Which design consideration is often deemed a significant barrier for users with disabilities?

Level changes can present a significant barrier for users with disabilities because transitions from one elevation to another can be difficult or impossible without appropriate access features. For individuals who rely on mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers, steps or slopes can hinder movement and independence.

In contrast, handrails provide support and facilitate safe navigation along changes in elevation but don't eliminate the barrier posed by level changes. Wide pathways enhance accessibility by accommodating a range of mobility aids and making navigation easier. Tactile warning strips serve to assist those with visual impairments but do not address the physical barriers presented by level changes. Therefore, level changes are a critical consideration in design to ensure that environments are inclusive and accessible for all users, particularly those with physical disabilities.