In France, nearly 12 million people live with a disability, 80% of which are invisible. Accessibility is still often seen as a regulatory burden. “It is the environment that creates the disabling situation,” reminds Sylvain Denoncin.
Twenty years after the 2005 law aimed at making public establishments accessible, the work is still far from complete. According to him, only half of the built heritage is currently compliant.
However, accessibility benefits not only people with disabilities. With the aging population, temporary impairments, strollers, or luggage, anyone can face mobility challenges at some point. “One in two French people will be affected by a disability during their lifetime,” emphasizes Sylvain Denoncin.
For businesses, integrating these issues also becomes a performance lever. Studies show that greater diversity enhances profitability, while a building designed according to inclusive design principles improves the experience for both customers and employees.
Innovation also opens up new perspectives. Okeenea is developing smartphone navigation solutions that can assist users inside train stations, hospitals, or campuses. In the future, artificial intelligence and natural language interfaces are expected to further enhance the autonomy of individuals. “Artificial intelligence will be a major accelerator of inclusion,” the CEO believes.
For Sylvain Denoncin, accessibility should no longer be viewed as a niche market or a mere regulatory obligation. It represents an investment in safety, autonomy, and quality of use, with benefits that concern society as a whole.
