique and valuable perspective on their experience and any difficulties they face. The team works with them to understand their specific needs, preferences and requirements, and transforms the information into project requirements that will result in the appropriate solutions also validated by the people involved.

Design for All represents a challenge that requires additional time, effort and sometimes cost compared to a traditional approach, but it greatly reduces the possibility of errors (and thus in turn eliminates rectification costs) precisely because of the continuous bottom-up verification. It also ensures that solutions are targeted for attractiveness and non-discriminatory, i.e. without emphasising differences or specific needs, such as those of people with disabilities.