Dear visitor,

Wonderful to have you here! It means that you care about accessibility, inclusion, and the well-being of people with disabilities, and that you want everyone to participate in society. Perhaps you are contributing to designing accessible environments, fostering inclusive communication, promoting attitudinal changes, organizing accessible cultural events, or considering sports equipment for people with disabilities. Whatever your goal, accessibility is a tool that helps engage diverse groups, creating an inclusive society that ensures opportunities for everyone to participate fully in daily life.

Watch the video created for the international accessibility awareness day by the Estonian Chamber of People with Disabilities (EPIKoda) to get a quick overview of what accessibility means for the four types of disabilities.

What is Accessibility?

Accessibility means eliminating or reducing barriers in daily life for people with disabilities, using various means. It is essential for individuals with disabilities but beneficial for many others. Accessibility includes physical, informational, and attitudinal aspects, and varies depending on the type of disability.

In web accessibility, it means providing an accessible user experience. Accessibility is a prerequisite for a positive user experience, ensuring equal access for all.

In Estonia, a task force identified key accessibility issues and provided recommendations to improve accessibility across different sectors (State Chancellery, 2021).

Eesti seadusandluses reguleerivad ligipääsetavust Puudega inimeste erivajadustest tulenevad nõuded ehitisele ehk määrus number 28 ning Toodete ja teenuste ligipääsetavuse seadus (vastu võetud 30.05.2022). Veebide ligipääsetavust reguleerib

How to Plan and What to Consider When Organizing an Accessible Event?

For people with disabilities, it is important that the entire event's content is accessible through multiple senses. This primarily means ensuring accessibility based on the specific needs related to different types of disabilities.

When organizing an accessible event for people with mobility impairments, it is important to ensure that the venue is physically accessible. This includes step-free access, elevators if needed, wide doorways, accessible restrooms, and reserved seating areas for wheelchair users. Additionally, clear pathways should be provided to allow easy movement, and parking spaces close to the venue should be reserved for people with reduced mobility.

For individuals with hearing impairments, it's important to ensure that the event includes captioning for spoken content, sign language interpretation, and written materials summarizing key information. Visual aids should accompany any presentations, and all speakers should use microphones for clear audio amplification. Additionally, assistive listening devices should be provided for those who use hearing aids, and any background noise should be minimized to improve sound clarity.

For people with visual impairments, it's important to ensure that content is accessible through non-visual means. This includes providing screen reader-compatible digital content, using large and high-contrast text for printed materials, and offering audio descriptions for visual elements. Event spaces should also have tactile markers or braille signs for navigation, and assistance should be available to guide participants if needed. Clear verbal descriptions should be given for any visual information presented.

For individuals with intellectual disabilities, it's essential to provide information in a clear, simple, and easy-to-understand format. Use plain language, short sentences, and avoid complex jargon. Visual aids, symbols, and images can help convey key points effectively. Provide structured guidance and support, such as a clear agenda and reminders, to help participants follow the event. Ensure that there is enough time for participants to process information and ask questions, and consider offering support staff to assist if needed.

The Estonian Chamber of People with Disabilities invites everyone to notice and create accessible solutions.

KKK (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. I want to offer an accessible service/environment/solution. Where should I start?
Begin by researching and planning to understand the accessibility needs and adaptations that are crucial for your target groups. Assess the physical, informational, and other aspects of accessibility that need improvement.

2. What does the Estonian Chamber of People with Disabilities (EPIKoda) do regarding accessibility?

Consultation: Offers guidance on accessibility.

Member Involvement: Engages a broad network of target group representatives in developing solutions.

Inclusive Approach: Represents all groups, regardless of individual abilities.

3. How much does consultation cost?
The first 15 minutes of consultation with EPIKoda are always FREE. More detailed services may require custom solutions, project reviews, analysis, and thorough examination.

Principles for Ensuring Accessibility (How to Ensure Maximum Accessibility)

• Universal Design: Create environments and services that are usable by all, without the need for adaptation.
• Barrier-Free Access: Identify and remove physical, sensory, and informational barriers.
• Inclusion of Target Groups: Involve people with disabilities in the design and decision-making process.
• Adaptation to Specific Needs: Ensure the environment or service is adjustable to meet individual requirements.
• Clear and Simple Communication: Provide information in multiple formats (e.g., visual, audio) to accommodate different disabilities.
• Testing and Feedback: Continuously evaluate accessibility and gather feedback to make improvements.Ensuring Accessibility Becomes an Integral Part of an OrganizationThe following teams play an equally important role in making accessibility an organic part of an organization:
  • Exhibition Teams: Designing and creating accessible exhibits.
  • Marketing and Communication Teams: Ensuring information reaches target audiences.
  • Service Teams: Welcoming visitors and providing support in museums.
  • Facilities Management Teams: Designing an environment that is accessib

BEST PRACTICES

The list below provides examples from Estonia. Share your own good practices with us on epikoda@epikoda.ee

Examples of Accessible Exhibitions Organized by EPIKoda:

People with Disabilities in Afghanistan

Hidden

Estonian Maritime Museum

Niguliste Museum