Towards more accessible and barrier-free spaces
In recent years, Tuusula has invested in its service network, and several new properties have been built in the municipality. New buildings are subject to a wide range of accessibility regulations, starting with the access routes leading to the building.
Text: Katja Repo
Photo: Katri Luostari
This autumn, Tuusula began collecting accessibility data on new properties. Property-specific data will be stored in the new room reservation system when the transition is made. In future, it will be possible to check whether the meeting room has an induction loop or whether the toilet facilities are suitable for people with reduced mobility when booking the room.
The Disability Council is an influential body operating in the municipality, whose task is to promote the living conditions and well-being of residents with disabilities. The Council has organised accessibility surveys at Monio and Rykmentinpuisto schools. The survey at Monio was conducted after the building was completed, at which point it was already difficult or impossible to remedy many of the shortcomings. Having lea
ed from this, the survey of Rykmentinpuisto School was carried out before the building was completed and put into use.
“I have participated in public events and met with the association’s board in the Rykmentinpuisto meeting room. I can say that the shortcomings identified in the survey have been corrected and the changes taken into account, says Kaj Pirhonen, member of the Disability Council and the board of the Central Uusimaa Respiratory Association.
– The direction in which the lift doors open has been reversed, and walking sticks and guide dogs no longer get caught in the metal grating at the entrance. The height of the food counter and the concierge service desk has been carefully considered to accommodate people of different heights and those in wheelchairs, Pirhonen lists examples of the changes that have been made.
Accessibility benefits everyone
Accessibility means taking human diversity into account and enabling safe, high-quality mobility and functioning for everyone. Accessibility is a way of thinking that reflects an attitude and a desire to take diversity into account. For many people, ramps and threshold-free access are a necessity, but we all benefit from them, for example, by making cleaning and transporting goods easier.
When we also take into account issues related to sight, hearing, understanding and communication, we can already talk about an accessible environment and activities.
This content has been translated using AI