Hear first-hand experiences and try accessible mobility – Accessibility Day opens up new perspectives

The event celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day once again brings organisations together to share perspectives on accessibility. This year’s theme, linguistic accessibility, highlights the importance of non-discriminatory communication. Linguistic accessibility means that information, services, and communication are easy for everyone to understand and to access.

– This may include, for example, clear standard language, Easy Read language, interpreting, or other means of communication. It removes barriers to communication, and ensures smooth interaction and equal access to information, says Elisabeth Hästbacka, Accessibility Coordinator.

Learn indoors, experience it outdoors

This year, the event is in two parts. The first, seminar-style session will be held in the main library’s Draama Room, exploring accessibility and inclusion from the perspectives of communication, interaction, and the exchange of information. A range of subject-matter experts and experts by experience will be on hand to speak and present their work.

The second part of the event will take place in Onkilahti Park, where participants can explore the new accessible nature trail and try moving around with different assistive devices, both along the trail and in the park. In addition, the park offers plenty of opportunities to spend time together – at the Traffic Park, in the café or by enjoying a self-catered picnic. Participants are asked to make their own way to the park between programme sessions.

Accessibility Day warmly welcomes everyone interested in accessibility. The event is free of charge and open to everyone, with programme content in Finnish and Swedish. The venues are fully accessible, and at the main library there will be sign language interpreting as well as speech-to-text interpreting.

Programme 21 May

Theme: Linguistic accessibility

Seminar session at the main library’s Draama Room from 13 to 15

• 13.00–13.05 Opening words by a representative of the Disability Council
• 13.05–13.25 Supporting understanding and participation – practical digital tools for everyday communication and different languages, Sonja Haga-Erickson, Director of Operations / Expert in Assistive Technology, Datero ry
• 13.25–13.40 Experiences of digital accessibility, Lassi Ala-Häivälä, Expert by Experience with a visual impairment
• 13.40–13.55 A sign language user’s experiences of everyday life and different encounters, Jorma Rantala, Sign Language Expert by Experience
• 13.55–14.15 Easy Read language – a key element of accessibility, Helena Holm-Cüzdan, LL-Center (the national Swedish-language centre of expertise for Easy Read)
• 14.15–14.30 Augmentative and Alternative Communication – what it is like not to have a spoken language, Tobias Ståhlberg, Expert by Experience
• 14.30–14.40 The library’s accessible collections, Eeva Keski-Saari, Information Specialist, City of Vaasa Culture and Library Services
• 14.40–14.45 Presentation of adapted sports equipment and how to borrow it, Theresa Ditzler, Sports Coordinator, City of Vaasa Sports Services
• 14.45–15.00 Closing remarks and time to visit the information stands
  • Presenters include Lärum, Datero ry, the library and Pohjanmaan yhdistykset ry., among others.

Outdoor session at Onkilahti Park from 16 to 18

• Exploring the accessible nature trail
• Trying out assistive devices on the nature trail and in the park
• Traffic Park
• Information stands run by various organisations