People responsible for accessibility in public institutions in the Lodz Voivodeship, including employees of the University of Lodz Support and Accessibility Centre, were invited to participate in the event.
Bartosz Stępień – Head of the University of Lodz Support and Accessibility Centre:
It was a very interesting and valuable event. What is especially important, it was run entirely by a visually impaired person. I have been dealing with accessibility for many years. The experience I have gained during this time has shown me that the only way to create an environment for everyone (or almost everyone) is through the joint action of people with different characteristics, needs and ways of functioning. Learning the perspectives of other people is essential in this process. Walking blindfolded and with a white cane completely changes the perception of what is needed in the environment to be able to move safely. Receiving the world through hearing and touch allows us to better understand how we should prepare materials for blind and visually impaired people. Thanks to such workshops, you can actually understand what accessibility at universities is.
Support for students
The University of Lodz successfully educates people with various disabilities and dysfunctions. Currently, there are 433 people with a disability certificate studying in our academic community, including 7 people in doctoral studies. The Support and Accessibility Centre of the University of Lodz (formerly the Academic Support Centre) provides them with various types of assistance, including psychological support, educational support, Polish Sign Language interpreter, equipment support and a teaching assistant. It should be mentioned that assistance is available not only to people with this type of certificate. The type of support depends on individual needs and possibilities, covering mainly teaching activity, but also general academic life. Special programmes are also conducted in the field of mental health hygiene. You can read more about it on the website of the University of Lodz Support and Accessibility Centre.
Scientific projects and initiatives
The Institute of History of Art at the University of Lodz has been working intensively to support people with special needs in accessing art and culture since 2013. In recent years, two significant projects have been implemented: "Sztuka łódzka na tle sztuki europejskiej. Wykluczeni/Włączeni" [The art of Lodz against the background of European art. Excluded/Included] and "Przyjazne miasto. Wsparcie samodzielności osób z dysfunkcją wzroku w zakresie korzystania z sieci połączeń komunikacji miejskiej w Łodzi” [Friendly city. Supporting the independence of people with visual impairments in using public transport network in Lodz]. Both projects were co-financed by the European Union and the National Centre for Research and Development. In addition, a number of smaller initiatives have been carried out to promote accessibility in the arts. The activities of the team led by dr hab. Aneta Pawłowska – Head of the Institute of History of Art at the Faculty of Philosophy and History of the University of Lodz are multi-directional. They include research, projects supporting disadvantaged environments and teaching. There are university-wide classes during which you can learn how to create audio descriptions and cooperate with people with special needs.
Towards Accessibility – social responsibility of the University
The needs of the academic community in terms of accessibility go beyond traditionally understood and visible disabilities. The university faces challenges related to preparing to work with people on the autism spectrum, with Asperger syndrome, ADHD, learning disabilities and emotional, social and mental health crises. We can already see an increase in the number of students struggling with such challenges. Employees also need support. Accessibility for people with special needs is a continuous process that requires commitment from both the university and our entire community. Thanks to growing awareness and taking specific actions, the University of Lodz can become a place without barriers, open and friendly.
Read more:
- Towards Accessibility and Support – Issue of Challenges and Opportunities on Polish Science Day
- Pioneering Defense of Doctoral Dissertation in Sign Language at the University of Lodz
- Scientists from the University of Lodz Honoured in the "Popularyzator Nauki" Competition!
Source and edit: Agata Dawidowicz, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz
Photos: Dominik Nogala, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz