Accessibility of communications

This plan covers the materials and websites produced by strategic communications as well as support for content produced by others. We want everyone who comes in contact with HAMK to have access to the content we produce.

Accessibility goals and criteria for HAMK communications

Accessibility is taken into account in all planning and implementation of strategic communication activities at HAMK. For example, websites, presentation templates, advertisements, social media updates, brochures, and publications are always aimed to be implemented accessibly (WCAG 2.1, level AA). Attention is also paid to content accessibility so that the content we produce is easy to read, in good and accessible language. We support the entire organization in producing accessible communication solutions and content with guidelines, training, and personal guidance.

Accessibility is taken into account in all strategic communication procurements and tendering processes. Accessibility expertise and criteria are also taken into account in other tenders where partners are sought for the production of communication solutions and content.

A key part of the responsibility for strategic communication accessibility is HAMK’s website, where we always aim to ensure digital accessibility. We continuously improve the user experience and apply appropriate accessibility standards. HAMK’s new website was launched in January 2024, and a comprehensive accessibility audit was conducted by our web partner Evermade in June 2024. Together with Evermade, we continuously work on development and monitoring of accessibility on our website.

On our website, we provide information about accessibility and guide users to contact strategic communication if they notice any accessibility issues on the website.

We work towards accessibility in collaboration with other actors at HAMK. We offer support to different units and project communication: for example, accessible website templates, support in writing guidelines and producing communication content, support for property services in creating signage. Accessibility is taken into account in the development of both external websites and the intranet operating on the SharePoint platform.

Criteria:

• Our communications are on multiple channels and accessible with various assistive devices.
• The channels and means of communication meet accessibility requirements.
• Staff has clear communications guidelines that take accessibility into account (e.g. visual guidelines, website update instructions).
• Guidelines and training are used to maintain accessibility competence among strategic communications staff and everyone else at HAMK.
• Online content is easily usable, visually accessible and linguistically clear and understandable.
• Communication is primarily available in both Finnish and English in terms of content.

Responsibilities

The overall accessibility of strategic communication is the responsibility of the development manager. The webmaster and marketing manager act as accessibility experts in communication. They regularly monitor the implementation of accessibility and update the accessibility plan annually.

In terms of websites, technical accessibility is monitored and developed by the webmaster. The owners of the content sections of the website are responsible for monitoring and developing content accessibility.

The goal is that every member of the strategic communication team understands and internalizes the basics of accessibility so that they can implement accessibility in their own work and guide other staff at a basic level. The achievement of the goal is ensured through internal training, which is organized regularly.

Objectives for 2025

In 2025, we will focus on supporting personnel in adopting new tools and developing as producers of accessible content.

Individual development areas for the year 2025 are:

• Updating the English vocabulary of HAMK and creating guidelines for the use of English language – completing and implementing the project on the website and other communication channels.
• Improving the navigability and discoverability of websites
• Evaluation of the necessity of reader interaction on websites and possible implementation based on the evaluation.
• Starting the project to clarify student communication and evaluating the tools and practices currently in use.

Goals achieved in 2024

HAMK implemented brand and website renovations in 2023. The new website was launched in January 2024. The brand guidelines created in the brand renovation guide HAMK employees in producing accessible materials and content.

English-language communication content has been added especially to the website during the website renewal. In addition, the English Language at HAMK project has been launched, with the aim of updating HAMK’s vocabulary and creating guidelines for the use of the English language.

Individual development areas for the year 2024 were:

• The introduction of new communication platforms and systems in the Teams channel to support more accessible information flow among staff in spring 2024.
  • The Teams channel is in active use.
• Web accessibility audit in the summer of 2024 by our web provider Evermade.
  • The website was audited by our web provider in June 2024. In addition, the Regional State Administrative Agency (AVI) conducted its own audit on the hamk.fi website in August 2024. It was found that the accessibility goals set during the website redesign were achieved at a good level. Minor deficiencies found in both audits were corrected in August-September 2024. The Accessibility Statement has been updated to reflect these actions.
• Example texts for training managers and lecturers to support the production of more accessible text in the descriptions of the trainings available in Pepi.
  • Instructions and examples created together with the trainings and put into use.
• Updating the English vocabulary of HAMK and creating guidelines for the use of the English language.
  • The project has started and will continue until 2025.

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