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Home About Us Strategy Accessibility Accessibility of digital services

Accessibility of digital services

Accessibility plan

This plan applies to the programmes or services of the Häme University of Applied Sciences in educational, research, service and administrative units.

HAMK is committed to enabling equal opportunities for students and staff to study and participate. The aim is to promote equal access for students, employees and visitors to HAMK’s electronic information resources, technologies and services. HAMK aims to:

To fulfil WCAG criteria levels A and AA on their website.
To use hardware and software products that take accessibility into account.
To design and implement digital environments and contents that are suitable for all users.
To promote the principle of Universal Design for Learning, which supports the planning of teaching in such a way that all students are taken into account.

Current state of digital accessibility and development measures

The areas of digital accessibility are: Digital services and systems, digital services in physical environments, and personnel training and support for the use of digital services.

Digital services and systems

Buying New Software
When we buy new software or information systems, we check accessibility from the start. Suppliers must give an accessibility statement to show they meet basic standards. If they don’t, we agree on a plan and schedule to make the software accessible.
Existing Systems
Our goal is that all software and systems we use are accessible. We have identified any accessibility issues and recorded them in a central system register.
Video Production and Subtitles
Staff can use software that makes videos accessible, for example by adding subtitles.
Assistive Technologies
The HAMK website and Moodle platforms include the ReadSpeaker listening function. This lets users listen to the content being read aloud.

Digital services in physical environments

Use of personal devices and assistive devices:
Students and staff are allowed to use their own devices and assistive devices.
EXAM rooms:
EXAM rooms are designed to be accessible and barrier-free. You can check the accessibility of individual exam rooms: Exams and exam visits in EXAM – HAMK
Induction loops:
Induction loops are in use in the university center auditorium and the large auditorium in Riihimäki. The goal is to have induction loops in use in all campus auditoriums by 2026.

Staff training and support for digital services

We provide ongoing support to help staff use digital services and create accessible materials.

Training and Skills Development:
Regularly updated training sessions and skills badges are available.
HAMK’s Digipakki Online Course:
Learn independently in Finnish or English. The content is continuously updated.
Expert Support and Teams Channels:
Get personal help from experts and join open Teams channels for Accessibility and Teaching Technologies.
Digital Pedagogy and Accessibility Instructions:
Find guidance on the Digipedagogical guidelines site and the public accessibility hub, both updated regularly.
Work Instructions:
The findability of all work-related instructions and the accessibility of their content are continuously being developed.
Accessibility Expertise:
Digital service specialist group continues to strengthen their accessibility skills.

Responsibilities

Digital accessibility is regularly developed and evaluated. The aim is to apply good practices to all personnel.

Director of Digital Services

The Director of the Digital Services ensures that the personnel responsible for procurement, programmes, and services have sufficient technical knowledge related to accessibility standards. The Director of Digital Services is also a member of HAMK’s Accessibility Steering Group.

Accessibility Specialist

The specialist appointed for the unit supports the Director of Digital Services and the team in accessibility matters. They work as part of the higher education institution’s network of accessibility experts and implement practices and communications on accessibility issues to teams together with information management specialists. Information Management provides support in personnel accessibility issues and coaching.

All personnel

Each member of the personnel is responsible for promoting the accessibility of the higher education institution.

They understand the importance of accessibility at the higher education institution and in their work.
They contribute to producing accessible materials for websites or teaching, for example.
They are able to observe accessibility and report any shortcomings.
They recognise their competence and are able to find and request additional support if necessary.