This week during Global Accessibility Awareness Day on Thursday, May 16. I had the opportunity to participate virtually in the hybrid event Over the Barriers: Towards an Accessible Everyday Life (Esteet Nurin: Kohti saavutettavaa arkea). The event offered a comprehensive exploration of accessibility, prompting a crucial question: Have we truly achieved an accessible society?
The program kicked off with a powerful dialogue between the I Matter (Minä Merkitsen) project and TACCU (Tampere Accessibility Unit). It wasn’t just a presentation; it was a conversation. Personal stories took center stage, with participants sharing their experiences of navigating daily life. They spoke of their aspirations to contribute beyond the confines of their homes, a desire that resonated deeply. This opening session served as a powerful reminder that disabilities don’t define who we are. They highlighted the importance of inclusion and the ability of everyone to work and participate actively in society.
Following the dialogue, three insightful presentations by experts delved deeper into specific accessibility challenges. Milla Lindh, representing The Finnish Deafblind Association, shed light on the struggles faced by people with sensory impairments. Access to real-time news and media, a fundamental right for many, remains an obstacle for this community. Ms. Lindh’s presentation sparked discussions about the need for innovative solutions to bridge this gap and ensure everyone has equal access to information.
Terhi Manninen, from the Finnish Federation of the Visually Impaired, emphasized the importance of considering those who rely on audio cues to navigate the world. Facial expressions, clear and concise language, and even the responsible use of emojis can significantly enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Interestingly, the misuse of QR codes was raised as a concern during the chat?
The final presentation, delivered by Jenni Barnett-Erlandsson from the ADHD Finland association, focused on the experiences of people with ADHD, particularly children. Ms. Barnett-Erlandsson’s discussion highlighted the disparity in treatment they often face compared to their neurotypical peers. Just like a flower’s growth depends on the quality of its roots, a child’s future can be significantly impacted by the support they receive. The presentation emphasized the importance of creating environments that takes care of the diverse needs and fostering a more inclusive approach towards neurodiversity.
The ”Esteet Nurin” event was informative and served as a valuable reminder that accessibility is still an ongoing journey. While significant progress has been made – ramps, elevators, and disability-friendly buildings are now common – there’s still a distance to cover.
Next time By prioritizing inclusive design, fostering open communication, and acknowledging the diverse needs within our society, we can move closer to a truly accessible everyday life for everyone. The ”Esteet Nurin” event served as a springboard for this ongoing conversation, and with continued efforts, we can create a world where everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive.
The writer is a dedicated student from our ”Trends in Accessibility” course.
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Tanel Tuuha starts his studies in The Master’s Programme in Sustainable Societies and Digitalisation this autumn. He is innovative and hopes to address pressing challenges in our society. He loves cats and cheesecakes.
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