Since 2001, municipalities have had the opportunity to receive generous grants from the government for accessibility improvements. Despite a loud debate about underfunding in the field of disability, nearly 120 million króna went unused during the years 2021-2024. The demand for the grants was too low.
A major awareness campaign on accessibility issues
We have made great strides in accessibility issues in recent years. Haraldur Þorleifsson initiated the Ramps up Iceland campaign, which was well supported by numerous companies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, along with the government and municipalities across the country.
It has been an absolute pleasure to participate in the project and witness the awareness that has been raised in society. 1,756 ramps were built, which have completely changed the ability of people with disabilities to get around, carry out daily activities, and enjoy life like everyone else. We have all gained a better understanding of how limiting it is for people with mobility impairments to be unable to get around and constantly have to ask for help with simple things like getting into a store or going out to eat.
Now it's up to the municipalities.
Ramps Up Iceland formally concluded in March 2025. It is therefore extremely important that municipalities take up the baton and continue to actively promote improved accessibility. Municipalities already play a key role in accessibility issues, as they are responsible for both planning and oversight of construction.
The government supported Ramps Up Iceland with a 200 million króna contribution over a four-year period. It may not have gone as high, but municipalities are also offered generous grants from the Equalization Fund for accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.
The government provided a commitment of up to 778 million krónur for the period 2021-2024, which could be used to improve accessibility to buildings, public transportation, outdoor areas, and public parks, as well as for adaptations at the workplaces of people with disabilities. The grants cover up to half of the project costs, in exchange for a comparable contribution from the municipalities. The initiative is carried out in close cooperation with ÖBÍ Rights Association.
Is the access best on the west side?
The initiative has resulted in a number of good projects, such as improved access to schools and preschools, playgrounds, outdoor areas, swimming pools, and municipal buildings. However, the demand for the grants has not been sufficient. Although many municipalities make full use of the grants, a portion of the funding has simply evaporated because some municipalities and even entire regions have been slow to apply.
The municipalities in the Westfjords, for example, had the opportunity for grants of nearly 20 million krónur during the 2023-2024 period but did not apply for them. Maybe accessibility issues are just in perfect shape up north?
The same applies to Suðurnesjabær, which has let 15 million slip through its fingers, as the municipality has not applied for a single króna in accessibility grants. In total, Suðurnesjabær, Borgarbyggð, Hvalfjarðarsveit, Grindavíkurbær, and the municipalities in Vestfjörður missed out on grants totaling 46 million in 2023-2024, as none of them applied for grants during the period.
In the first two years, 363 million was available to the municipalities, but only 309 million was allocated. For 2023 to 2024, the amount was 415 million, of which 352 million was allocated. In total, municipalities have therefore missed out on 117 million króna since 2021, which could have been used for projects worth 234 million or more. That's a significant difference.
Funding available for further improvements
However, that means nothing other than looking forward. We want to use the opportunity in the run-up to the elections to encourage municipalities to make full use of the funding available for improvements in accessibility. Given the difficult financial situation of municipalities, it must be desirable to receive funding for projects that are both job-creating and economically beneficial. Improved accessibility at a 50% discount!
In February 2025, the government announced a 464 million króna contribution for accessibility improvements in 2025-2026. Only 111 million has been allocated so far, which means there is nothing less than 353 million left in the pot. Additionally, the Equalization Fund has been authorized to grant municipalities up to five million krónur for the purchase and installation of elevators, which can have a significant impact on accessibility for people with disabilities.
Make the most of the funds
Finally, it may be worth noting that this year, the municipalities in Westfjords are eligible for 18 million krónur in grants, the municipalities in Borgarfjörður for 5.5 million, and Hvalfjarðarsveit for just over 4 million. With the right accessibility projects, Suðurnesjabær can secure grants of over 8 million krónur by the end of the year.
The Equalization Fund has created an incentive for accessibility improvements worth 2.5 billion or more through its grants. This is a very good effort, but it is equally disappointing that the opportunities to improve accessibility are not being fully utilized. The need for improvements is clearly there – also out west.
Make full use of the funds, that is good governance.
Thuríður Harpa Sigurðardóttir, chairperson of Sjálfsbjörg, the National Federation of the Disabled.
Harpa Cilia Ingólfdóttir, accessibility specialist and chairperson of Sjálfsbjörg in the capital region.
