Saavuttettavuus

Saavuttettavuus, a Finnish term, translates to accessibility in English. It refers to the principle of designing and creating environments, products, and services that can be used by all people, regardless of their age, ability, or disability. This encompasses a wide range of considerations, from physical access to buildings and public spaces to the usability of digital content and technologies.

In the context of the built environment, saavuttettavuus means ensuring that buildings, transportation systems, and public areas are navigable and usable by individuals with mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and other disabilities. This includes features like ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, tactile paving, clear signage, and audible announcements.

In the digital realm, saavuttettavuus focuses on making websites, applications, and digital documents usable by everyone. This involves adherence to web accessibility guidelines, such as those provided by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Examples include providing alternative text for images, keyboard navigability, sufficient color contrast, and captions for videos.

The goal of saavuttettavuus is to promote inclusivity and equal participation in society. By removing barriers, it enables individuals with disabilities to live more independently, access information, engage in work and education, and participate fully in community life. It is not merely about compliance with regulations but about a fundamental commitment to human rights and social justice.