Author: Ann Dänner

Posted on

Orbis Accessibility Guide

General information

Orbis is committed to improve its accessibility both on social media and its events. Below you can find information in English on the accessibility practices that Orbis aims to follow.

The guide is also available as a downloadable PDF-file.

Alt Text

Alt Text (alternative text) is a written version of an image accessible to screen readers. When adding Alt Text to images, think about what is most important in the image: keep it short but descriptive! Break each item with a comma. 

If the image contains text, include the message in alt-text. Do not repeat the caption.

Color contrast

Paying attention to color contrast is important because it affects the visibility of the content. You can use free accessibility checkers to check the color contrast of your content (for example Webaim and Wave)

Links

Make sure to describe where each link will lead.

Instructions for different platforms

Facebook

Add captions and alt text to images. Although Facebook offers machine-generated alt text, edit it to add more context. Click the three dots at the corner of an image and then “Change alt text”.

Avoid using acronyms.

Check color contrast on images; place text over a solid, high-contrast background.

Use descriptive link text.

Capitalize each word in hashtags.

When sharing events onto the page, include in the description alt-text for the previewed event image.

In-person events

Event descriptions must include information on accessibility, the principles of safe space, along with any other relevant safety information. 

At the moment, the New Student House is inaccessible for wheelchair users. When hosting an event at the New Student House, In the event description give contact information in case someone is unable to access the building, and have an alternative location that can include attendees in wheelchairs. 

Offer to meet any people who need assistance in accessing the location.

Instagram

Add hashtags in the comments or at the end of the caption. Capitalize each separate word in hashtags. For example: #UniversityOfHelsinki

Use alt text. When creating a new post, on the last page before posting, tap “Advanced settings” at the bottom of the page. Then choose “Write Alt Text”. You can also add alt text to existing images: tap the three dots next to your image, choose “Edit”, and then “Edit Alt Text”.

For Alt. text, remember it is not visible, unless using a screen reader. Use commas to break long sentences in smaller pieces, for more fluidity for screen readers users. 

In Instagram stories or other videos, provide captions whenever someone is speaking. 

When posting stories, remember that they are not accessible to people who need screen readers, so if there is key information, make a post about it.

LinkedIn

Add alt text to images using a guide by the University Information Technology Services, Indiana University.

Adding alt text is only possible on desktop; use “add description” at the top of the uploaded image.

Add closed captions to videos.

Use descriptive link text.

Mailchimp

Use descriptive subject lines.

Don’t hide info in pictures. Make sure most critical content in the message is in text.

Use alt text for images following this Mailchimp guide. 

Use descriptive link text.

Add the most important information to the top of your message. Maintain a logical structure in your message. Use headers.

Use color contrast.

Use the following three links to guide your email writing.

Mail Chimp accessibility guide

Mail Chimp Style Guide

BBC Accessible Email Guide

TikTok

Check current available features on Tiktoks webpage. 

Use text-to-speech in video editing.

Add captions in video editing; text is automatically transcribed but can be edited before displayed on the video. 

Websites

Use easily understandable language and sentence structure.

Choose accessible templates. Pay attention to the contrast, keyboard navigation, and screen-reader navigation.

Add Alt Text to all images and buttons.

Check color contrast.

Check heading structures on the website. Implement different headings in the appropriate places, starting with H2 in the main text.

Use descriptive link text.

WhatsApp

Provide alt-text when sending images.

Make sure any PDFs and other files sent are accessible.

Zoom or other video conferencing platforms

Use otter.ai for auto-captioning.

Screen-reading is not possible for screen sharing! Make PowerPoints available outside of Zoom before or after the meeting.

When using visuals, describe them for those who are unable to see them. 

Send a transcript before and/or after the meeting.

Event descriptions must include information on accessibility, the principles of safe space, along with any other relevant safety information. 

If you have something you would like us to add to our accessibility guide or if you see an area where we are not implementing the actions outlined in the guide, please email us at orbis@helsinki.fi.

(Updated in October, 2021)

Posted on

Equal Access at the University of Helsinki

First Steps for International Students who have a Disability or Learning Difficulty

Are you considering studying at the University of Helsinki or are you currently a student and do you have a disability or a learning difficulty? The University of Helsinki is committed to promoting equality and preventing discrimination in all its operations. However, finding the right kind of help can be difficult and confusing. Below you can find information in English on the first steps you can take to get the accommodation you need!

If you want to download the whole step-by-step guide, click here.

Before you apply

1. Become familiar with the University of Helsinki and its accessibility processes

      • Start at the webpage for special arrangements.
      • Chat with current students to hear about their experiences.
      • Feel free to email specialneeds@helsinki.fi, admissions@helsinki.fi, and/or the director of the programme you wish to apply to. You can find the director’s contact information through the programme’s webpage or “People Finder”. Try to ask specific questions that cannot be found by looking on the website. 
      • Consider reaching out to Hyero, “The University of Helsinki’s Different Learners Association” at hyero-hallitus@helsinki.fi (their website is in Finnish but they are able to communicate in English).
      • Do not hesitate to contact Orbis, a student organization for international and internationally-minded students at the University of Helsinki. Orbis is an org for students in Arts and Theology but we are happy to assist any international student with regards to equality issues. Email orbis@helsinki.fi

2.  Secure a certificate of special arrangements from a doctor in your home country. At this stage, the “personal identity code” can be your passport number.

 

As soon as you are accepted

1. Confirm your study right/accept your study place

    • Do this as soon as possible because you may not be able to access some information and assistance until you are officially a student.
    • Depending on where you are coming from, the confirmation process will differ. Follow the instructions emailed to you upon acceptance.

2. Email specialneeds@helsinki.fi and request a zoom meeting with an accessibility liaison

    • Have the liaison review your certificate of special arrangements and determine whether you need any other documentation.
    • Request a review of your rights at the University of Helsinki and in Finland.
    • Discuss the resources available to you and how to make your transition to UH as smooth as possible.
    • Discuss your options for anonymity, privacy, as well as self-disclosure.
    • Have the liaison find the contact information of the training officer for your specific Master’s programme.

3. Set up a meeting with the director of your specific Master’s programme (we recommend that the accessibility liaison and/or training officer is also present in this meeting)

    • Request information about courses and their schedules for the upcoming semester so that you know what to expect and can plan ahead.
    • Identify what you need in order to have an equal learning opportunity (materials, information, space, tools, etc). 
    • Get a clear plan of how the director will prepare and inform professors, administrators, and tutors and make sure the plan aligns with your decisions about privacy and disclosure. If they need support, refer them to the accessibility liaison. 

4. Get familiar with the Student Union (HYY) and other resources outside the university

    • As you plan your move to Finland, there will be many non-academic matters to settle, like residency and housing. If you run into equality or accessibility issues, HYY may be able to assist or advocate for you in these matters. The specialist for international students and equality is a good first contact.
    • There are also other organizations that offer support for immigrants with disabilities. If you struggle to contact one of these organizations because of a language barrier or any other reason, reach out to your accessibility liaison and/or a HYY representative for help.

 

Once you arrive in Helsinki

1. Get the most out of Orientation

    • You and your classmates will have at least one study tutor. Utilize their knowledge and assistance- for example, if you need help furnishing your apartment or getting enrolled in the Student Union.
    • If possible, attend the Welcome Fair. This will help with getting registered with the authorities. Make sure to note the different steps, depending on whether you are coming from the EU or from outside it. 
    • During orientation, if not before, you will get access to your email address and the university’s intranet. Familiarize yourself with the information on equality, diversity, and accessibility, on Flamma. 
    • Become acquainted with the university’s physical and digital library, and if it is useful for you, check out the public library system too.
    • If you are coming from outside the EU, it will make your life a lot easier if you obtain a Finnish Identity Card. This will help when setting up a bank account, your phone service, and make any online services much more available to you. 

2. If necessary, seek assistance outside the university

 

Throughout your studies

If you are experiencing an issue that is unresolved by your programme and/or accessibility liaison, utilize the expert panel. 

Additional contact persons

    • If the guide above did not give you the answers you need you can always email the special needs office: specialneeds@helsinki.fi. They can redirect your question to the right person.
    • If at any point during your studies, you feel like you need mental support, do not hesitate to contact the study psychologists. Just like the special needs office, they can help you find the extra support you need.

Are you still experiencing difficulties? Do you still have difficulties finding the help you need? Or do you simply need some peer support? Contact Orbis, at orbis@helsinki.fi or through our social media pages; Facebook, Instagram.

If you have feedback about this form, including something to change or add based on your personal experience, email orbis@helsinki.fi.

 

(Updated in March 2021)