While the law has required accessibility to buildings and transport since 2005, only half of establishments open to the public remain truly usable for people with disabilities. On the occasion of World Mobility and Accessibility Day on April 29, 2026, the question ceases to be only political and becomes judicial: a large association decides to directly challenge the State for its alleged inaction. It is the choice of APF France handicapwhich announces an action described as historic against the State for “inaction” in matters of accessibility.
In a press release, the association explains that it is seizing the administrative court of Orléans against the six prefectures of the region.
Center-Val de Loire. Stated objective: to obtain official control reports and transparency on the real action of State services, while around 2 million establishments open to the public exist in France and less than half comply with disability standards, despite the legal obligation.
Why APF France handicap speaks of state inaction on accessibility
For APF France handicapthe issue goes beyond just the world of disability. The association recalls that, according to its data, only one establishment in two is accessible and that nine out of ten people encounter difficulties during their daily trips. There disability law of 2005
yet predicted widespread accessibility by 2015.
In practice, APF France handicap accuses the State of letting deadlines slip without using existing tools. Franceinfo indicates that barely half of the 2 millionestablishments open to the public would be up to standard, while buildings and transport have had an obligation to make themselves accessible since 2005. The Ministry responsible for Autonomy and Disabled People affirms that a “dynamic is underway”, while recognizing 18 sanctions since the summer of 2025 on 2 million sites.
Six prefectures of Centre-Val de Loire before the Orléans administrative court
The appeal directly targets the six prefectures of Centre-Val de Loire, representatives of the State in the region. In its discussions with these services, the association questioned the reality of controls and sanctions. “We have absolutely staggering answers, saying ‘we don’t have the means for our missions, so we don’t do it’”, testifies Nicolas Mérille, national accessibility advisor at APF France handicap, at the microphone of France Inter, quoted by Franceinfo.
According to this same official, certain prefectures explain that they prefer support to punishment, due to a lack of dedicated human resources. “We are forced to go through litigation to enforce the law,” regrets Nicolas Mérille. APF France handicap is already planning to refer cases to other administrative courts in the country and is calling, at the same time, for the creation of a state secretariat for universal accessibilitya parliamentary commission of inquiry and the refinancing of territorial funds.
A standoff that could change the daily lives of millions of people
For the association, the issue is very concrete: without ramps in shops or suitable access in stations, the right to come and go remains theoretical for millions of citizens. She points out that accessibility also benefits the elderly or parents with strollers. “The effectiveness of the law must now take precedence over simple good will“, affirms the association in its press release, hoping that justice will force the State to fully assume its role as guarantor of the law.