> A staircase isn't accessible, but still allowed. The accessibility is in an alternate implementation provided for those who need it.
Exactly this -- some things just aren't going to be for everyone. If we truly wanted to make buildings "accessible", all stairways, and even printed signage would have to be banned, as there exists someone who cannot benefit from it.
No, accessibility does not mean that everyone is knocked down to the same level. The staircase is not the feature, getting to different floors is - so it is acceptable to have a staircase for those that can and want to use it and an elevator for those that can't. Visual signage is acceptable as long as their a also navigation aids for the blind. And yes, whe do require these for many places.
