Recognition of designs for disabled

Date: 06/12/01

By Laurence Frost

SCHINDLER'S lift has followed in the footsteps of the similarly titled film, winning multiple prizes at an award ceremony this week.

The Belgian division of the engineering firm accepted a European Commission 'Design for All' award for products and services that improve the lives of people with disabilities.

The Swiss firm's Liftloc lifts, which offer improved accessibility and 'intelligent' features for wheelchair users, came top in both the Work and Workplace category and a public internet poll.

The other two categories were won by German firm Wall for its Streetline public toilet with a built-in telephone helpline, and Belfast-based Translink, a website that plans routes and itineraries for disabled travellers.

"It's heartening to see that Design for All principles are in many cases already firmly embedded in the policies and day-to-day organisation of so many companies across Europe," said Social Affairs Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou, presenting the awards at a ceremony hosted by blind French singer Gilbert Montagné.

Report of the European Commission's 'Design for All' award for products and services that improve the lives of people with disabilities.