Conference on culture and accessibility in Helsinki November 12

With financial support from the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Foundation, we are happy to invite you to the first conference focusing on culture and accessibility in Sweden and Finland. The scope of the event includes examples and discussions from museums, libraries and performing arts from both countries, as well as an exhibition.

Place

The conference is arranged at Arcada University of Applied Sciences. Address: Jan-Magnus Janssoninaukio 1, 00560 Helsinki

Registration and participation fee

We charge a participation fee of 50 €. Refreshments and conference materials are included. Lunch is served at cost. The conference is free of charge for members of an end user organisation.

Please registrate by 2nd November!

Registration form (lyyti.fi)

Language

Conference language is English. The program is interpreted from English to Finnish sign language.

Programme

8.30-9.30 Coffee and registration

9.30-9.40 Opening words and practical information

Camilla Wikström-Grotell, Vice rector, Prefect, Arcada University of Applied Science

9.40-10.20 Accessibility to culture, an overview from Sweden

In Sweden, the authority of culture, Kulturrådet, is requiring cultural institutions to have accessible websites. Otherwise, the government funding can be in danger. Funka has audited all regional institutions in Sweden and the result is depressing.

Susanna Laurin, CEO, Funka

10.20-11.00 Accessibility to culture, an overview from Finland

How is accessibility of culture defined in Finland? What kind of good practices there are? What are the means of the cultural administration to direct cultural institutions to be more equal? How accessible is the culture field in Finland?

Outi Salonlahti, Planner, Culture for All

11.00-11.30 Break

11.30-12.00 Panel – what can we learn from each other?

Based on the situations in our countries, could we increase accessibility through cooperation? What is needed to move forward, regulations, awareness, money or something else?

Panelists:

• Outi Salonlahti, Planner, Culture for All
• Sari Salovaara, Senior Specialist, Culture for All
• Susanna Laurin, CEO, Funka
• Andreas Cederbom, Head of Analysis, Funka

Moderator:
Elisabeth Öhman, Lecturer in Culture Production, Arcada, University of Applied Sciences

12.00-12.45 Accessible IT for Culture – How can IT enable a more accessible experience of culture

A part from being able to access the culture physically, you also need information, orientation and support on site. This is true for all of us, but how can this be done in the most accessible way, without being extremely expensive?

Adreas Cederbom, Head of Analysis, Funka

12:45-13:00 Creative solutions for accessible Culture and welcome to the exhibition

An example on how a person with communicational challenges can have an interactive cultural experience using symbol-based apps and personalized communication grids.

Timo Heiskala. CEO, Evantia Group

13.00-14.15 Lunch, networking and a small exibition

• Versoteq- Refining the Future Made in 3D
  ’Kaikukortti’, a pilot project for making culture more accessible for all
  Funka presents Tactile Catalogues with talking pen from Touch Graphics
  OnSpotStory Creative apps for museums
  Evantia Group, solutions and aids for communication, especially for people with speech impairment
  Guidio, Free curated content to guide you through museums and tourist sites

14.15-14.45 Inspiring examples form the network for access at the theatre

Arcada, University of Applied Sciences

14.45-15.30 An Accessible Library – how does it work?

An introduction to Finnish accessibility guidelines for public libraries. What is an accessible library? How can public libraries serve all citizens equally despite disabilities, special needs or minority group status? An introduction to new accessibility guidelines for public libraries which will be published in the spring 2016.

Kirsi Ylänne, project manager, Celia Library

15.30-16.00 Summary and closing session

Round-up and lessons learnt from the day.

Ira Jeglinsky, Senior lecturer, Arcada University of Applied Sciences

Accessibility at Arcada

Inside Arcada is accessible. The main door and the door at Hämeenkatu are heavy, but suitable for persons who want to avoid stairs. There are elevators at the A and C block. The conference will be held at the main auditorium, which can be reached both from ground floor and first floor.

There is a hearing loop in the auditorium.

There are accessible toilets in every floor. There are two parking plots for persons with disabilities at Hämeentie 107.

Please, contact Arcada information desk for more information and assistance (phone nr. 0207699699)

The program is interpreted from English to Finnish sign language.

More information

Accessibility of Arcada and practical questions:

Ira Jeglinsky
+358 (0)207 699 434
ira.jeglinsky(a)arcada.fi

Maria von Bonsdorff-Hermunen
+358 207 699 503 / +358 50 592 2846
maria.vonbonsdorff-hermunen(a)arcada.fi

Content of the conference:

Anna Kivilehto
+46 8 555 770 93
anna.kivilehto(a)funka.com
Funka Nu AB