Below are the basic concepts related to ensuring accessibility for persons with specific needs.
AAC
(augmentative and alternative communication) - a set of various non-verbal methods and actions aimed at enabling or facilitating communication for persons with speech difficulties. Instead of words and sentences, this type of communication uses graphic signs (pictograms, pictures, symbols), manual signs (gestures, e.g. sign language) or spatial-tactile signs (e.g. objects).ACCESSIBILITY (AS A VALUE)
‘Striving to ensure that the physical environment, digital space and the organisation of processes and methods of operation are such that disability and other specific needs are not a reason for excluding anyone from learning, work and other areas of life’ (Source: Jagiellonian University Development Strategy until 2030).
ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS
A set of techniques, methods, tools and approaches used to eliminate barriers in the physical environment, digital spaces and communication processes, so that persons with disabilities and specific needs can fully participate in society or use a given space. Accessibility solutions can be, for example, audio description, the use of an induction loop, translation into Polish Sign Language, or subtitling.ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
A structured electronic document containing a statement by a public body. It provides a description of the accessibility of the institution’s website, mobile application and premises. It informs persons with disabilities about the accessibility status of the entity. As of 23 September 2020, every public entity is obliged to publish an accessibility statement on its website.ACCOMMODATION
Otherwise known as adapting things/something (e.g. space, resources, process, concepts, environment, etc.) to the needs of persons with disabilities or specific needs, most often combined with the development and implementation of specific solutions.The term ‘accommodation/adaptation’ can refer to, inter alia: teaching/conference materials, student learning process, spaces, or works of art.
ALTERNATIVE ACCESSIBILITY
Actions and organisational arrangements that aim to provide a person with specific needs with access to, for example, a building or information, but not in an independent manner or on an equal basis with others. An example of alternative accessibility might be where another person’s assistance is required to get a wheelchair user into a building.ALTERNATIVE TEXT
A verbal description of graphic elements in a document or website, accessible to screen readers.ARCHITECTURAL (PHYSICAL) ACCESSIBILITY
The provision of barrier-free horizontal and vertical circulation spaces of buildings through the installation of equipment or the use of technical means and architectural solutions in the building that allow access to all rooms, excluding technical ones; the provision of information on the layout of rooms in the building, at least visually and tactilely or by voice, the provision of access to the building for persons using the support of assistance dogs, as referred to in Article 2(11) of the Act of 27 August 1997 on the professional and social rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities; ensuring that persons with specific needs can be evacuated or otherwise rescued (Act of 19 July 2019 on ensuring accessibility for persons with specific needs).ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised, inter alia, by difficulties in initiating and maintaining social relationships, communication, and by restricted, repetitive and inflexible patterns of behaviour and interests.ASSISTANCE DOG
‘An appropriately trained and specially marked dog, in particular a guide dog for a blind or partially sighted person and an assistant dog for a person with a motor disability, which facilitates the active participation of a disabled person in society’ (Source: Act of 27 August 1997 on the professional and social rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities).AT
Assistive Technologies - a wide range of technological solutions (including computer software and dedicated devices) designed for persons with specific needs and aimed at increasing their independence. Examples of assistive technologies are screen readers and magnification software to enable blind persons to use a computer.AUDIO DESCRIPTION
A verbal description of the visual layer created to meet the needs of persons with sight disabilities. Audio description is used, among others, in feature films, theatre performances, museums and art galleries, sporting event, and video recordings of conferences. It includes the description of information relevant from the point of view of the audience, e.g. during the audio description of an event the following are described: elements of interior design, course of the event, significant gestures or behaviour. Audio descriptions should be objective, concise and free of interpretation of the content described.BLACK PRINT
In the context of persons with sight disabilities, the term black print is used to refer to all publications and flat prints, as opposed to relief print (e.g. in Braille).BRAILLE
An alphabet that enables persons with sight disabilities to write and read texts. The system is based on what is known as ‘six dots’, i.e. letters marked by a combination of six convex dots, arranged in two columns, three in each.COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION ACCESSIBILITY
Refers to the provision to the public of all information about the tasks that a specific entity performs. Information should be provided in an accessible manner, i.e.: in the form of a recording in Polish Sign Language, an easy-to-read and understand text (ETR) and a file readable by audio-visual software. Communication and information accessibility is also the possibility to contact a given entity in a way that is convenient for a person with specific needs, e.g.: by e-mail, text message or sign language interpreter.CONTRAST
A parameter defining the ratio of brightness between the light and dark elements of an image, object and space (e.g. the difference in brightness between the text and the background on which it is placed). The higher the contrast, the easier it is to distinguish textual or visual information in the foreground from the background. Too low a contrast may make it difficult for persons with sight disabilities to perceive content.DEAF
The word ‘Deaf’ (capitalised) refers to a person who identifies with the Deaf cultural and linguistic minority. The determinant of belonging is not a medical issue (i.e. the level of hearing loss), but a utilitarian issue - i.e. the use of a distinct language, in Poland this is Polish Sign Language (PJM). For Deaf persons, PJM is their first language. In addition to language, Deaf people have their own history, their own system of meanings, values and norms, which as a group makes them similar to other minorities such as, for example, Lemkos, Kashubians or Silesians.DEAF PERSON
A person who cannot hear. A term broader term than Deaf, it also includes people who do not identify with the Deaf cultural minority.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING/EVENT LOCATION
A detailed verbal presentation of relevant information about a space created for its users, based on precision and concrete data. The description helps orient the user in the location of important places in the building, the access routes to them, the accessibility solutions used or possible barriers.DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY
The set of features of a website that enable it to be used by as many users as possible. Importantly, proper application of the necessary accessibility guidelines helps not only persons with disabilities, but all users of a site.DISABLED LAVATORY
A hygiene and sanitary room that meets the standards set for physical accessibility. Wash basins, mirrors, toilet bowls, flush toilets should be placed at a suitable height, while handrails installed in a way that facilitates independent use of sanitary facilities by persons with disabilities. The area of the room must be such as to provide manoeuvring space for a person in a wheelchair. (Sources: A. Sobolewska, B. Wilk Ensuring and Financing Accessibility. A Practical Guide for the Public Sector, Warsaw 2021; K. Kowalski, Włącznik - projektowanie bez barier, Warsaw 2008).ENLARGED-PRINT TEXT
Text material prepared for printing in such a way that the black-print font and line spacing are clearly enlarged. An enlarged font is considered to be min. 16 points and line spacing min. 1.5 lines. Other formatting rules also apply to the preparation of enlarged-print text, e.g. alignment of text to the left, column-free text layout, sans-serif font.ETR
Easy to Read and understand text - information that is formulated and made available in a way that makes it easy to find, read and understand, usually in the form of text enhanced with graphics (e.g. pictograms, photos, simple drawings). The ETR is being developed for persons with intellectual disabilities, but it is also proving to be helpful for those on the autism spectrum and with dyslexia, the elderly, people with dementia, deaf persons, foreigners, etc.FM SYSTEM
A radio-based, wireless device that is used to transmit a speech signal over a distance. An FM system consists of a transmitter and one or more receivers that transmit the signal to a hearing aid.INCLUSION
The process of eliminating or minimising the various types of barriers, including mental ones, and social inequalities that make it difficult or impossible for persons from disadvantaged groups to participate fully in society. Inclusion aims to combat and prevent exclusion.INDUCTION LOOP
A device that aids hearing and communication for persons with hearing disabilities. Using an electromagnetic field, it transmits and amplifies the sound signal for hearing aids or implants. The induction loop significantly improves hearing comfort and sound quality.LORM ALPHABET
A form of tactile communication used in deaf-blind communication, it is based on a system of dots, lines and tactile marks placed on the hand. The inner or outer part of both the right and left hand can be used to communicate and convey information.MANOEUVRING SPACE
The space needed to perform various activities. A term most often used in the context of wheelchair users.NEURODIVERSITY
The notion that in addition to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc. people are different in terms of their mental setup. It is an important element of social diversity. The diversity of human minds can be expressed in different ways of perceiving and receiving reality, feeling, thinking and behaving. In the light of this concept, it is important to accept diversity in terms of the functioning of the nervous system and to oppose treating it as a mental illness or disorder requiring treatment. Neurodiversity includes, but is not limited to, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome and others. The concept of neurodiversity focuses on enhancing the potential and strengths of the individuals concerned, i.e. qualities such as creativity, attention to detail and spatial imagination, for example.The graphic symbol of neurodiversity is the rainbow infinity symbol.
PERSON WITH DISABILITIES
As defined by the UN Convention (Article 1), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
PERSON WITH SPECIFIC NEEDS
‘A person who, because of his/her external or internal characteristics or because of the circumstances in which he/she finds himself/herself, needs to take additional measures or apply additional resources to overcome a barrier in order to participate in various spheres of life on an equal footing with others.’ (Source: Act of 19 July 2019 on ensuring accessibility for persons with specific needs).PICTOGRAM
A simple and legible graphic sign representing a word or concept to facilitate communication and rapid exchange of information. Replacing words, sentences, messages or instructions with graphic elements increases the readability and clarity of the message and removes the language barrier. Pictograms are a universal communication aid for persons with speech disorders or communication difficulties, including foreigners.PRE-GUIDE
A collection of key information designed to enable people to prepare for attending an event or visiting a place, it is usually made available e.g. as a brochure on the venue/event website or distributed by email to participants. Pre-guides are mainly prepared with persons on the autism spectrum in mind, but can also be successfully used by others.PSL (PJM)
Polish Sign Language, a natural visual-spatial language of communication for Deaf persons in Poland. It is a full-fledged language that is equivalent to phonic languages. Created by Deaf people, it has its own grammar, which differs from spoken Polish.SANS-SERIF FONT
A font, typeface, that is devoid of ornamentation in the form of serifs. It is more legible and reader-friendly (e.g. Arial, Verdana, Calibri, Helvetica).SCREEN READER
A computer program that converts information displayed on a computer screen into a form other than visual, most often as voice messages, but it is also possible, among other things, to display information in electronic Braille. Screen readers are an example of assistive technology used by persons with sight disabilities. They have a number of features that enable fast and efficient navigation when using a computer or application.SIGN LANGUAGE SYSTEM
SLS - a communication system developed by hearing people to facilitate communication with deaf persons. It uses the signs of sign language and the grammatical structures of the Polish language. It is not the natural language of Deaf persons.SIMPLE LANGUAGE
A way of writing, such as official letters, in a way that is clear and understandable to the recipient.SOCIAL EXCLUSION
One form of social marginalisation that denotes a situation in which individuals or groups are restricted or completely prevented from participating in various areas of social life. Social exclusion can affect, for example, persons with disabilities, the elderly or foreigners.SOCIAL MODEL OF DISABILITY
A modern approach to disability, assuming that disability arises as a result of the interaction of a person with certain characteristics related to health difficulties with a maladaptive physical, social and cultural environment and is not the same as a medical injury or any deviation from the norm.SPEECH SYNTHESISER
A computer programme that translates text into automatic speech.SPEECH TO TEXT
Technology based on the conversion of speech to text, i.e. real-time transcription via applications available on smartphones or computers.TACTILE GRAPHICS
Otherwise known as typhlographics, a type of graphic design created with persons with sight disabilities in mind. It consists in presenting visual content in a convex form, which makes it possible to get acquainted with it using the sense of touch. Various materials are used to create tactile graphics. These can include, for example, convex graphics made with an embosser on swell paper, dot prints made using a Braille printer, as well as various types of renderings embossed in plastic or sheet metal.TACTILE MAP
Also known as a typhlo-plan or a convex map - a board reflecting the layout of rooms and passageways in a building, sometimes including a description. Tactile maps are designed for persons with sight disabilities, enabling them to get to know a building through their sense of touch and also to find their way around it. Tactile maps, designed in a universal way, also have an informative function for sighted users of the building.UNIVERSAL DESIGN
As defined in Article 2 of the 'Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities', universal design should be understood as the design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design.Universal design is sometimes also referred to as inclusive design and is regarded as an approach to promote equal access for all to goods, services, places or information and to take into account the needs of persons with specific needs, including those with disabilities, in the design process.