FAQ
1. Why is accessibility important? It only affects such a small special group.
2. I would like to make our theatre more obstacle-free. Where do I start?
It is worth starting by filling in a survey form to evaluate the current situation. You can use the information gained to make an action plan. There are links to checklists on the surveys page. Cooperate with you audiences, plan together!
3. We are getting a ramp for our side-door steps, how should this be marked?
Mark the location of an accessible entrance both by the main entrance and on the accessible entrance itself. It is good to include a ground plan, with routes marked on it. Remember to use big enough lettering and good contrast. Text (in various languages) along with access symbols (baby carriage and wheel chair) will help people find the right door.
4. We would like to install a tele / induction loop for our auditoriums. Where can I get one?
Companies specialising in communication instruments will be happy to offer their services.
5. What makes a good advice and ticket-sales counter?
Service points should be designed so that children and people in wheelchairs can get past and move around. The service counter should not be more than
6. What is design for all?
Design for All, i.e. designed for everyone, means design that improves the usability and accessibility of environments, products and services for all users. Although there are certain differences, terms like "universal design", "accessible design", "universal access", "barrier free design", refer to similar approaches.
7. What makes a good sign (e.g. Lift, WC, Ticket Sales)?
A good sign system starts at the entrance and carries on into the other spaces logically and in a way that is easy to notice. A good sign is clear: it has enough contrast and a recognisable symbol. Signs based on sight, hearing and touch should be used in parallel. There should be signs telling about all the services.
8. How many wheelchair places should there be in a 300-seat auditorium?
There should be two wheelchair places for the first 60 seats, and then one wheelchair place for every further 60 seats or part thereof. In auditoriums for over 250 people with fixed seating, it should be possible to turn fixed seating into extra places for occasional wheelchair use. (Source: Esteetön rakennus ja ympäristö. Suunnitteluopas 1998. Rakennustieto)
9. Our museum occupies an old building where it is difficult to move around. How can we improve accessibility from our visitors´ viewpoints?
Even though it is not possible to move around the building freely, museum collections can be viewed in other ways. Some objects can very probably be viewed outside of a glass case and taken to the visitors. Maybe visitors can inspect inaccessible content via written or audiovisual material. All communication should include details of accessibility, so that the visitor knows to be prepared for obstacles that make mobility difficult.
10. We are arranging an event in temporary spaces out of doors. What accessibility issues should we take into account?
Assessing the accessibility of the event can be begun by taking a look at the checklists or assessing the accessibility of a cultural site. The lists are easy to use, both as an aid in planning and as a checklist for the practical arrangements.
11. Our theatre performance is to be interpreted in sign language. Does this require any special arrangements?
When doing theatre interpreting, interpreters often work in pairs, i.e. there are two of them. It is worth agreeing with them in advance all the practical arrangements, such as where the interpreting is to be done, the need for a chair, and what kind of lighting will be focused on the interpreter. The interpreting should preferably be done right beside or on the stage, so that the interpreter can hear well and signing viewers can easily follow both the interpreter and the events on stage at the same time.
Theatre interpreting is demanding, and so interpreters have to be given an opportunity to prepare for the job carefully. The interpreter should, for instance, have access to the script and see the performance at least once before doing the interpreting (at no extra expense). All the arrangements mentioned here facilitate successful interpretation and thus also give signing audience members an equal opportunity to enjoy the performance!
12. Where do I find instructions and tips for making accessible website pages?
There is a lot of information available on the Internet, for example, via a search for "accessible websites".
