Accessibility at University West

"Accessibility is about how society is designed. An accessible society is designed so that as many people as possible can use and take part in it. It's about being able to take part in the physical environment and be able to get around the community. It also means accessing information and communication and being able to use products and services." (Source: Swedish Agency for Participation, Questions about participation and accessibility).

What is meant by participation?
"Participation is about a person being able to actively participate in and be part of society. This means being able to choose independently as much as possible, make your own decisions and influence your own life.

The university works systematically with accessibility based on action plans and a coordinated work between different functions responsible for the work. There is a working group for coordination and university-wide development work with representatives from student support, HR, service centers (campus and premises managers), the communications department and ICT and media support.

Each work unit (i.e. departments, administration and library) is responsible for the local accessibility work and adaptations for students and employees.

Every year, University West participates in a major evaluation made by the Swedish Agency for Participation. The evaluation encapsulates the university's strengths and development areas and focuses on the following areas:

• Accessible business
• Accessible information and communication
• Available premises

As a result of the evaluation, the working group has developed an action plan that identifies needs and priorities in the work. Examples of actions and priorities:

• Recruit available
• Web accessibility
• Audio and video productions
• Meetings, seminars and conferences