Basic Concepts of Accessibility

Accessibility is a broad concept and can be examined from various perspectives.
Key themes include values, digitality, barrier‑free environments, inclusion, accessibility, equality, and non‑discrimination.

Equality and Non‑discrimination

Equality and non‑discrimination are core values of Finnish society and education. Equality means that all people are of equal worth regardless of background, gender, age, ethnicity or nationality, language, religion or belief, opinion, disability, health status, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic. Everyone has the right to equal treatment, and discrimination is prohibited in legislation and international human rights agreements. Education providers have an obligation to systematically promote equality across all activities. Gender equality in higher education means equal opportunities to apply for and enter higher education, progress in studies, and graduate.

Accessibility in Higher Education

Accessibility in higher education means the realization of equality and non‑discrimination in applying, entering, and studying. Accessibility refers to the organization and implementation of the physical, psychological, and social environment so that everyone can act on equal footing regardless of their characteristics. In an accessible higher education institution, facilities, digital systems, learning environments, teaching methods, and the general atmosphere enable the inclusion of students with diverse characteristics and life situations. Accessibility is also inclusive teaching and pedagogical accessibility. Promoting accessibility is pervasive and must be considered in all activities. (Kosunen 2021.)

Inclusion

The concept of inclusion focuses on realizing equality and participation in education. Broadly defined, education is a fundamental right that supports each person’s participation, well‑being, and the building of a just society. Promoting inclusion is reflected in the institution’s values, strategies, and principles, as well as everyday pedagogy, learning environments, and teachers’ competencies. Teachers should have skills to support all learners, work collaboratively, and a willingness to develop professionally (European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, 2012). In this sense, the concepts of accessibility and inclusion are closely linked.

Values and Organizational Culture

The core values behind equality, accessibility, and inclusion are:

• Equality
• Participation
• Appreciation of diversity

A culture, mindset, and way of working that promote equality and accessibility are reflected in goals, principles, decision‑making, and daily practices. In interactions, the promotion of equality is realized through respecting every person’s human dignity, valuing diversity, engaging in respectful and compassionate encounters, and building a sense of community. Values and an organizational culture that promote equality and accessibility extend throughout the entire higher education community.

Accessibility of Digital Services

Accessibility often means that information and services should be equally and consistently available to everyone. In Finland, the Act on the Provision of Digital Services requires that digital services and online content provided by the public sector comply with accessibility requirements. The Act also applies to certain third‑sector operators and private companies.

Digital services and content must be clear and understandable to users. They must also be usable on different devices and with assistive technologies, such as screen readers. When this is achieved, digital accessibility is fulfilled.

Everyone benefits from compliance with accessibility requirements. Accessibility improves equality.

Accessibility (Physical Environment)

Today, the term accessibility typically refers to the physical accessibility of environments — ensuring that spaces are physically usable by everyone on equal terms. Previously, the concept was used more broadly to describe other aspects of accessibility as well.
Physical accessibility means taking human diversity into account in the planning, construction, and maintenance of the built environment (Invalidiliitto – The Finnish Association of People with Physical Disabilities).

Additional information and sources (in Finnish):

• Kosunen, Tapio (2021). Kohti saavutettavampaa korkeakoulutusta ja korkeakoulua. Opetus- ja kulttuuriministeriön julkaisuja 2021:35.
• Lehto, Reeta, Aleksi Huhta & Essi Huuhka (2019). Kaikkien korkeakoulu? Raportti OHO!-hankkeessa vuonna 2018 tehdyistä korkeakoulujen saavutettavuuskyselyistä. http://www.esok.fi/hankkeet/oho-hanke/julkaisut/kaikkien-korkeakoulu-1
• OHO-hankkeen opas (OHO-hanke 2017-2019): Opiskelukykyä, hyvinvointia ja osallisuutta korkeakouluihin Klemola, U., Ikäheimo, H. & Hämäläinen, T. (toim.) (2020). OHO-opas.. Jyväskylä: Jyväskylän yliopisto
• Saavutettavuusvaatimukset.fi
• Saavutettavuuskriteeristö
• Seppälä, M., Kuusisto, E., & Mäkihonko, M. (2024). Ammatillisen koulutuksen opettajat ja inkluusio. Ammattikasvatuksen Aikakauskirja, 26(3), 48-69. https://doi.org/10.54329/akakk.148290
• Yhdenvertaisuuslaki