More Accessible Hobby Approach
Good accessibility promotes opportunities for everyone to engage, participate and experience.
Diversity and accessibility are not a matter of choice.
International human rights conventions and legislation require organizers of leisure activities to remove barriers to participation and promote equality.
The More Accessible Hobby- approach aims to promote accessibility as widely and diversely as possible.
It is based on human rights conventions and legislation, cross-sectoral co-development and proven good practices.
The More Accessible Hobby Approach includes:
- 18 Recommendations for More Accessible Hobbies to guide activities towards accessibility
- Traffic Light Tool for Accessible Hobbies to assess the current state of accessibility
- More Accessible Hobby- Online Training and Information Cards (only in Finnish), which provide practical guidance and tips on how to improve accessibility; and
- More Accessible Hobby Label, which can be used as a communication tool.
Recommendations for more accessible hobbies
More accessible hobby recommendations promote the inclusivity in leisure activities.
The process of enhancing accessibility begins with understanding diversity and actively considering it in all activities.
Every leisure activity organiser should take steps to improve accessibility, fostering equal opportunities for all.
General principles
1. We promote accessibility in our activities and facilities to ensure that everyone’s right to participate is fulfilled.
2. We are committed to serving everyone equally and sensitively responding to the accessibility needs of our participants.
3. We aim to provide every participant with the opportunity to succeed in our activities, feeling safe and accepted as they are.
4. We do not tolerate bullying, discrimination or harassment.
5. We respect diversity and provide our target groups with opportunities to contribute and participate in the development and content of our activities.
Policies to promote accessibility
6. As an organiser of leisure activities, we ensure we have sufficient information about our participants’ accessibility needs.
7. We tailor our pedagogical approaches and learning objectives to accommodate the different needs of our participants.
8. We organise activities in a way that allows participation for individuals with developing language skills and diverse linguistic backgrounds.
9. We aim for diversity in our staff.
10. Our activities are also open to participation without entrance exams or skill-level requirements.
11. In our planning, we aim to consider transportation-related issues to improve access to our services.
Accessibility of the activity environment
12. We operate in accessible spaces. If our facilities are not yet fully accessible, we actively work toward modifying them to improve accessibility.
Accessible communication
13. Our communication is clear and easy to understand both verbally and visually.
14. Our online services are accessible.
15. We target our communication to reach groups that are underrepresented in our leisure activities.
16. We provide information about the accessibility of our facilities and services.
Economic accessibility
17. We offer affordable activities and free trial periods of our activities (for those whose financial situation may be a barrier to participation).
18. The participation of assistants is always free of charge. A family member or close associate can also join the activity at no cost to provide assistance or support.
The More Accessible Hobby Label
Organisations that commit to the recommendations for more accessible hobbies may also use the More Accessible Hobby label to promote their activities. This label facilitates communication between activity organisers, participants, and their supporters, helping more people to discover and engage in hobbies.
The Recommendations for More Accessible Hobbies and the More Accessible Hobby label aim to ensure that everyone can enjoy and benefit from leisure activities!
Traffic Light Tool for Accessible Hobbies
Improving the accessibility of services and activities is a long-term commitment. Accessibility means considering the diverse needs of different people and promoting equality in the design and delivery of services. This work requires ongoing commitment, skills development and practical solutions to remove barriers.
The recommendations for more accessible hobbies emphasise that organisers and providers of leisure activities should regularly evaluate their activities, identify areas for improvement and take planned steps to improve them.
The Traffic Light Tool can help recognize both successes and areas needing improvement, supporting the advancement of accessibility. With regular use, the The Traffic Light Tool for Accessible Hobbies provides valuable information not only for staff but also as a resource for accessibility communication.