Accessibility in volunteer activities
Many people have heard the word accessibility. What does this term actually mean and why does it matter in volunteer activities? You will also find information on how to make volunteer activities more accessible.
In simple terms, accessibility refers to ease of access to the physical environment, information, communication and services, among other things. For example, accessibility can mean that a venue is accessible by wheelchair, an accessible toilet is available during an event, a venue is equipped with clear signage and good lighting, or it is possible to move around safely and smoothly inside a venue.
Accessibility also means facilitating access to information, activities and participation for different people. Clear language, subtitles in videos, a sufficiently large and clear font size, good contrast in materials, easy-to-read materials, sign language interpretation and the possibility to participate remotely all increase accessibility.
Accessibility is often a combination of many small things. If an event venue is otherwise accessible, but it is not possible reach the venue by public transport or information about the event is not accessible, participation may still be difficult. This is why we sometimes talk about a chain of accessibility, where all the parts should work together as well as possible.
Better for all – but necessary for some
Accessibility ultimately benefits everyone, but for some people it is an absolute necessity. Clear communication makes it easier for everyone to participate. An accessible space is helpful for wheelchair users, people with prams, pushchairs or walkers and people with temporary injuries alike. Subtitles are not only beneficial for people with a hearing disability and people who only speak sign language, but also for people in noisy environments and people whose first language is not Finnish. When activities take different types of people and needs into account, they tend to be smoother, safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Accessibility is not just about good will, but about people’s equal right to participate. It can help ensure that no one is excluded from volunteer activities because of the environment, communication or attitudes, for instance.
Starting with small actions
Simply stopping to think about this matter and asking participants about their needs is a good start. As a volunteer, you can do things such as:
- use clear and understandable language when communicating
- ensure easy access to event venues
- inform attendees in advance of any obstacles or special arrangements
- make sure that everyone is included in discussions and activities
- use subtitles in videos or distribute materials in advance.
What matters is that you have an open mind and a desire to make activities inclusive. Small practical solutions can often make a big difference to whether a person feels welcome.
Want to learn more?
More information on accessibility is available on the website of the Accessibility Centre (ESKE) of the Finnish Association of People with Physical Disabilities (in Finnish only) and the Saavutettavuusvaatimukset.fi website. Many organisations for people with disabilities also offer practical tips on how to develop accessibility in everyday life, events and volunteer activities. Additionally, checklists for accessible events (in Finnish only) can help take practical considerations into account at the planning stage.
Author:
Mari Koistinen, Senior Specialist on Protection, Gender and Inclusion
How do I organize a more accessible event?
- Do public transport links work well?
- Is there a public transport stop nearby?
- Are the parking spaces nearby? Are there also accessible parking spaces?
- Is there a drop-off point for paratransit/accessible vehicles near the accessible entrance?
- Are the walkways level and wide?
- Are the signs clear?
- Is the entrance covered, lit, and easy to find? If the main entrance is not accessible, is the route to the accessible entrance marked?
- Can the area be reached without level differences? Or is there a ramp, and if so, what kind? Elevator? (maximum threshold height 2 cm, maximum ramp slope 8% i.e., 1:12.5 / for example, a 50 cm level difference requires a ramp approximately 6 meters long)
- Auditorium/seminar room: can the rows of seats be reached? Where are the wheelchair spaces? Is the speaker’s podium accessible?
- Is there an accessible toilet at the venue? Are there signs for it?
- Are ancillary facilities, such as the café and breakout rooms, accessible?
- Is the lighting adequate and glare-free?
- Are the doors easy to open? Is the clear opening at least 900 mm? Threshold no more than 20 mm?
- Is there a functioning induction loop in the room? Is it marked with the induction loop symbol?
- Is the ventilation in the room good?
- Has the use of strongly scented materials in the room been avoided?
- Is the event fragrance-free?
- Has speech-to-text or sign language interpretation been arranged? Is any other interpretation needed?
- Have facilities and equipment been arranged for the interpreters? (Ask for their requirements in advance)
- Can interpreters and participants receive the presentation material in advance if necessary?
- Will microphones be used during the event (by both speakers and the audience)?
- Does the lecturer/trainer speak slowly so that the interpreters can keep up?
- Is the presentation material clear (is the text legible, font size/color contrast)?
- Is the lecturer/trainer prepared to describe visual material, such as images and videos?
- If videos are shown, do they have same-language subtitles?
- Is the material to be distributed accessible (braille, easy-to-read text, etc.)?
- When advertising the event, has information about the location, its accessibility, and interpretation or other arrangements been provided as accurately as possible?
- Has information about the event been shared through various channels? Are the channels accessible?
- Is it possible to register by email and telephone as well, and not only via a web form?
- Has the contact information for a person providing further information been included?
- Does the registration include questions about the need for assistance, mobility aids, or allergies?
- After the event: where will the materials be available, and are they in an accessible format?
- Is it possible to provide feedback through various channels?
- Do the organizers have a positive attitude toward all participants?
- Do the organizers have a positive attitude toward accessibility?
- Are the organizers prepared to assist and guide? Is there a general assistant on-site?
- Are organizers and general assistants clearly distinguishable from the other participants?
- Can a personal assistant attend the event free of charge?
