Accessible studies

Accessibility refers to a physical, mental and social environment where everyone, regardless of their personal characteristics, can act and interact equally with others. At the university, accessibility affects all students and staff members, but it is especially important to those members of the university community who have a disability, who are ageing, or who belong to a cultural or linguistic minority.

The concept of accessibility covers:

• Studies, including Finnish entrance examinations, study guidance, teaching arrangements and practices, and exam practices
• The physical environment, such as premises, access routes, parking spaces, lighting, signs
• Accessible communications, such as web pages, other written materials and language

The University of Eastern Finland develops its services related to the accessibility of studies and teaching and to the university as a whole in the long term as part of the development of learning environments. We adhere to the national recommendations of the ‘Accessible university studies’ report. We are involved in national key projects that promote accessibility as part of the ‘Accessible university studies’ network.

Individual study arrangements refer to measures previously known as special arrangements.

The contact persons for accessibility at the campuses are:

• Joensuu Campus: Erja Widgrén-Sallinen, Head of Student Services and Admissions
• Kuopio Campus: Tuija Pasanen, Head of Student Services
• Their contact information is available in the university’s contacts directory.
• The Student Well-being and Study Ability Team coordinates and sets policies for matters related to the accessibility of studies at UEF. The chair of the team is Head of Student Services Tuija Pasanen (tuija.pasanen[at]uef.fi).

For further information concerning contact persons at studies, see: Accessibility on studies – aids and facilities

Accessibility on studies – aids and facilities

Links:

Celia library – national library for accessible literature and publishing

Practical booklets (Meeting the needs of Diverse Student Body in Higher Education):

1. Blind and low vision students and higher education
2. Deaf and hard of hearing students and higher education
3. Dyslexia and higher education
4. Anxiety disorders and higher education
5. Physically disabled students and higher education
6. Asperger’s Syndrome and higher education
7. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and higher education
8. Mental health problems and higher education