Discussing levels of accessibility allows us to go a step beyond the question of whether or not a space is accessible. In the Accessibility Indicator System (AIS), the level achieved is expressed on a scale of one to five stars, which makes it possible to identify different levels of excellence in accessibility.
This rating system provides a simple way to communicate the results of an assessment that actually analyzes numerous aspects of the environment. Therefore, understanding what each star represents is important both for organizations seeking certification and for individuals who need to know the accessibility conditions of a space.
What are accessibility levels, and how are they expressed in AIS?
AIS accessibility levels are part of a rating system that reflects the degree of accessibility achieved by a setting or service. AIS Standard 1/2023 establishes five levels of excellence, represented by one to five stars.
The Accessibility Indicator System, known as AIS, is an international certification standard that allows for the verification of the accessibility of assets, services, and products. The system aims to provide an objective and reliable assessment and includes up to five levels of excellence.
What do the AIS stars mean?
AIS stars represent the level of accessibility achieved following the evaluation and certification process. The scale ranges from one to five stars, with five being the highest standard level of excellence recognized by the system.
This scale should not be interpreted as a simple score obtained by adding up accessible features. The rating takes into account different dimensions of accessibility and allows for the evaluation of aspects such as accessibility and comfort, compliance with regulations, social needs, and the potential for improving the environment.
How is the level of accessibility of a space determined?
The assignment of an accessibility level is the result of a structured evaluation process. In Standard AIS 1/2023, the procedure includes gathering evidence, analyzing results, developing an action plan to improve accessibility, conducting an audit, and, finally, proposing and approving the report.
The AIS rating system analyzes various dimensions that provide a comprehensive view of environmental conditions. In its description of the five levels, AIS considers adapted or accessible elements, their presence in different areas, the implementation of amenities, and sensory and cognitive features.
This framework is important because it prevents accessibility from being reduced to a single solution. A space may have incorporated certain accessible features and yet still have room for improvement in other areas. It is precisely this gradation that allows us to reflect those differences.
What does each AIS accessibility level mean?
The five stars do not simply represent five nominal categories. Each level corresponds to a specific combination of conditions related to accessible features, environmental areas, facilities, and sensory and cognitive capabilities. So, here’s what you need to know about them:
An AIS star
The first level of the scale corresponds to an environment that has adapted or accessible features and incorporates them into the various areas covered.
This helps us understand that an AIS star does not simply mean that a particular element is accessible on its own. The system takes a broader view to evaluate the environment and places this rating as the first level among the five levels of excellence.
Two AIS stars
In second grade, the elements remain present across all areas, as do the resources and sensory and cognitive support services. The difference shown in the grading table lies in the status of the adapted or accessible elements, which is listed as “partial. “
This category should therefore be interpreted by considering the set of indicators as a whole, rather than solely based on the number of elements a person might observe during a visit. The star represents the result of applying the AIS methodology to the evaluated environment.
Three AIS stars
The three-star rating is a particularly common level among AIS certifications. In fact, this level accounted for 37% of the certificates issued through December 31, 2025, ahead of the two-star rating, which accounted for 27%.
In the official table, this grade maintains the adapted or accessible features and their presence in the corresponding areas, while the implementation of resources receives a “good” rating. Sensory and cognitive services are in the “initial” phase.
Four AIS stars
The fourth grade continues to provide adapted or accessible resources in the assessed areas, with the implementation of these resources rated as “good.” The difference lies in sensory and cognitive skills, which are at the “progressing” stage.
This category shows how the AIS scale does more than simply determine whether or not an accessible solution exists. It also reflects the level of development achieved in various features, providing a more detailed view of how the environment has evolved.
Five AIS stars
Finally, the five stars represent the highest standard of excellence on the AIS scale. The table in AIS Standard 1/2023 lists an “excellent” implementation of the provisions and classifies sensory and cognitive performance as a “priority.”
There is also an exceptional award called 5-Star GOLD. AIS explains that this distinction is intended for facilities or services that, after achieving 100% of the five-star accredited criteria, have developed specific policies for certain groups or incorporated innovative technological resources that substantially improve service delivery.
What distinguishes one level of accessibility from another?
The difference between the various AIS accessibility levels lies in the combination of conditions met by the environment being evaluated. Therefore, moving from one level to another does not simply involve adding a specific solution, but rather making progress across the various aspects covered by the methodology.
Each certification is awarded after evaluating compliance with the requirements of the applicable standard and category. Under Standard AIS 1/2023, the result ultimately corresponds to one of the five levels of excellence established by the system.
The rating system provides a concise indication of where an environment falls on the scale. However, behind that star lies a much more detailed analysis process, which is what justifies the rating assigned.
Why isn’t it enough to check just one element?
The mere presence of a ramp, an accessible elevator, or specific signage does not, by itself, mean that a space has achieved a specific level of accessibility. Accessibility extends to various areas and may include aspects that are not immediately apparent.
The AIS table itself illustrates this perspective by linking the five levels to accessible features, areas, amenities, and sensory and cognitive capabilities. Therefore, the star should be interpreted as an overall assessment within the system.
Accessibility as a Holistic Experience
A comprehensive approach is particularly important when determining whether an environment can be used comfortably, safely, and independently. A standalone solution may address a specific barrier, but it does not necessarily guarantee that the entire route or service is accessible.
The AIS rating system specifically incorporates concepts such as accessibility, comfort, and safety, while also taking into account social needs and the potential for improvement. This allows the certification to provide a broader view of the environment.
The Role of the ARS Foundation in AIS Accessibility Certification
At the ARS Foundation, we are dedicated to helping all businesses and establishments that seek to improve the accessibility of their spaces. If you are interested in certifying your spaces or services, we provide the necessary consulting, inspection, and certification services.
If you have any questions about this or would like to schedule the initial inspection as soon as possible, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re ready to assist you.
Conclusion
Understanding the accessibility levels provides a much better understanding of what lies behind the AIS Stars. The scale includes five levels of excellence, each of which corresponds to a combination of conditions related to accessible features, areas, facilities, and sensory and cognitive capabilities.
The stars, therefore, are the visible expression of a much broader evaluation and certification process. They do not simply represent the number of accessible features, but rather the level of accessibility achieved in accordance with the criteria of the applicable standard.
