Everybody has a basic right to be able to make full use of the buildings and environments where they live, work and visit, said Mr Seán Benton, newly appointed chairman of the Office of Public Works.
At the launch yesterday of Building for Everyone, a new design guide produced by the National Disability Authority (NDA), he said he had no apology to make for his "uncompromising" views on universal access.
"There are many, many people in our community with mobility problems caused by disease, accident, old age or sensory impairment - people who find it difficult, if not impossible, to get around.
"They are people who don't want special treatment, who don't want to have to enter buildings through a back door, who don't want to have to ask for help going up or down stairs and who don't want to be humiliated by being unable to enter a toilet unaided."
Mr Benton said those with disabilities wanted to participate more fully in things, such as getting on a bus, visiting the beach or the countryside, going to the pub or cinema, having a job and contributing to the economy.
He described the guide as an essential source book for architects, designers, builders and planners and everyone concerned about minimising the stigma attached to disability and reducing the segregation suffered by disabled people.
Ms Angela Kerins, the NDA's chairwoman, said the design guide confirmed that buildings and the external environment could "reach standards far in advance of even the best and most creative current practice, for little or no cost".
Building for Everyone is available from the National Disability Authority, priced at €45.
