Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies the general principles, common elements, scenario adaptation, and service improvement for accessibility services in events.

This document is applicable to the whole process of accessibility services — including planning, preparation, implementation and close-out. It covers, but is not limited to, sports events, exhibitions and trade fairs, Performing arts events, large conferences, festival celebrations, and public welfare events. This document does not specify technical requirements for permanent buildings, information and communication technologies, or tourism destinations, which are addressed respectively in ISO 21542, ISO/IEC 30071-1 and ISO 21902.

Purpose

1. Growing Global Demand for Standardized Accessibility in Events

The global population is aging, and the number of persons with disabilities continues to rise, driving increased demand for standardized accessibility services tailored to major events.The frequency of major international events—such as the Olympic Games, Asian Games, international exhibitions, and major sporting competitions—is steadily increasing.

Industry estimates suggest that over one billion people attend such events in person annually. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations, approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. When combined with older adults, pregnant individuals, caregivers of infants and young children, and others with temporary or situational accessibility needs, the proportion of people requiring accessible services may reach 15%–20%.As a resultaccessibility has become a core indicator of a event’s international quality and human-centered values.

However, no unified international standard currently exists for scenario-based accessibility services in major events. Significant differences persist across countries in technical specifications, service processes, and management mechanisms.

For example, countries in Europe and North America have established mature regulatory frameworks— such as the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the EU’s EN 301 549—emphasizing compliance in physical infrastructure and digital information accessibility.

In contrast, several Asian countries (e.g., Japan and China) have prioritized innovative, humancentered service delivery models in major events, including volunteer-guided assistance and multimodal information support.

Due to the lack of international harmonization, cross-border events often encounter inconsistencies in wheelchair-accessible routes, signage systems, and emergency response protocols. These discrepancies increase coordination costs for organizers and negatively impact the experience of participants with accessibility needs.

2. Filling the International Standards Gap and Addressing Limitations of Existing Norms Event ,especially major events are characterized by their temporary nature, high attendance volumes, and integration of multiple service scenarios, spanning venues, transportation, ticketing, emergency response, and cultural experiences.

Existing standards do not systematically address critical, event-specific accessibility requirements— such as the integration of wheelchair routes with tactile guidance paths, allocation of temporary accessible parking spaces, or evacuation procedures for persons with disabilities during emergencies. To date, no international standard specifically covers the end-to-end accessibility service chain for major events. Organizers typically rely on ad hoc guidelines—such as the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games Accessibility Guidelines or the Paris 2024 Accessibility Handbook—resulting in a lack of reusable, interoperable, and globally recognized frameworks.

ISO 21542:2021 Building construction – Accessibility and usability of the built environment, focuses exclusively on permanent built environments (e.g., entrances, stairs, elevators, restrooms, signage) Note: Clause 1 (“Scope”) explicitly limits applicability to “new, renovated, and existing buildings” and does not cover temporary structures or event-based spaces.

ISO/IEC 30071-1:2019 Information technology – Accessibility considerations in design processes, provides an organizational framework for developing accessible digital products and services (e.g., websites, mobile apps, kiosks).

Note: It does not address physical space planning, crowd management, emergency evacuation, or other cross-domain coordination challenges unique to major events.

ISO 21902:2021 Tourism and related services – Requirements and recommendations for accessible tourism for all,is the world’s first international standard on accessible tourism.

Note: While it covers accommodation, transport, attractions, and information services, it targets routine tourism contexts and does not address high-density, short-duration, multi-stakeholder events such as mega-sporting events, expos, or festivals.

3. Alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) obliges States Parties to ensure persons with disabilities can participate on an equal basis in cultural life, recreation, leisure, and sport—including access to public venues and events. UNSDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) emphasize universal access to public services and inclusive urban environments.

4. Good practises from countries

1 Solid foundation of practical experience:

China issued scenario-specific guidelines such as the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Accessibility Guidelines and the Guidelines for Planning and Construction of Accessible Environments in Civil Airport Passenger Terminals.

EN 301 549 provides a benchmark for ICT accessibility. Japan (Tokyo 2020) and Australia (Sydney 2000) have accumulated extensive experience in delivering accessible major sporting events.

2Mature concepts and enabling technologies:

Mature foundational principles: The Seven Principles of Universal Design are widely recognized internationally as a robust framework for inclusive service design.

Advanced enabling technologies: Intelligent solutions—such as guide robots, AI sign language avatars, and accessible navigation apps—are now deployable at scale in major events. 

3Robust multi-stakeholder coordination mechanisms:

Proven full-cycle coordination models: Host cities (e.g., Beijing, Paris) have implemented end-to-end accessibility management—from planning to feedback—through participatory design with disability and senior organizations.

Strong institutional readiness: Multi-stakeholder collaboration mechanisms provide a solid foundation for the adoption and implementation of an international standard.