Accessible Aalto
Aalto University strives towards being an accessible, safe and healthy university where research, teaching and services are accessible for all.
Diversity and accessibility are the guiding principles of equality at Aalto University. This article provides an overview of the background and policy principles related to the Accessible Aalto. In addition, other additional details and resources are included as links on this page.
Accessibility refers to convenience of use and access to education, research and related support services regardless of the diverse qualities of individuals. The accessible operating environment of Aalto is enabling and inclusive as our operations reflect the interactions, learning, research and work of all members of the Aalto community. Through its work on accessibility, Aalto University creates high-quality, barrier-free and efficient services and related support systems for research, education and academic management (Aalto University strategy).
The enabling environment of the Accessible Aalto will be executed with the following principles:
The terms accessibility and barrier-free design are commonly used interchangeably. However, they differ to some extent:
All the services in the metropolitan area within your reach in English, Swedish and Finnish.
All the services in the metropolitan area within your reach. Search for services, units or addresses, including Aalto University premises at Otaniemi
The university's campus is in Otaniemi, home of the lively community that supports innovations. The goal of the campus development is to mix valuable history and new ways of planning.
AYY has paid more attention to the accessibility and reachability of rental facilities. Some of the facilities are nearly accessible, and we also now provide more information on accessible facilities in advance.
Barrier-free environment takes into account the diversity of people in designing and implementation (in Finnish).
Accessibility and diversity checklist for exhibitions in English. Translated in cooperation with The Finnish National Committee of ICOM.
At Aalto University, all students can focus on their studies with the highest degree of equality possible. For individual reasons, students can receive an extension to an examination period or use aids in their studies, for example. Such individual solutions are agreed upon, during a confidential meeting, with the school’s student affairs planning officer or course teacher. Advice on accessibility matters can also be requested from the university’s accessibility specialist, study psychologist, or tutor.
Accessibility and accessibility of studies are laid down in Section 24 of the Aalto University General Regulations on Teaching and Studying:
Further provisions on the accessibility of studies shall be given by the Aalto University Academic Affairs Committee.
The university curricula are designed and implemented in accordance with the university strategy, and various academic guidelines, rules and regulations.
Study guide for all Aalto University students
Support for Studying
Do you want to study in the Nordics in Finland? At Aalto University science and art meet technology and business. We believe in the power of curiosity and encourage our students to explore the unknown as well as to learn and do things in a whole new way.
Aalto University organises several admissions. On this page you can find instructions for applying to Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral programmes.
Aalto University has six schools with nearly 12 000 students and 4 200 employees, including 400 professors. Get to know our experts in research, art, technology and business.
Aalto University is committed to promoting diversity, equality and non-discrimination in all its activities.
We aim to be a diverse and inclusive community where all students, faculty, staff and stakeholders feel a sense of belonging and can fulfill their professional, educational and social aspirations fully.
Each Aalto student has a right to reasonable individual study arrangements due to an impairment restricting his/her ability to study or other health condition.
There's no place for racism in the scientific community says the management of Aalto University in its statement. As a university, Aalto is working hard to develop an open and diverse community.
The Aalto University Code of Conduct is one way of putting our values and way of working — the foundation of our community culture — into practice
Learn how to promote accessibility of Aalto University digital environment
Digital accessibility guidance for Aalto web sites, e-services, mobile applications and documents to implement the national Act on the Provision of Digital Services (306/2019).
You can find up-to-date news, contact information, chat and instructions of frequently used IT services at IT-help hub: accounts, passwords, email, MFA, vpn, printing, teams, zoom, VDI and guidelines how to procure workstations and phones.
Web accessibility enables everyone to perceive, understand, navigate and interact with our web content and services regardless of individual differences. Making Aalto websites and apps more accessible results in an overall better user experience for everyone, not only for users with disabilities. Virtual learning (E-learning) accessibility involves both the content and the platform to be accessible, in order to be effective in the long run.
Practical promotion of the accessibility requirements is quite simple:
Thus, it is quite easy to follow accessibility requirements in daily work. Learn to use built-in styles in your Word of PowerPoint documents. This simple change in personal writing makes a big difference if somebody needs to use assistive technology while reading or listening your content.
Diversity and accessibility are the guiding principles of equality at Aalto University. Accessibility of teaching and other academic activities, campus, and services both physically and digitally support the Aalto community in making sure that everyone has the opportunity to access the university’s knowledge, ideas, and resources.
Aalto University’s Accessibility coordination group is formed to improve coordination across domains.
Accessible Aalto Network (AccANet) is for collaboration and knowledge building to improve our main processes and quality at Aalto University. AccANet members are volunteers who have agreed with their directors to promote accessibility in schools and units. Network members serve as human nodes for different kinds of accessibility issues met in our daily activities. In addition, AccaNet updates the tri-annual Aalto University Accessibility Implementation Plan with the help of their peers.
Recognising and removing barriers is an on-going process requiring everyone’s input.
Aalto University strives towards being an accessible, safe and healthy university where research, teaching and services are accessible for all.