Esteettömällä

Esteettömällä is a Finnish word that translates to "accessible" or "barrier-free" in English. It is used to describe environments, services, or products that have been designed or modified to be usable by everyone, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities. The concept of esteettömyys, or accessibility, is a fundamental aspect of inclusive design and aims to remove obstacles that might prevent certain individuals from fully participating in society.

This can include physical accessibility, such as ramps for wheelchairs, automatic doors, and accessible restrooms in public buildings. It also extends to sensory accessibility, like audio descriptions for visually impaired individuals or visual alarms for the hearing impaired. Digital accessibility is another crucial area, ensuring that websites, software, and digital content are usable by people with disabilities, for example, through screen reader compatibility or keyboard navigation.

The goal of creating esteettömiä spaces and services is to promote equal opportunities and independent living for all. It recognizes that many barriers are man-made and can be eliminated through thoughtful planning and consideration. The principle of esteettömyys is often enshrined in legislation and guidelines to ensure its widespread implementation.