Accessibility Council Finds Out What Really Works
In addition to legislation, we also need experience-based knowledge of what actually works well and what does not. It has become clear that, to succeed in their work, the accessibility coordinator needs more practical, experience-based knowledge about accessibility. For this reason, since 2018, the City of Turku has had an Accessibility Council made up of volunteers, alongside the statutory Disability Council.
The Accessibility Council consists of experts by experience who themselves have a disability or other barrier that presents challenges in their everyday lives. The Council works with the accessibility coordinator to improve accessibility.
What makes the Council special is that, in addition to supporting the City in accessibility matters, it also works with private-sector organisations and businesses. This cooperation is very active.
We have assessed accessibility at the VoiVeljet! restaurant chain and at Moominworld. Turku’s museums have also responded positively to our suggestions for improving accessibility. In addition, we have been involved in improving accessibility at various locations across the city. Our views have been sought, for example, in the planning of Music Centre Fuuga and the future joint passenger terminal.
If you are interested in helping to improve accessibility, you are very welcome to join us as a volunteer!
*This translation was produced with AI and reviewed by a human.