More than ramps

For many in Denmark, moving freely is taken for granted - but navigating everyday life remains a complex journey. Viggo Goris explores the reality behind accessibility.

Photograph: Pexels: Caleb Oquendo

Text: Viggo Goris

In May, Mobility Awareness Month prompts us to look more closely at something most of us take for granted: the ability to move freely. In Scandinavia, a region often praised for its thoughtful urban design and strong social systems, it is easy to assume that accessibility is already well taken care of. But for many people, the reality is more complex.

Lately, I have found myself thinking more about how people move through the world, sometimes quite literally. Being an international living abroad, you’re already more conscious than most of what it means to navigate unfamiliar systems, languages, and norms. But mobility is more than crossing borders. For many, it is something far more fundamental: the ability to move through daily life independently.

Mobility Awareness Month allows us to reflect on that reality. And for me, this reflection is not abstract. Back home, in my orchestra, one of my fellow musicians has been living in a wheelchair for several years after a life-changing accident. Watching him adapt, both physically and socially, has shaped my understanding of accessibility. It is not just about being pushed up onto the stage at a concert. But also, being the only one sitting while everybody around you stands at the bar during breaks at rehearsals.

From the outside world, Denmark is often praised as one of the most accessible countries. And from what I have seen, this reputation is mostly deserved. Cities like Aarhus and Copenhagen are designed with cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport users in mind. Elevators at train and metro stations and smooth pavements make a big difference for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.

“Mobility challenges take many forms, including those we cannot see.”

Accessibility, never a finished project

While public infrastructure is generally well thought out, inconsistencies unfortunately still exist. A broken elevator at a train station or a building without step-free access might seem like minor inconveniences. But for those who need them, they can completely interrupt or ruin someone’s entire journey.

Moreover, mobility awareness goes beyond physical disabilities. Often, the conversation is limited to wheelchair users, as if accessibility begins and ends with ramps. Mobility challenges take many forms.

Think about people with visual problems. Efforts have been made with tactile paving and audio signals at crossings. Those are huge steps forward compared to before, because for them, the absence of these tools can, in some situations, even be dangerous.

Then there are people with invisible disabilities: chronic pain, neurological conditions, or cognitive challenges. For them, mobility barriers are often less visible but equally real. A crowded bus, unclear signage, or a lack of quiet spaces can turn a simple journey into an overwhelming experience.

As internationals, we are in a unique position to notice these gaps. We are, by definition, outsiders learning how to fit in. This perspective can make us more aware of barriers that locals might overlook. But awareness alone is not enough.

So, what can be improved?

First, consistency. Denmark has many excellent accessibility features, but they need to be well-maintained and consistently used, even outside the big cities.

Second, broader awareness. Mobility Awareness Month encourages conversations about all types of disabilities, not just the most visible ones. Inclusion means recognising diversity in how every person experiences the world.

Finally, there is the human factor. Accessibility is not only about systems; it is about attitudes. A culture of patience, understanding, and willingness to help can make as much difference as any piece of infrastructure. Sometimes, it is as simple as offering your help or knowing when to step back and respect independence.

Thinking of my colleague in the orchestra, I am reminded that mobility is not just about getting from A to B. It is about participation, being able to rehearse, perform, and belong. Denmark offers many of the tools to make that possible. But tools alone are not enough. They must be continuously improved and supported by awareness.

Mobility Awareness Month is a reminder that accessibility is not a niche issue. It concerns all of us because at some point in our lives, whether temporarily or permanently, we all rely on the world being accessible.

And perhaps that is the most important lesson: accessibility is not about ‘them’. It is about all of us.