More information
Description
The aim of the project is to empower vulnerable groups and provide opportunities for better participation in society by raising the knowledge about accessibility at large. One sub-goal is to raise awareness within our own network. The wider goal of the project lies in contributing to the creation of accessible solutions, which also supports improving the situation and coping mechanisms for people with disabilities, because accessibility helps to participate in the life of society on an equal basis with others.
The project consists of various activities, all of which contribute to raising awareness, such as the development and delivery of a training program, the preparation and creation of accessibility awareness videos, the development of e-learning content and the creation of an accessible training environment. Accessibility issues are the main focus, in addition to specifics of different disabilities, as accessibility is directly linked to creating opportunities for people with disabilities. At the same time accessibility is also important for other members of society, because it takes into account the whole life cycle of a person, which again makes the project important for even a wider target group.
The project will contribute to empowering vulnerable target groups more widely, as it is an accessibility awareness program. The project will help to empower people with disabilities and increase accessibility, while providing sector-specific knowledge to vulnerable target groups through the network of the Estonian Chamber of People with Disabilities.
Our partner in making the videos is Motion Pixels joint adventure. Joint adventure Vaimupuu helps to edit and test the video in easy-to-read language. We will engage the sign language experts from Viipekeeletõlgid joint adventure and experts from Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key issues related to accessibility and social inclusion. One of the main challenges was the limited awareness and understanding of accessibility among decision-makers, service providers, and the general public. Without proper knowledge, accessibility considerations are often overlooked, making it difficult for vulnerable groups to participate fully in society. The project sought to raise awareness, particularly within its own network, as a step toward broader societal change.
Another issue was the significant barriers that many individuals face in their daily lives due to environments that are designed primarily for the "average" person. Children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with temporary impairments often struggle to access public spaces, digital services, and communication systems. This lack of inclusivity leads to exclusion and limited opportunities for participation.
Additionally, Estonia’s built and digital environments do not always fully align with modern accessibility principles. Although the country ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2012, ensuring practical implementation remains a challenge. Many public and private spaces still lack essential accessibility features, and digital services often fail to accommodate users with different needs.
There is also a need to strengthen policies and regulations to ensure that both physical and digital spaces meet accessibility standards. While legal frameworks exist, they are not always enforced or widely understood, leading to inconsistent application. The project aimed to bridge this gap by advocating for better policies and greater awareness.
Beyond policy and infrastructure, the project focused on improving the daily lives and coping mechanisms of people with disabilities. Accessibility is not just about physical adjustments; it is about ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to participate in education, employment, and social activities without unnecessary barriers. By promoting accessible solutions, the project contributed to a more inclusive society where people can live independently and engage fully in community life.
Ultimately, the project recognized that accessibility benefits everyone, not just specific groups. By creating environments that consider people’s diverse needs across different life stages, society as a whole becomes more inclusive and adaptable. The goal was to shift the perception of accessibility from being an optional accommodation to a fundamental right that enhances the quality of life for all citizens.
The project began with an online training session on accessibility, aimed at gathering representatives from local governments and other stakeholders to share information about the development of an e-learning platform. Feedback from the training provided valuable input, helping to determine the key topics to be covered in the platform. Since accessibility is closely linked to disability issues, it was concluded that addressing disabilities from the user’s perspective was critical. As a result, the platform integrated content on assistive technologies, accessibility considerations for different types of disabilities, and specific needs such as visual and hearing impairments.
Each educational video created for the project explored disability-specific needs in depth. For example, the video on visual impairments covered both partially sighted and blind individuals, while the segment on mobility impairments addressed both assistive device users and those without such aids. In total, 12 educational videos were developed, providing a comprehensive overview of accessibility needs from a user-centered perspective. The e-learning platform makes this knowledge widely available to individuals involved in designing various environments, such as digital platforms and playgrounds, and to those seeking a better understanding of the needs of people with disabilities.
In anticipation of Estonia’s upcoming Accessibility of Products and Services Act, which mandates accessibility compliance for private-sector websites, a dedicated video was produced to raise awareness about digital accessibility. Public playgrounds should be accessible to all users, yet there are still few fully inclusive examples in public spaces. To address this, the project team visited the Haapsalu Neurological Rehabilitation Center, a model of an accessible playground and activity park. A video was created to share recommendations for designing such spaces, and it has been viewed 480 times on YouTube, including a version with Estonian Sign Language interpretation.
For Estonia’s Russian-speaking population, accessibility-related educational materials have been scarce. To help bridge this gap, the project developed a video specifically targeted at Russian speakers. In the future, it is envisioned that the entire training video series could also be made available in Russian.
Content tailored for individuals with intellectual disabilities remains rare in Estonia, making this project particularly valuable for this target group. To enhance accessibility, summaries of the videos were provided in simple language, helping individuals with mild intellectual disabilities better understand the content. Since the concept of simple language is still relatively unfamiliar to the general public, the project not only introduced this communication method but also helped raise awareness about its importance, the key audiences it serves, and how simple language content is created. The project also promoted the correct use of the simple language logo and emphasized its significance from the perspective of the target audience.
The project concluded with a seminar on the current state of accessibility, highlighting existing challenges, particularly in service provision, some of which extend beyond the scope of this project. The seminar recording remains available for viewing and has received positive feedback from various participants. Many attendees emphasized its value, especially for those who do not regularly engage with accessibility issues. Feedback indicated that the creation of such a seminar and training platform was both necessary and educational. The final seminar video has been viewed 710 times on YouTube, reflecting significant interest and the project’s positive impact.
The awareness-raising training and the subsequent development of the e-learning platform provide a comprehensive, user-centered overview of the needs of individuals with various disabilities. By offering detailed knowledge on accessibility requirements, the project encourages participants to apply these insights in practice and contributes to the overall inclusion of all members of society.
Through the e-course, participants gain essential guidelines and knowledge on the fundamentals of accessibility. They develop an understanding of the specific needs associated with different types of disabilities and learn how to access relevant support and instructional materials. The e-learning platform also introduces accessibility requirements within Estonia’s legal framework, including the Constitution, the Equal Treatment Act, and regulations such as decree on the specific requirements for buildings based on the needs of persons with disabilities. This legal awareness strengthens the rule of law, enhances equal opportunities, and upholds human rights.
The project plays a crucial role in increasing general awareness of the importance of accessibility, which is fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society where the rights and dignity of every individual are equally respected. By promoting awareness and accessibility, the project fosters greater understanding and tolerance, helping to reduce discrimination stemming from a lack of knowledge and supporting the development of an inclusive society.
In the long term, the impact of the project may extend beyond raising awareness. By equipping people with knowledge about accessibility, the project could influence policy-making and legislative processes. Improving accessibility also strengthens the rights of minority groups and ensures equal participation in society. Accessible solutions enable individuals to engage in civic life, take part in decision-making processes, and actively contribute to society. This, in turn, reinforces democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. From this perspective, the project has made a significant contribution to promoting dignity, human rights, and democratic values.